Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli
This Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli combines tender chicken, farfalle, broccoli, Parmesan, herbs, and a buttery lemon Dijon sauce. It works well as a cozy pasta dinner with practical leftovers for lunch.
Equipment
- Large Pot
- Large skillet
- Colander
- Microplane or zester
- Tongs or pasta spoon
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces
- 12 oz bowtie pasta farfalle
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 tsp Cajun seasoning adjust to spice preference
- 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
- 1 lemon zested and juiced
- 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
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the bowtie pasta until almost tender.
- Add broccoli during the last 2 minutes of pasta cooking, then reserve 1/2 cup pasta water and drain.
- Season the chicken with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet and cook the chicken until golden and cooked through.
- Transfer the chicken to a plate, lower the heat, and melt the butter in the same skillet.
- Stir Dijon mustard, lemon juice, lemon zest, parsley, and chives into the melted butter.
- Return the chicken, pasta, and broccoli to the skillet and toss gently to coat.
- Add Parmesan and reserved pasta water a splash at a time until the sauce turns glossy.
- Taste, adjust salt and pepper, and serve warm with extra Parmesan on top.
Notes
Storage: Store cooled pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of water, broth, or milk to loosen the sauce.
Freezing: Freeze portions for up to 2 months, but expect the pasta and broccoli to soften after thawing.
Best Tips: Reserve pasta water before draining and add it slowly so the butter, Parmesan, and lemon sauce stays glossy.
Variations: Swap in chicken thighs, asparagus, peas, spinach, or penne depending on what you have.
Serving Ideas: Serve with garlic bread, a green salad, or roasted vegetables for a fuller family dinner.