Description
Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli is a creamy, zesty pasta dinner made with juicy chicken, tender broccoli, and a rich lemon butter sauce—perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
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1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
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1 tsp Cajun seasoning
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1/2 tsp garlic powder
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1/2 tsp smoked paprika
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Salt and black pepper, to taste
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2 tbsp olive oil
For the Cowboy Butter Lemon Sauce
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6 tbsp unsalted butter
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
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1 tsp Dijon mustard
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Zest and juice of 1 lemon
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2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
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1 tbsp fresh chives, chopped
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Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Pasta & Veggies
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12 oz bowtie (farfalle) pasta
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2 cups broccoli florets
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1/2 cup reserved pasta water
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1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
Instructions
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Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook bowtie pasta according to package directions until al dente.
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Add broccoli florets during the last 3 minutes of cooking. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
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Season chicken with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
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Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken until golden and cooked through, about 6–7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
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Lower heat to medium and add butter to the skillet. Once melted, add garlic and cook until fragrant.
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Stir in red pepper flakes, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Season with salt and pepper.
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Return chicken, pasta, and broccoli to the skillet. Toss to coat. Add reserved pasta water as needed.
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Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
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Serve warm with extra Parmesan and fresh herbs.
Notes
Adjust red pepper flakes to control heat.
Pasta water helps create a silky sauce—add slowly.
Leftovers reheat best with a splash of water or broth.
Swap broccoli for asparagus or spinach if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 620 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 48 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Cholesterol: 135 mg