Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli

This one-pan pasta is built for busy nights: fast, flavorful, and ready in about half an hour. Bite-sized chicken cooks quickly and gets a punch from Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika. Butter, lemon, Dijon, and herbs make a bright, silky sauce that clings to bowtie pasta and broccoli. If you want a sweet bite after dinner, try this simple caramel pretzel bark to finish the meal.

Why This Recipe Works

This dish balances speed with real flavor: pasta and broccoli cook together to save time, while small chicken pieces brown fast for a golden finish. The cowboy butter—lots of butter plus garlic, lemon, and Dijon—creates an instant, clingy sauce that makes every forkful satisfying. Using a reserved cup of pasta water loosens the sauce and helps it coat pasta without becoming greasy. Fresh herbs at the end lift the whole plate so it never feels heavy. Swap dried herbs if you’re in a pinch, or make extra sauce for more coating. For another quick bakery-style comfort option to serve alongside, see this sprinkle buttermilk bread idea.

Flavor and Texture

The Cajun seasoning gives the chicken a gentle kick while smoked paprika adds a warm, smoky scent. Lemon juice and zest cut through the richness of butter and Parmesan for a bright finish. Broccoli gives crunch and a fresh pop of green, contrasting the tender pasta and chicken. Garlic and Dijon build savory depth so you get complexity without dozens of ingredients. Finish with extra Parmesan and a squeeze of lemon for a restaurant-style touch at home.

Ingredients

• 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
• 6 tbsp unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 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
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 12 oz bowtie (farfalle) pasta
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for topping)

Step by Step Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add bowtie pasta and cook until al dente.
3. In the last 3 minutes, add broccoli florets.
4. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
5. In a bowl, season chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
6. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
7. Cook chicken for 6–7 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden and cooked through.
8. Remove and set aside.
9. In the same skillet over medium heat, melt butter.
10. Add garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
11. Stir in red pepper flakes, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and zest.
12. Mix in parsley and chives, seasoning with salt and pepper.
13. Add pasta, broccoli, and chicken back to the skillet.
14. Toss to coat in the sauce, adding reserved pasta water as needed.
15. Stir in Parmesan cheese until creamy and well combined.
16. Serve warm with extra Parmesan, fresh parsley, and a squeeze of lemon juice.

Quick Tips and Shortcuts

Prep the chicken and zest the lemon ahead to speed assembly; keep them in separate containers in the fridge. Use pre-cut broccoli florets to shave minutes off chopping. If you only have shredded Parmesan, toss it in off-heat so it melts without clumping. Swap bowtie for penne or rotini if that’s what’s on hand. To cut steps further, cook chicken in two batches if your skillet is crowded so it browns instead of steaming.

Storage and Meal Prep

Cool leftovers quickly and store in an airtight container for up to three days in the refrigerator. Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of water or reserved pasta water to revive the sauce. For meal prep, pack pasta and chicken together with a lemon wedge and top with fresh herbs right before serving. This dish freezes less well due to the creaminess, so prefer fresh or refrigerated storage.

Short Closing Note

This Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken is fast, forgiving, and made for weeknights when you want bold flavor without fuss. Keep staples like Dijon and Parmesan on hand and you’ll have a go-to dinner in under an hour.

Conclusion

If you want a variation or inspiration for buttery chicken pasta, check out this related recipe for Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine – I Am Homesteader for another take on the same bright, buttery sauce.

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