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Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken

Creamy Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken made with Cajun chicken, broccoli, Parmesan, and buttery lemon garlic sauce.
Easy one-skillet comfort food ready in 35 minutes.
Perfect for busy weeknight dinners and meal prep.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Course Dinner
Cuisine American

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken

  • 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 tbsp olive oil

For the Cowboy Butter Lemon Sauce

  • 6 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
  • 1 tbsp fresh chives chopped
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Pasta & Veggies

  • 12 oz bowtie pasta
  • 2 cups broccoli florets
  • 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Extra Parmesan cheese for serving

Instructions
 

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the bowtie pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
  • Add the broccoli florets during the last 3 minutes of cooking. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and broccoli.
  • Season the chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 6–7 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
  • Reduce heat to medium and add butter to the same skillet. Once melted, stir in minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
  • Add crushed red pepper flakes, Dijon mustard, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Stir well and season lightly with salt and pepper.
  • Return the chicken to the skillet along with the cooked pasta and broccoli. Toss everything together until evenly coated in the cowboy butter lemon sauce.
  • Add reserved pasta water a little at a time until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.
  • Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
  • Serve Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken warm with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs on top.

Notes

  • Swap broccoli with asparagus, spinach, or green beans.
  • Bowtie pasta can be replaced with penne, rotini, or fettuccine.
  • Add shrimp instead of chicken for a seafood twist.
  • Serve with garlic bread or a crisp green salad.