Description
Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli is a bright, comforting main dish featuring Cajun-seasoned chicken, bowtie pasta, and crisp broccoli tossed in a rich, zesty cowboy butter lemon sauce.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz bowtie pasta
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1½ tsp Cajun seasoning
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- For the Cowboy Butter Lemon Sauce:
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- ½ tsp dried parsley
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ tsp salt
Instructions
- Cook bowtie pasta according to package directions until al dente. Add broccoli during the last 2 minutes of cooking. Drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and season with Cajun seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, and black pepper.
- Cook chicken for 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in lemon zest, lemon juice, parsley, thyme, red pepper flakes (if using), and salt.
- Add cooked pasta and broccoli to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce.
- Return chicken to the skillet and gently toss everything together. Cook for 2–3 minutes until warmed through. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Optional: add grated Parmesan for extra richness.
- Taste and adjust salt and Cajun seasoning to your preference.
- Leftovers keep well in the fridge for 3–4 days.
- Substitute broccoli with other veggies like asparagus or cherry tomatoes if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (1/4 of recipe)
Keywords: Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken, bowtie pasta, broccoli, Cajun chicken, lemon butter sauce, weeknight dinner, pasta with chicken, garlic butter lemon sauce