This Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli comes together in about 30 minutes and is a one-pot marvel for a quick weeknight meal that your family will love! Switch up the veggies or the protein to suit your taste or use it as a “clean out the fridge” meal to get rid of those odds and ends you’ve been saving. It’s the cooking hack you didn’t know you needed!
Ingredient Breakdown
- 1 lb Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts
- 12 oz Bowtie (Farfalle) Pasta
- 2 cups Broccoli Florets
- 1 tsp Cajun Seasoning
- 1/2 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1/2 tsp Smoked Paprika
- Salt and Black Pepper
- 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)
Let’s Get Cooking!
Now, onto the fun part, making this glorious Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli!
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
First things first, you’ll want to chop your chicken into bite-sized pieces. Season it with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Measure out your pasta, broccoli, and other ingredients, so everything is ready to go when you need it!
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the bowtie pasta according to the package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes. Add the broccoli florets to the pasta during the last 2-3 minutes of cooking. You’ll want to drain the pasta and broccoli, but don’t skip on reserving ½ cup of that pasta water!
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
While the pasta is boiling, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and sauté for 6-8 minutes until it’s cooked through and golden brown. You’ll know it’s done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Yum!
Step 4: Make the Sauce
Once the chicken is done, reduce the heat to medium, and add 6 tablespoons of unsalted butter to the skillet. Once it’s melted, add the garlic powder, smoked paprika, and a couple pinches of salt and pepper. Stir to combine and scrape the yummy bits off the bottom of the pan. That’s where the flavor is!
Next, stir in the Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and zest, and bring the mixture to a simmer. It should smell incredible by now, right? Add in the reserved pasta water and half of the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until everything is well combined. If the sauce feels too thick, just add a splash more pasta water.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Now, it’s time to bring it all together! Toss in the cooked bowtie pasta and broccoli into the skillet with the chicken and sauce. Stir everything together until well-coated and loaded with flavor. You’ll want to take a moment to appreciate how vibrant and inviting this meal looks.
Step 6: Garnish & Serve
Finally, you can plate the dishes and sprinkle the remaining Parmesan, fresh parsley, and chives on top. Seriously, it’s like a work of art!
Why I Love This Recipe
This is my go-to recipe when I need something comforting and satisfying! It’s a family favorite for sure. My kids absolutely devour it, and even my picky eater, who might turn her nose up at broccoli, asks for seconds! I’m a real sucker for that creamy butter sauce, and honestly? it’s a cinch to whip up! The best part is, you can use whatever you’ve got on hand and make it your own!
Serving and Storage Tips
Serving Suggestions
This Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli is delicious on its own, but if you’re looking to turn it into a feast, serve it alongside a fresh green salad or some garlic bread. Honestly, they’re perfect companions!
Storage
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Just be sure to cool it down first, nobody likes a soggy meal!
Reheating Instructions
To reheat, simply warm it up in the microwave, or heat it on the stovetop over low heat. You may want to add a splash of water or additional butter to bring back the creamy sauce texture.
Freezer Friendly
Yes! You can freeze the leftovers for up to 3 months. To reheat from frozen, just let it thaw in the fridge overnight and then warm it up as mentioned above.
Why This Recipe Works
Quick & Easy
This Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken comes together in under 30 minutes which is perfect for a busy weeknight!
One Pot Wonder
Everything is cooked in just one pot, which means minimal cleanup for you, who doesn’t love that?
Customizable
This dish is so versatile; you can switch up the vegetables or pasta used based on what you have in your fridge!
Comfort Food
It’s loaded with tons of flavor and brings all the warm and comforting feels that make dinner time the best time.
Family Friendly
Your whole family will love this meal! It’s not too spicy and can be adjusted to suit everyone’s tastes.
If you loved this recipe, be sure to check out my Cabbage Rolls, my Turkish Vegan Bulgur Salad, or my Best 21 Turkish Recipes!
And remember, food is all about bringing people together, now go and savor that Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli. Happy cooking! Follow us on Pinterest for daily meal inspiration!
Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli
Ingredients
Method
- Chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces and season with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Measure out the pasta, broccoli, and other ingredients.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the bowtie pasta according to package instructions (about 8-10 minutes) and add broccoli florets during the last 2-3 minutes of cooking. Drain pasta and broccoli, reserving ½ cup of pasta water.
- In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and sauté for 6-8 minutes until cooked through and golden brown.
- Reduce heat to medium and add 6 tablespoons of unsalted butter to the skillet. Once melted, add garlic powder, smoked paprika, and a couple pinches of salt and pepper. Stir to combine.
- Stir in Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and zest. Bring mixture to a simmer and add reserved pasta water and half of the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until well combined.
- Toss the cooked bowtie pasta and broccoli into the skillet with the chicken and sauce, stirring until well-coated.
- Plate each dish and sprinkle remaining Parmesan, fresh parsley, and chives on top.