Name: Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
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; 1 lemon (zest and juice); 2 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped); 1 tbsp fresh chives (chopped); 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)

Description

A flavorful dish combining tender chicken, bowtie pasta, and vibrant broccoli in a zesty butter sauce.

Ingredients

Scale

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
1 lemon (zest and juice)
2 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped)
1 tbsp fresh chives (chopped)
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)

Instructions

Boil the pasta and broccoli: Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook until al dente. In the last 3 minutes, add the broccoli florets. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
Prepare the chicken: Season the chicken with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken until golden brown and fully cooked (about 6-8 minutes total). Transfer to a plate.
Make the sauce: Lower heat, melt butter in the same skillet, and sauté garlic until fragrant.
Add the flavor: Stir in red pepper flakes, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and zest. Add parsley and chives, then season to taste.
Combine everything: Return chicken, pasta, and broccoli to the skillet. Toss to coat, adding reserved pasta water if needed.
Finish with cheese: Stir in Parmesan cheese until creamy. Serve warm.

Notes

For a vegetarian option, use chickpeas or sautéed mushrooms instead of chicken.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Sautéing
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 550
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 600mg
Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 60g
Fiber: 5g
Protein: 30g
Cholesterol: 90mg

Keywords: chicken, pasta, lemon, quick dinner, family meal