Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken | Creamy, Zesty & Flavor-Packed
A zesty and buttery bowtie pasta dish with tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and a creamy lemon Parmesan sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners with bold flavor!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish, Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 6 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Juice and zest of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped
- 2 cup broccoli florets
- 12 ounce bowtie (farfalle) pasta
- ½ cup reserved pasta water
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for topping)
Instructions
- Cook bowtie pasta according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.
- Season chicken with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook chicken until golden and fully cooked, then remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter. Add garlic and red pepper flakes; cook for 30 seconds.
- Stir in Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and zest.
- Add broccoli and cook 3–4 minutes until tender-crisp.
- Return chicken to the pan along with cooked pasta.
- Add reserved pasta water and Parmesan cheese. Toss until creamy and well combined.
- Finish with fresh parsley and chives. Serve warm with extra Parmesan on top.
Notes
- Adjust red pepper flakes for desired spiciness.
- Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce creaminess.
- Extra Parmesan on top adds a rich finishing touch.