Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli

• servings: 4
• active time: 25
• total time: 40

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 & black pepper, to taste

2 tbsp olive oil

For the Cowboy Butter Lemon Sauce:

6 tbsp unsalted butter

4 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, adjust to taste)

1 tsp Dijon mustard

Juice and zest of 1 lemon

2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

1 tbsp fresh chives, chopped

Salt & black pepper, to taste

For the Pasta & Veggies:

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)

Directions

1. Cook the Pasta & Broccoli

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook bowtie pasta until al dente, adding broccoli florets during the last 3 minutes of cooking. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.

2. Cook the Chicken

In a bowl, season chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken for 6–7 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.

3. Make the Cowboy Butter Lemon Sauce

In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Melt butter, then add garlic and sauté until fragrant (1–2 minutes). Stir in red pepper flakes, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Add parsley and chives, seasoning with salt and black pepper.

4. Combine Everything

Add cooked bowtie pasta, broccoli, and chicken back into the skillet. Toss to coat in the sauce, adding reserved pasta water as needed to loosen. Stir in Parmesan cheese until creamy and well combined.

5. Serve

Plate the pasta and top with extra Parmesan, fresh parsley, and a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.

Notes

A fresh and comforting pasta skillet where golden Cajun-seasoned chicken and tender broccoli are tossed with bowtie pasta in a garlicky cowboy butter lemon sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner with bold, tangy flavor!

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4