Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli

Warm, bright, and comforting, this Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli brings together savory Cajun-spiced chicken, silky butter sauce, bright lemon, and tender bowtie pasta for a weeknight dinner that feels a little special. The chicken is crisped in olive oil, then tossed with a rich lemon-butter and Parmesan sauce that clings to each farfalle nook. Fresh parsley and chives add herbal brightness, while a touch of Dijon and smoked paprika deepen the savory profile. Aromas of browned chicken, lemon zest, and melted butter fill the kitchen as it cooks. This dish is ideal for family dinners, casual entertaining, or any evening you want a comforting pasta with a citrus lift. If you enjoy lemon-forward chicken, you might also like this classic chicken piccata with lemon and capers for another simple, bright option.

Ingredients

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
Tender protein cut into small pieces for quick, even cooking.
12 oz bowtie (farfalle) pasta
Farfalle holds sauce well in its grooves and pinched center.
2 cups broccoli florets
Adds color, texture, and a mild, slightly sweet bite.
1 tsp Cajun seasoning (Adjust according to spice preference)
Brings smoky, slightly spicy flavor; increase or decrease to taste.
1/2 tsp garlic powder
A simple garlic boost without needing fresh cloves.
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
Adds mild smokiness and color.
Salt to taste Salt to taste
Seasoning for balance; listed twice in the original ingredient set.
Black pepper to taste Black pepper to taste
Freshly ground is best; listed twice in the ingredient list.
1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
For extra heat when you want it.
1 tsp Dijon mustard
Gives a subtle tang and helps emulsify the sauce.
Juice and zest of 1 lemon
Brightens the whole dish with acid and aromatic oils.
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Fresh herb for color and a clean, green finish.
1 tbsp fresh chives, chopped
Mild onion note and delicate flavor.
2 tbsp olive oil (For cooking chicken)
For searing chicken and building flavor.
6 tbsp unsalted butter (For the sauce)
Forms the rich, silky base of the cowboy butter sauce.
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (Plus extra for topping)
Salty, nutty binder that adds depth and creaminess.
1/2 cup reserved pasta water (To adjust sauce consistency)
Starchy water to loosen and help the sauce cling to pasta.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparation

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the 12 oz bowtie pasta according to package directions until al dente, usually 8 to 11 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water and drain the pasta. Tip: Reserve the water before draining so you can adjust the sauce texture later.
While the pasta cooks, cut 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Zest and juice 1 lemon, chop 2 tbsp fresh parsley and 1 tbsp fresh chives, and measure out the other ingredients.
Steam or briefly blanch 2 cups broccoli florets in the boiling pasta water for 2 minutes, then drain and set aside to keep them tender-crisp.

Recipe Details

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: Approximately 760 kcal per serving

For similar timing in lemony chicken recipes check this lemon and capers chicken piccata recipe.

Tips, Storage & Variations

Tips

Let the chicken brown well before stirring to build flavor and texture.
Use reserved pasta water a little at a time to avoid a too-thin sauce.
Zest the lemon before juicing to ensure you capture the aromatic oils.

Storage

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of water to loosen the sauce.
Freezing: You can freeze portions for up to 2 months, though texture may change slightly. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Variations using existing ingredients only

More lemon: Add extra lemon zest for brighter citrus notes.
Spicier: Increase the Cajun seasoning and the crushed red pepper flakes for a kick.
Less rich: Use 1 to 2 fewer tablespoons of butter and rely more on the Parmesan and reserved pasta water to create a lighter sauce.
Herb-forward: Increase the parsley and chives for a fresher finish inspired by the garlic butter bowtie-style approach.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different pasta shape?
Yes. Any short pasta that holds sauce will work, just adjust cooking time as needed.
How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?
Chicken pieces are done when they register 165 degrees F internally or are no longer pink in the center.
Can I make this milder for kids?
Reduce or omit the Cajun seasoning and crushed red pepper flakes to lower the heat.
How do I keep the broccoli from getting soggy?
Blanch or steam the broccoli briefly and add it to the skillet toward the end to keep it tender-crisp.
Is it okay to use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, but reduce added salt to taste since salted butter will increase overall saltiness.

Conclusion

I hope you enjoy this Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli as a bright, comforting weeknight meal that still feels special enough for guests. If you try it, share how you adjusted the heat or lemon to suit your taste. For another take on cowboy butter flavors see this helpful Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli recipe on Umami, and for inspiration from a classic lemon chicken with broccoli and bow ties, check out Ina Garten’s Lemon Chicken with Broccoli & Bow Ties. Enjoy this cozy, flavorful dish and happy cooking.