Print

Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

A quick and comforting one-pan meal featuring chicken, lemon, and a silky butter-Parmesan sauce with pasta and broccoli.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 12 oz bowtie (farfalle) pasta
  • 2 cups broccoli florets
  • 1 tsp Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • Salt to taste
  • Black pepper to taste
  • 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • Juice and zest of 1 lemon
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
  • 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)

Instructions

  1. Prepare: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil for the pasta. Toss the chicken with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Zest and juice the lemon and set aside.
  2. Cook the pasta: Add the farfalle to boiling water and cook until al dente according to package instructions. In the last 3 minutes of the pasta cook time, add the broccoli to the pot to blanch it. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain pasta and broccoli together.
  3. Cook the chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken in a single layer. Let it sear undisturbed for 2 to 3 minutes, then stir and cook until cooked through and golden, about 4 to 6 minutes total. Transfer the chicken to a plate.
  4. Make the sauce: Reduce heat to medium. Melt 6 tablespoons of butter in the same skillet and scrape up any browned bits. Stir in Dijon mustard, lemon zest, lemon juice, crushed red pepper flakes if using, and chopped chives and parsley. Let the sauce simmer gently for 1 minute.
  5. Combine: Return the chicken to the pan, add the drained pasta and broccoli, and toss to coat. Add Parmesan and begin adding reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time until you reach a silky sauce that clings to the pasta. Taste and adjust salt and pepper.
  6. Finish and serve: Sprinkle extra Parmesan and chopped parsley on top before serving. Serve hot.

Notes

Use gluten-free farfalle for gluten-free option. For dairy-free, swap butter for a plant-based spread and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://www.simplefamilydishes.com/cowboy-butter-lemon-bowtie-chicken/