This Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli is a bright, comforting weeknight pasta that balances rich, savory butter sauce with a lively hit of lemon. Tender bite-sized chicken, lightly spiced with Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika, pairs with al dente bowtie pasta and crisp-tender broccoli for a satisfying texture contrast. The sauce is silky from butter and Parmesan, with Dijon and lemon juice adding tang and depth, while parsley and chives bring a fresh herbal finish. Aromas of browned chicken, melted butter, and citrus will fill your kitchen and make the meal feel special without a lot of fuss. This dish is ideal for busy families, easy dinner parties, or any night you want a restaurant-style pasta on the table in about 30 minutes. If you prefer a slow-simmered lemon chicken, try the slow-cooker lemon herb chicken with fluffy rice for another easy citrus chicken option.

Ingredients

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces, for quick, lean protein that cooks fast.
• 12 oz bowtie (farfalle) pasta, provides a fun shape that holds sauce and bits of broccoli.
• 2 cups broccoli florets, adds color, crunch, and a fresh, slightly sweet flavor.
• 1 tsp Cajun seasoning, gives a warm, savory kick and Southern flair.
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder, for mellow garlic aroma without fresh garlic.
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, adds smoky depth and rich color.
• Salt to taste, enhances all flavors.
• Black pepper to taste, for bright, peppery notes.
• 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional), for a touch of heat if you like it spicy.
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard, helps emulsify the sauce and adds a tangy backbone.
• Juice and zest of 1 lemon, provides bright acidity and fresh citrus oil from the zest.
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped, for a clean, herbaceous finish.
• 1 tbsp fresh chives, chopped, offers mild oniony flavor and color.
• 2 tbsp olive oil, used to brown the chicken for savory crust.
• 6 tbsp unsalted butter, creates the rich cowboy butter sauce.
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, melts into the sauce for savory umami; if you like creamy Parmesan dishes, this is similar to other favorites like a baked caesar chicken with a creamy Parmesan pasta.
• 1/2 cup reserved pasta water, used to adjust sauce consistency and help it cling to pasta.

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente, about 8 to 11 minutes. Before draining, reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta. Tip: reserve the water right away so it is ready when you make the sauce.
2. While the pasta cooks, prepare the chicken by cutting it into bite-sized pieces. Zest and juice the lemon, and chop the parsley and chives so they are ready to add at the end.
3. Steam or blanch the broccoli in the boiling pasta water for about 2 minutes, then drain. This uses the same hot water so the broccoli cooks quickly and retains bright color.
4. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the olive oil. When the oil is hot, add the chicken and season with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Cook the chicken until it is golden and no longer pink in the center, about 4 to 6 minutes total. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate to keep warm. Tip: do not overcrowd the pan, cook in a single layer so the chicken browns well.
5. In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the butter. Once the butter has melted, whisk in the Dijon mustard, lemon juice and zest, and the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth. Adjust the sauce with the reserved pasta water until you reach the desired consistency. Tip: add the reserved water a little at a time to avoid a thin sauce.
6. Add the drained pasta and broccoli to the skillet, tossing gently to coat everything in the lemon butter sauce. Return the chicken to the pan along with any juices on the plate, and stir in the chopped parsley and chives. If the sauce needs loosening, add more reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan on top. For more ideas using bowtie pasta, you might enjoy a hearty beef stroganoff with bowtie pasta that uses similar pasta cooking tips and timings beef stroganoff with bowtie pasta.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 10 minutes.
• Cook Time: 20 minutes.
• Total Time: 30 minutes.
• Servings: 4.
• Calories: approximately 780 per serving.

For a similar creamy Parmesan dinner that uses comparable techniques, see this baked caesar chicken with a creamy Parmesan pasta.

Tips, Storage & Variations

• Tips
  • Pat the chicken dry before seasoning to ensure a good sear and deeper flavor.
  • Reserve the pasta water before draining so you can adjust sauce thickness easily.
  • Taste for salt after adding Parmesan, because the cheese can add significant saltiness.
• Storage
  • Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water to loosen the sauce.
  • Do not freeze the assembled pasta, as the texture of the broccoli and sauce changes when frozen and thawed.
• Freezing
  • If you want to freeze components, freeze the cooked chicken separately in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Flavor variations using only the provided ingredients
  • Extra lemon punch: add more lemon zest and a touch more juice for brighter acidity.
  • Spicy cowboy: increase the crushed red pepper flakes for more heat.
  • Herb-forward: double the parsley and chives for a fresher herb finish.
  • Richer sauce: stir in an extra tablespoon of butter and a splash more reserved pasta water for a silkier mouthfeel.
  • For additional bowtie meal ideas, check this beef stroganoff inspiration that pairs well with similar pasta techniques beef stroganoff with bowtie pasta.

FAQ

1. Can I use frozen broccoli for this recipe?
   Yes, use frozen broccoli florets but blanch them briefly and drain well to avoid excess water in the sauce.
2. How can I tell when the chicken is fully cooked?
   Chicken pieces should be golden on the outside and no longer pink in the center, about 4 to 6 minutes depending on size.
3. Do I have to use Parmesan?
   Parmesan adds savory depth and helps thicken the sauce, but you can reduce it slightly if you prefer a less salty sauce.
4. Can I make this dairy free?
   This recipe is designed with butter and Parmesan, so it is not dairy free without ingredient substitutions.
5. What is the purpose of the reserved pasta water?
   Reserved pasta water contains starch that helps loosen the sauce and allows it to coat the pasta smoothly.
6. Is Dijon mustard necessary?
   Dijon helps emulsify the sauce and adds a subtle tang; skipping it will change the flavor and texture slightly.

People Also Ask

1. How do I prevent the sauce from separating?
   Whisk the sauce gently over medium heat and add reserved pasta water gradually to maintain a smooth emulsion.
2. Can I use other pasta shapes with this sauce?
   Yes, any short pasta that holds sauce will work, but cooking times may vary slightly.
3. What is the best way to reheat without drying the chicken?
   Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of water over low heat to keep the chicken moist.
4. Should I add salt to the pasta water?
   Yes, salting the pasta water seasons the pasta from the inside for better overall flavor.
5. Can I use skin-on chicken instead?
   This recipe calls for boneless, skinless chicken breasts for even cooking and bite-sized pieces.
6. How do I make the sauce creamier without cream?
   Use the Parmesan and butter, and emulsify with reserved pasta water to create a creamy texture without heavy cream.
7. Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?
   Yes, double ingredients and use a larger pot and skillet to keep cooking times similar.
8. Is it okay to cook broccoli longer for softer texture?
   Yes, blanch or steam longer for softer broccoli, but it will lose some color and crunch.

Conclusion

I hope this Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli becomes a regular weeknight favorite in your kitchen. For the original inspiration and a slightly different take, see Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli – Umami | Recipe. If you enjoy lemon chicken with broccoli and pasta, Ina Garten’s classic version is a lovely reference for technique and flavor balance at Lemon Chicken with Broccoli & Bow Ties Recipe | Ina Garten. Give the recipe a try, share photos, and let me know how you customized it for your family.