Dinner

Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli Recipe

ByLily Cross January 9, 2026January 9, 2026

Introduction

This Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli is a flavorful and comforting one-pan meal that combines tender chicken, al dente pasta, and fresh broccoli. Coated in a zesty lemon butter sauce with Cajun spices, it’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that doesn’t compromise on taste.

The image shows a close-up of a white plate filled with a creamy bowtie pasta dish layered with pieces of cooked chicken, small green broccoli florets, and bits of crispy bacon scattered evenly across the top. The creamy sauce covers the pasta and chicken, having a smooth and slightly shiny texture, with melted cheese visible in patches. The colors are warm and inviting, with the golden-brown chicken contrasting with the green broccoli and bits of reddish-brown bacon. The plate rests on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
12 oz bowtie (farfalle) pasta
2 cups broccoli florets
1 tsp Cajun seasoning (adjust according to spice preference)
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
Salt to taste
Black pepper to taste
1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
1 tsp Dijon mustard
Juice and zest of 1 lemon
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
1 tbsp fresh chives, chopped
2 tbsp olive oil (for cooking chicken)
6 tbsp unsalted butter (for the sauce)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for topping)
1/2 cup reserved pasta water (to adjust sauce consistency)

Instructions

Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook until al dente. In the last 3 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets to the pot. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta and broccoli. Set aside.
Step 2: In a bowl, season the chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to coat evenly.
Step 3: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 6-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is golden and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 4: In the same skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Step 5: Stir in crushed red pepper flakes (if using), Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Add the chopped parsley and chives, then season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
Step 6: Return the cooked pasta, broccoli, and chicken to the skillet. Toss everything well to coat in the lemon butter sauce. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time if the sauce needs loosening.
Step 7: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is creamy and everything is well combined.
Step 8: Serve warm topped with extra Parmesan, fresh parsley, and a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.

Tips & Variations

For a milder dish, reduce or omit the Cajun seasoning and crushed red pepper flakes.
Swap the broccoli for asparagus or green beans for a different vegetable option.
Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and smooth melting.
If you prefer, substitute chicken thighs for juicier meat.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce as needed. Avoid microwaving directly to prevent drying out the chicken and pasta.

How to Serve

A white plate holds a layered pasta dish featuring bowtie pasta covered with creamy beige sauce. On top, there are small pieces of chicken that are light golden brown, and scattered bright green broccoli florets add color contrast. The dish is sprinkled with finely chopped herbs and small bits of nuts or seeds, giving a textured look. The sauce looks smooth and thick, coating the pasta and chicken evenly. The overall image is sharp and the lighting highlights the creamy texture and fresh green tones, set against a white marbled texture background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta?

Yes, this recipe works well with most short pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or rigatoni. Just adjust the cooking time to the package instructions.

Is this dish spicy?

The Cajun seasoning and crushed red pepper flakes add a mild to moderate heat, but you can easily adjust these to suit your spice tolerance by reducing or omitting them.