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Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli

Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli Delight

This Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli is a delightful recipe featuring a zesty cowboy butter sauce, perfect for busy weeknight dinners.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Southern
Calories: 540

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 1 pound Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts Feel free to swap with chicken thighs for extra juiciness.
  • 2 tablespoons Cajun Seasoning Mix your own with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, and cayenne!
For the Sauce
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil Can also use vegetable oil or butter.
  • 4 tablespoons Unsalted Butter Reducing to 4 tablespoons offers a lighter option.
  • 2 cloves Garlic, Minced Key flavor component.
  • 1 teaspoon Crushed Red Pepper Flakes Optional heat; omit for a milder experience.
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon Mustard Essential for balancing the sauce.
  • 1 whole Lemon (Juice and Zest) Vital brightness; substitutes won't achieve the same flavor profile.
For the Pasta and Veggies
  • 8 ounces Bowtie (Farfalle) Pasta Main carbohydrate element.
  • 2 cups Broccoli Florets Can substitute with asparagus or green beans.
For Finishing Touches
  • 2 tablespoons Fresh Parsley & Chives Perfect for garnish.
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese Fresh is preferred.
  • 1 cup Reserved Pasta Water For sauce consistency.

Equipment

  • large pot
  • skillet
  • measuring cups
  • measuring spoons
  • Cutting Board
  • Knife

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. In the last 3 minutes, stir in the broccoli florets. Reserve about a cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta and broccoli.
  2. Season the chicken with Cajun seasoning on both sides. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Sauté the chicken for about 6-7 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from skillet and let it rest.
  3. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add unsalted butter. Once melted, add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds. Stir in crushed red pepper flakes, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and lemon zest, mixing well.
  4. Add the drained bowtie pasta and broccoli back into the skillet, along with the cooked chicken. Toss together in the cowboy butter sauce, adding reserved pasta water gradually to reach desired creaminess. Stir in freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted.
  5. Serve on plates, topped with additional Parmesan cheese, parsley, and chives. Squeeze a little fresh lemon juice over the top before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 540kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 42gFat: 24gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 120mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 600IUVitamin C: 80mgCalcium: 250mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Cut chicken into uniform pieces for even cooking. Reserve pasta water for sauce consistency. Cook broccoli until tender-crisp for best results. Sauté garlic carefully to avoid bitterness. Adjust Cajun seasoning to taste. Fresh herbs enhance flavor.

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