Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli

Warm, bright, and deeply satisfying, this Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli brings together tender chicken, al dente bowtie pasta, crisp-tender broccoli, and a silky lemon-butter Parmesan sauce. The first bite delivers a savory, slightly smoky Cajun seasoning balanced by fresh lemon brightness and the nutty richness of Parmesan. Textures contrast nicely: tender chicken bites, toothsome pasta, and a pop from the broccoli florets. Aromas of melted butter, garlic notes from the seasoning blend, and lemon zest make the kitchen feel cozy and lively at once. This dish is ideal for weeknight dinners when you want something quick but special, for casual entertaining, or as a make-ahead meal to enjoy reheated. It also pairs well with a simple green salad and crusty bread for mopping up the sauce. If you enjoy variations on buttered pasta dinners, try this riff inspired by similar cowboy butter pastas for more ideas Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta.

Ingredients

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  Tender chicken breast pieces cook quickly and soak up the seasoning and sauce.
• 12 oz bowtie (farfalle) pasta
  Bowtie shapes hold the sauce well and provide a pleasant bite.
• 2 cups broccoli florets
  Small florets steam quickly and add color, texture, and nutrition.
• 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
  Adds a smoky, slightly spicy backbone to the chicken.
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  Provides warm, savory garlic flavor without fresh cloves.
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  Contributes depth and a mild smoky note to the seasoning mix.
• Salt to taste
  Enhances and balances all the flavors.
• Black pepper to taste
  Freshly ground is best for bright peppery notes.
• 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  Use if you want extra heat and a touch of heat contrast.
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  Adds a subtle tang and helps emulsify the butter sauce.
• Juice and zest of 1 lemon
  Lemon brightens the sauce and cuts through the richness.
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  Fresh parsley adds green freshness and color at the end.
• 1 tbsp fresh chives, chopped
  Mild oniony flavor that complements the lemon and parsley.
• 2 tbsp olive oil
  For searing the chicken and building flavor.
• 6 tbsp unsalted butter
  Forms the rich base of the sauce and gives a silky mouthfeel.
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  Melts into the sauce for umami and creaminess.
• 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
  Starchy water thins and binds the sauce without diluting flavor.

For a creamy family favorite with similar components, see this comforting take on rotisserie chicken and broccoli pasta Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta.

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the 12 oz bowtie pasta according to package directions until al dente. Before draining, reserve 1/2 cup of the starchy pasta water, then drain the pasta. Tip: Reserve the water in a heatproof measuring cup so it is ready when you make the sauce.
2. While the pasta cooks, cut 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and prepare the lemon, parsley, and chives by zesting and juicing the lemon and chopping the herbs.
3. Steam or briefly blanch the 2 cups broccoli florets in the boiling pasta water for 2 minutes, then drain. Tip: Blanching in the pasta water saves a pot and gives the broccoli more flavor from the salted water.
4. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat 2 tbsp olive oil. Add the chicken pieces and season with 1 tsp Cajun seasoning, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, salt to taste, black pepper to taste, and 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes if using. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden and cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and keep warm. For a similar searing technique on mixed proteins, you can read about different skillet approaches in this bowtie pasta recipe Garlic Butter Beef Cheesy Bowtie Pasta.
5. Lower the heat to medium and melt 6 tbsp unsalted butter in the same skillet. Stir in 1 tsp Dijon mustard and the juice and zest of 1 lemon. Whisk in 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese until smooth. Add the reserved 1/2 cup pasta water as needed to reach your desired sauce consistency, whisking to combine. Tip: Add the pasta water slowly to avoid thinning the sauce too much.
6. Add the drained pasta and the drained broccoli to the skillet, tossing gently to coat each piece with the sauce. Return the cooked chicken to the pan, mix thoroughly, and heat through for 1 to 2 minutes.
7. Stir in 2 tbsp fresh parsley and 1 tbsp fresh chives. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan on the side if desired.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Calories: Approximately 650 kcal per serving

For another weeknight crowd-pleaser that balances sweet and savory notes, try this honey pepper chicken idea for inspiration Honey Pepper Chicken Sweet and Spicy.

Tips, Storage & Variations

• Tips
  • Cut chicken into similar sized pieces so it cooks evenly.
  • Keep the reserved pasta water warm so it blends easily into the butter sauce.
  • If the sauce seems too thin, add a little more Parmesan to thicken it.
• Storage
  • Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water to revive the sauce.
• Freezing
  • This dish can be frozen, but texture is best if you freeze only the cooked chicken and pasta without the fresh herbs. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently, then add fresh parsley and chives after reheating.
• Flavor variations using only ingredients in this recipe
  • Make it spicier by increasing the Cajun seasoning and the crushed red pepper flakes.
  • Make it brighter by adding a little extra lemon zest.
  • Make it richer by stirring in a little more Parmesan and reducing added pasta water.

For an alternative slow cooker comfort dish that uses buttery flavors and hearty proteins, see this idea for slow cooked beef and potatoes Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef with Potatoes.

FAQ

1. Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
   Yes, frozen broccoli works. Thaw slightly and steam briefly to avoid overcooking.
2. How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?
   Cut chicken into uniform pieces and cook over medium-high heat until just done, then remove from the pan while you make the sauce.
3. Can I use another pasta shape instead of bowtie?
   Yes, any short pasta will work, but cook time may vary slightly.
4. How do I make the sauce creamier without cream?
   Use more grated Parmesan and add reserved pasta water slowly to emulsify into a silky texture.
5. Is this dish freezer friendly?
   It is best to freeze components separately. Freeze cooked chicken and pasta without fresh herbs for best texture.

People Also Ask

1. How long does bowtie pasta take to cook?
   Most bowtie pasta cooks to al dente in 10 to 12 minutes. Check the package for exact timing.
2. What is cowboy butter?
   Cowboy butter is a savory compound butter that often includes garlic, herbs, and spices used to flavor proteins and sauces.
3. Can I prep this recipe ahead of time?
   You can chop the chicken and herbs ahead and store them refrigerated for up to a day to speed up cooking.
4. What can I serve with lemon butter chicken pasta?
   A simple green salad or roasted vegetables pair well and balance the rich sauce.
5. Do I need to use unsalted butter?
   Unsalted butter gives you control over salt levels; if you use salted butter, reduce added salt to taste.
6. How do I reheat leftovers without drying them out?
   Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.
7. Will the lemon flavor overpower the dish?
   The lemon juice and zest should brighten the sauce without overpowering when used as directed.
8. Can I use thighs instead of breasts?
   Yes, boneless skinless thighs can be used; adjust cook time until they are tender and cooked through.

Conclusion

I hope you enjoy making this Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli for a bright, comforting dinner that comes together quickly. For a closely related take on this dish, you might compare techniques with the original Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli recipe on Umami to see another version of the flavors and method Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli – Umami | Recipe. If you like Ina Garten style lemon chicken with bow ties and broccoli, her approach offers helpful tips for balancing lemon and butter in pasta dishes Lemon Chicken with Broccoli & Bow Ties Recipe | Ina Garten. Try the recipe, make it your own, and please share how it turns out for your family and friends. Enjoy a cozy, flavorful meal.