Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli
A delightful dish combining flavorful lemon, creamy butter sauce, tender chicken, and crunchy broccoli, perfect for a quick weeknight meal.
Ingredients
For the chicken
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
For the sauce
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 Juice and zest of 1 lemon
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh chives, chopped
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the pasta and vegetables
- 12 oz bowtie (farfalle) pasta
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for topping)
Instructions
Preparation
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook until al dente. In the last 3 minutes of cooking, toss in the broccoli florets. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta and broccoli and set them aside.
- In a bowl, season the chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Cooking
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 6–7 minutes, turning occasionally until golden and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in the red pepper flakes (if using), Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Mix in the parsley and chives, seasoning with salt and black pepper.
Combining
- Add the cooked pasta, broccoli, and chicken back to the skillet. Toss everything in the sauce, adding reserved pasta water as needed for creaminess.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until everything is well combined and creamy.
Serving
- Serve warm, topped with extra Parmesan cheese, fresh parsley, and a squeeze of lemon juice for an extra zing.
Notes
Make sure not to overcook the pasta, as it will continue to cook a bit when mixed with the hot sauce. Adjust the level of Cajun seasoning for more or less spice according to your taste. Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the best flavor.