Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli
A delightful fusion of zesty flavors and comforting ingredients, this dish features chicken, bowtie pasta, and broccoli, all coated in a luscious buttery sauce.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tbsp olive oil For cooking chicken
- 1 tsp Cajun seasoning Adjust according to spice preference
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes Optional for an extra kick
For the Pasta and Sauce
- 12 oz bowtie (farfalle) pasta
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter For the sauce
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 zest of 1 lemon
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese Plus extra for topping
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water To adjust sauce consistency
For Garnish
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh chives, chopped
Instructions
Preparation
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook the bowtie pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
Cooking Chicken
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat olive oil.
- Season chicken with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes.
- Cook chicken until golden and cooked through.
Making the Sauce
- Lower the heat, add butter, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and zest to the skillet.
- Stir until melted and combined.
- Add pasta, broccoli, and Parmesan cheese, tossing to coat.
- Adjust with reserved pasta water as needed.
Notes
Serve the dish in a wide, shallow bowl and finish with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan and fresh herbs. Pair with a simple side salad or garlic bread.