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This Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli is like a weeknight dinner jackpot. Tender chicken and farfalle pasta are tossed with a buttery Cajun-lemon sauce and just enough parmesan to turn every bite into a craveable mouthful. I created this after craving something bold and bright to break up boring chicken nights and now it stars in our meal rotation from winter through spring.
The first time I made this with my kids it went silent at the dinner table which never happens. They now beg for “cowboy pasta night” on Mondays and I happily oblige because it is so easy to put together.
Ingredients
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: cut into bite-sized pieces choose fresh and plump for the juiciest results
- Bowtie farfalle pasta: pick a good quality Italian brand for best texture
- Broccoli florets: select vibrant green tightly bunched florets
- Cajun seasoning: adjust to your spice preference for depth and warmth
- Garlic powder: to provide a subtle background savoriness
- Smoked paprika: for a hint of smokiness opt for Spanish style if available
- Salt: choose fine sea salt for seasoning throughout
- Black pepper: freshly ground is ideal for zesty kick
- Crushed red pepper flakes: optional for a gentle heat
- Dijon mustard: gives a tangy punch and helps emulsify the sauce
- Juice and zest of one lemon: use a fresh lemon for aroma and brightness
- Fresh parsley: chopped for a pop of herbal freshness
- Fresh chives: chopped their mild onion flavor brings dimension
- Olive oil: for cooking chicken go for extra virgin if possible
- Unsalted butter: the star for the cowboy butter choose high-quality for richness
- Grated Parmesan cheese: the salty nutty finish use good parmesan from the block
- Reserved pasta water: helps achieve a glossy creamy sauce
Instructions
- Prepare Pasta and Broccoli:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add the bowtie pasta Cook the pasta until it is just al dente The last three minutes before draining drop in the broccoli florets so they cook through but stay bright green and crisp Reserve half a cup of pasta water then drain and set aside everything
- Season and Cook Chicken:
- In a mixing bowl coat the chicken pieces thoroughly with Cajun seasoning garlic powder smoked paprika salt and black pepper Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high Once shimmering add the seasoned chicken Spread out the pieces so each one browns evenly Cook for six to seven minutes turning occasionally until cooked through and deeply golden Remove chicken and set aside
- Make Cowboy Butter Lemon Sauce:
- Lower the heat to medium and use the same skillet for maximum flavor Melt the butter then add minced garlic letting it sauté gently for one to two minutes until fragrant but not browned Sprinkle in red pepper flakes then stir in Dijon mustard lemon juice and the zest This creates the bold and tangy backbone of the sauce Stir in chopped parsley and chives and taste for salt and pepper
- Combine and Bring Together:
- Return the cooked chicken broccoli and pasta to the skillet with the sauce Toss or stir everything so each piece is glossy and coated Add small splashes of reserved pasta water as needed to create a luscious sauce that clings Stir in the Parmesan cheese and mix until melted and creamy
- Finish and Serve:
- Serve the pasta hot with extra Parmesan a scatter of parsley and an extra squeeze of lemon Serve family style or plate up individually and enjoy the aroma
My absolute favorite part is zesting the lemon straight into the buttery skillet The aroma feels like a promise of good things ahead My husband always insists on extra parmesan at the table and now it is a running tradition in our house to see who sprinkles the most
Storage Tips
Let leftovers cool completely before storing in an airtight container in the fridge This pasta reheats well for up to three days To reheat add a splash of water or milk and warm gently on the stove until creamy again
Ingredient Substitutions
You can swap chicken with rotisserie or even cooked shrimp for a super quick version For extra vegetables toss in some peas or baby spinach For a dairy free version use a plant based butter and skip the cheese or use nutritional yeast
Serving Suggestions
This dish is a meal on its own but it goes beautifully with a crisp green salad or garlic bread If you love spice add a dash more Cajun seasoning at the table
Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken is the lively dinner that keeps family and friends coming back for more. Make this once and you will want it on repeat year round.
Recipe FAQs
- → How can I make the chicken extra juicy?
Start with boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces and avoid overcooking; sauté just until golden and cooked through for maximum juiciness.
- → Can I substitute the pasta?
Yes, swap bowtie pasta with penne, rotini, or any short shape that holds the buttery sauce well.
- → How spicy is this dish?
The spice level depends on the amount of Cajun seasoning and red pepper flakes; adjust to taste for mild or extra heat.
- → What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of reserved pasta water or extra butter to restore creaminess and prevent drying.
- → Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes, frozen broccoli florets work well; add them during the last few minutes of pasta cooking to prevent overcooking.
- → Is there a dairy-free option?
Use a plant-based butter and omit the Parmesan, or substitute with a dairy-free cheese alternative.