Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli: Creamy Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe
This Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli is a creamy garlic butter pasta recipe packed with juicy chicken, tender broccoli, and a rich lemon herb sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish, Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American Fusion
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb chicken breast, 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 red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- 2 tbsp parsley, chopped
- 1 tbsp chives, chopped
- 12 oz bowtie pasta
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese + more for serving
Instructions
- Cook bowtie pasta in salted water until al dente.
- Add broccoli in last 3 minutes, then reserve 1/2 cup pasta water and drain.
- Season chicken with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Heat olive oil and cook chicken until golden and fully cooked. Remove.
- Melt butter in same skillet and sauté garlic until fragrant.
- Stir in red pepper flakes, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and lemon zest.
- Return chicken, pasta, and broccoli to skillet and toss.
- Add pasta water as needed to loosen sauce.
- Stir in Parmesan until creamy.
- Serve warm with extra Parmesan and herbs.
Notes
- Fresh lemon juice gives the best flavor.
- Do not overcook broccoli for best texture.
- Add extra butter for a richer sauce.