Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli

This Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli is a lively weeknight meal that balances bright citrus, savory butter, and a little Cajun heat. Tender bites of chicken are pan-seared until golden, then tossed with al dente bowtie pasta, crisp-tender broccoli, and a glossy lemon-Parmesan butter sauce. Expect a pleasing mix of textures: silky sauce coating the pasta, juicy chicken pieces, and just-snappy broccoli florets. The aroma is citrusy and buttery with a subtle smoky note from smoked paprika, and a gentle background heat if you include crushed red pepper flakes. This dish works beautifully for family dinners, casual entertaining, or when you want comforting food that still feels fresh. If you enjoy riffs on creamy pasta dinners, this recipe pairs well with a simple green salad and crusty bread. For another cowboy butter inspired idea, check out this similar chicken pasta variation I like: Cowboy butter chicken pasta.

Ingredients

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces — tender, lean protein that cooks quickly when cut small.
12 oz bowtie (farfalle) pasta — holds sauce well with its pinched center and ruffled edges.
2 cups broccoli florets — adds color, crunch, and a fresh vegetable balance to the dish.
1 tsp Cajun seasoning — brings smoky, slightly spicy Southern flavor to the chicken.
1/2 tsp garlic powder — concentrates garlic flavor without extra chopping.
1/2 tsp smoked paprika — adds mild smokiness and depth.
Salt to taste — enhances and balances all flavors.
Black pepper to taste — provides subtle heat and complexity.
1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional) — for extra kick if you like heat.
1 tsp Dijon mustard — gives a bright, tangy backbone to the sauce.
Juice and zest of 1 lemon — fresh acidity to cut the richness of butter and cheese.
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped — fresh herb brightness to finish the dish.
1 tbsp fresh chives, chopped — mild onion note and a pretty garnish.
2 tbsp olive oil — for searing the chicken and building flavor.
6 tbsp unsalted butter — creates the rich, glossy cowboy butter sauce.
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese — savory, salty element that thickens and flavors the sauce.
1/2 cup reserved pasta water — starchy water helps emulsify the sauce and loosen consistency as needed.

For another creamy chicken and broccoli pasta idea, see this comforting recipe: Creamy rotisserie chicken broccoli pasta.

Step-by-step Instructions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the bowtie pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta. Tip: Reserve the water before draining so you can loosen the sauce later without watering down flavor.
While the pasta cooks, prepare the chicken, broccoli, herbs, and sauce ingredients. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and zest and juice the lemon so everything is within reach. For a quick prep refresher, you might enjoy this buttery bowtie pasta guide: Garlic butter beef cheesy bowtie pasta.
Steam the broccoli in the boiling pasta water for 2 minutes, then drain and set aside. Tip: A quick steam keeps the broccoli bright green and slightly crisp.
In a skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil. When hot, add chicken, sprinkle with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Cook until golden. Make sure the pan is hot so the chicken browns rather than steams.
Remove chicken and keep warm. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and melt the butter. Scrape up any browned bits from the chicken for extra flavor.
Whisk in Dijon, lemon juice, lemon zest, and Parmesan until smooth, adding reserved pasta water as needed. Stir until the sauce is glossy and emulsified; add the reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time to reach the desired consistency.
Add pasta and broccoli back to the skillet, along with the chicken. Toss everything together, adding parsley and chives before serving. Adjust salt and pepper to taste and serve immediately.

Recipe Details

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: Approximately 720 kcal per serving

For a lemon-forward dessert pairing idea from my collection, see this bright cake recipe: a lemon cake to die for.

Tips, Storage & Variations

Tips: Pat the chicken dry before seasoning to promote better browning. Use reserved pasta water sparingly to loosen the sauce without thinning it too much.
Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water to revive the sauce.
Freezing: This dish does not freeze well once combined because the pasta texture and sauce can break. Instead, freeze cooked chicken separately for up to 2 months and thaw before reheating and combining with freshly cooked pasta and broccoli.
Flavor variations using existing ingredients only: increase the Cajun seasoning for a spicier profile, add extra lemon zest for a brighter citrus hit, stir in more Parmesan for a cheesier sauce, or include the optional crushed red pepper flakes for noticeable heat.

FAQ

How long does the chicken take to cook in bite-sized pieces?

About 6 to 8 minutes over medium-high heat until golden and cooked through.

Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Yes. Thaw and drain excess water first, and steam briefly to remove chill.

What if my sauce is too thick?

Stir in a tablespoon or two of the reserved pasta water until you reach the desired consistency.

Is Dijon mustard necessary?

Dijon adds tang and helps emulsify the sauce, but the dish will still work with a lighter mustard presence if needed.

Can I make this dairy-free?

This specific recipe relies on butter and Parmesan, so omitting them would change the character. The method could be adapted, but that would deviate from the listed ingredients.

Conclusion

I hope you enjoy making this Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli for a bright, comforting meal that comes together quickly. For another version of a cowboy butter chicken pasta, take a look at this detailed recipe: Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli – Umami | Recipe. If you want a different lemon and broccoli pasta inspiration, Ina Garten’s take is a lovely reference: Lemon Chicken with Broccoli & Bow Ties Recipe | Ina Garten. Please try the recipe and share your results and tweaks so others can enjoy it too.

Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli

Print Recipe

A lively weeknight meal that combines bright citrus, savory butter, and a hint of Cajun heat with tender chicken, bowtie pasta, and broccoli in a glossy lemon-Parmesan sauce.

Author: hannah-reed
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American
Diet: None

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
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
1 tbsp fresh chives, chopped
2 tbsp olive oil
6 tbsp unsalted butter
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup reserved pasta water

Instructions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the bowtie pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta.
While the pasta cooks, prepare the chicken, broccoli, herbs, and sauce ingredients.
Steam the broccoli in the boiling pasta water for 2 minutes, then drain and set aside.
Add olive oil to a skillet over medium-high heat. When hot, add the chicken and season with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Cook until golden.
Remove the chicken and keep warm. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and melt the butter.
Whisk in Dijon, lemon juice, lemon zest, and Parmesan until smooth, adding reserved pasta water as needed.
Add the pasta and broccoli back to the skillet, along with the chicken. Toss everything together and serve immediately.