introduction
This simple, bright pasta dish mixes tender chicken, lemony cowboy butter, bowtie pasta, and broccoli. It cooks fast and tastes fresh. If you like easy chicken pasta meals, try a related cheesy garlic butter chicken bowties recipe for another weeknight option.
why make this recipe
- It is quick and easy.
- It uses common ingredients.
- The lemon and butter give bright, rich flavor.
- It makes a full meal with protein and veggies.
how to make Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken Pasta with Broccoli
- Cook the bowtie pasta according to package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
- In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, and paprika. Cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side or until fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the skillet, let it rest, then slice.
- In the same skillet, add the broccoli florets and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until tender.
- Add the butter and allow it to melt. Stir in the garlic powder, lemon juice, lemon zest, Dijon mustard, red pepper flakes, chives, and parsley. Mix well to combine.
- Add the cooked pasta and reserved pasta water to the skillet. Toss everything together until combined. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve topped with sliced chicken and grated Parmesan cheese.
Ingredients :
- 1 lb Chicken breasts, boneless skinless
- 2 cups Broccoli florets
- 1 tbsp Chives, fresh
- 1/2 tsp Garlic powder
- 1 Lemon, Juice and zest of
- 2 tbsp Parsley, fresh
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 Black pepper
- 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
- 1/2 tsp Paprika, smoked
- 1/2 tsp Red pepper flakes
- 1 Salt
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
- 6 tbsp Butter, unsalted
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1/2 cup Reserved pasta water
- 12 oz Bowtie (farfalle) pasta
how to serve Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken Pasta with Broccoli
Serve hot on plates or in a large bowl. Top with extra Parmesan and a squeeze of lemon if you like. Add extra chives or parsley for color. This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or warm crusty bread.
how to store Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken Pasta with Broccoli
Cool to room temperature, then put in an airtight container. Keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove with a splash of water or reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce. You can also reheat in the microwave, stirring halfway.
tips to make Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken Pasta with Broccoli
- Slice the chicken after it rests to keep it juicy.
- Use reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce and help it stick to the pasta.
- Taste and adjust salt and pepper at the end.
- If broccoli cooks too fast, add it back with the sauce to finish.
- For a richer flavor, use freshly grated Parmesan.
You can also read a creamy seafood pasta idea for a different weeknight meal: creamy shrimp alfredo pasta with broccoli.
variation (if any)
- Swap chicken for shrimp or cooked sausage.
- Add more veggies like cherry tomatoes or spinach.
- Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta if needed.
- Make it spicier by adding more red pepper flakes.
FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen broccoli?
A: Yes. Thaw or cook a bit longer so it becomes tender.
Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
A: Yes. Thighs work well and stay moist. Adjust cooking time until they reach safe temperature.
Q: Can I make this ahead for meal prep?
A: Yes. Store in fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of water to keep the sauce smooth.
Q: Can I skip the Cajun seasoning?
A: Yes. Skip or reduce it if you want milder flavor.
Conclusion
If you want a recipe that mixes lemon, butter, and pasta with broccoli and chicken, this dish is a good pick. For another lemon and bowtie pasta idea, see Ina Garten’s lemon chicken with broccoli & bow ties. For a cowboy butter version with different notes, check this Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta recipe from Southern Living.
Print
Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken Pasta with Broccoli
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Poultry
Description
A quick and flavorful pasta dish featuring chicken, bowtie pasta, and broccoli in a zesty lemon cowboy butter sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 lb Chicken breasts, boneless skinless
- 12 oz Bowtie (farfalle) pasta
- 2 cups Broccoli florets
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
- 6 tbsp Butter, unsalted
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tbsp Chives, fresh
- 1/2 tsp Garlic powder
- 1 Lemon, Juice and zest of
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
- 1/2 tsp Paprika, smoked
- 1/2 tsp Red pepper flakes
- 1 Salt
- 1 Black pepper
- 1/2 cup Reserved pasta water
Instructions
- Cook the bowtie pasta according to package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
- In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side until fully cooked. Remove from skillet, let rest, then slice.
- In the same skillet, add the broccoli florets and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until tender.
- Add the butter and allow it to melt, then stir in garlic powder, lemon juice, lemon zest, Dijon mustard, red pepper flakes, chives, and parsley. Mix well.
- Add the cooked pasta and reserved pasta water to the skillet. Toss everything together until combined, adjusting seasoning as needed.
- Serve topped with sliced chicken and grated Parmesan cheese.
Notes
Slice the chicken after it rests to keep it juicy. Use reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: pasta, chicken, broccoli, lemon, cowboy butter, weeknight meal