Go Back
–+ servings
Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli

Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli: Dinner Bliss

Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli is a hearty, quick meal with zesty lemon and savory chicken, perfect for busy weeknights.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 600
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts Can substitute with thighs for a juicier texture.
  • 1 tsp Cajun seasoning Optional for less spice.
  • Salt and black pepper To taste.
For the Sauce
  • 6 tbsp unsalted butter Use salted butter cautiously.
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced Fresh is recommended.
  • 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes Optional.
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard Can use yellow mustard.
  • 1 unit lemon zest and juice Fresh for best flavor.
For the Pasta and Veggies
  • 12 oz bowtie (farfalle) pasta Can replace with penne or rotini.
  • 2 cups broccoli florets Swap for cauliflower or asparagus if desired.
For Finishing Touches
  • 1/2 cup reserved pasta water Key for creamy sauce.
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese Can swap for vegan cheese.
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tbsp fresh chives, chopped

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Skillet
  • meat thermometer

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions for 8-10 minutes, adding broccoli in the last 3 minutes.
  2. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain pasta and broccoli.
  3. Season chicken with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
  4. Heat olive oil in a skillet and sear chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side until golden and cooked through.
  5. Remove chicken and melt butter in the same skillet, scraping up browned bits.
  6. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute, then stir in red pepper flakes, mustard, lemon juice, and zest.
  7. Return cooked chicken, pasta, and broccoli to skillet and toss in the sauce, adding reserved pasta water.
  8. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted. Serve warm, garnishing with additional cheese, parsley, and chives.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 600kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 35gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 120mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 5gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 60mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 2 months.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!