Description

This Lemon Chicken Bowtie Pasta with Cowboy Butter is a vibrant and flavorful dish combining tender Cajun-seasoned chicken, al dente bowtie pasta, and crisp broccoli florets all coated in a zesty lemon butter sauce enriched with garlic, Dijon mustard, and Parmesan cheese. Finished with fresh herbs, it makes a perfect weeknight meal bursting with savory, tangy, and slightly spicy notes.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Seasonings

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 tsp Cajun seasoning
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
Salt and black pepper, to taste
2 tbsp olive oil

Sauce and Pasta

6 tbsp unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
1 tsp Dijon mustard
Zest and juice of 1 lemon
12 oz bowtie (farfalle) pasta
2 cups broccoli florets
1/2 cup reserved pasta water
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving

Finishing Touches

2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
1 tbsp fresh chives, chopped
Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken: In a bowl, combine the bite-sized chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Toss well to evenly coat the chicken.
Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken pieces and cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and lightly browned. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
Cook Pasta and Broccoli: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook bowtie pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Add broccoli florets during the last 3-4 minutes of cooking. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain the pasta and broccoli together.
Make the Lemon Butter Sauce: In the same skillet used for the chicken, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes (if using), sautéing until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Add Flavorings: Stir in Dijon mustard, lemon zest, and lemon juice, stirring to combine.
Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, tossing to coat in the lemon butter sauce. Cook together for 2-3 minutes to meld the flavors.
Add Pasta and Broccoli: Add the drained pasta and broccoli to the skillet with the chicken and sauce. Pour in reserved pasta water and sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top. Toss all ingredients gently until well combined and the cheese is melted, creating a creamy texture.
Finish and Serve: Stir in chopped parsley and chives. Adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper to taste. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan cheese on the side.

Notes

For extra heat, keep the crushed red pepper flakes. Omit if you prefer a milder dish.
Reserve some pasta water as it helps create a creamy sauce when combined with Parmesan cheese.
Use fresh lemon zest and juice for the best citrus flavor.
You can substitute broccoli with other vegetables like asparagus or green beans if preferred.
Ensure the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safety.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Keywords: lemon chicken pasta, bowtie pasta recipe, Cajun chicken, broccoli pasta, easy weeknight dinner, creamy lemon butter sauce