Print

Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

A delightful fusion of rich butter, zesty lemon, and savory spices, this Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken is a perfect choice for any weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • Juice and zest of 1 lemon
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped
  • 2 cups broccoli florets
  • 12 ounces bowtie (farfalle) pasta
  • 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for topping)

Instructions

  1. Cook the bowtie pasta according to the package instructions. In the last 2-3 minutes, add the broccoli florets to the boiling water. Drain both, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta water, and set aside.
  2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the chicken with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook the chicken until golden and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat and add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing until fragrant, around 1 minute. Stir in Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and zest. Let it cook for 1-2 more minutes while seasoning with salt and pepper.
  4. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, then add the cooked pasta and broccoli. Toss everything together, gradually adding reserved pasta water until the sauce evenly coats the pasta.
  5. Finally, fold in the Parmesan cheese along with chopped parsley and chives. Serve hot, and sprinkle some extra Parmesan on top.

Notes

For a creamy version, stir in a touch of heavy cream while making the sauce. Marinating the chicken with lemon juice and Cajun seasoning before cooking enhances the flavor.