Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken
This bright, buttery skillet pasta combines zesty lemon, smoky Cajun spice, and tender chicken for a quick weeknight dinner that feels special.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts Slice thick breasts into cutlets for even cooking.
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Sauce
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes Optional for heat.
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Combining
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 12 ounces bowtie (farfalle) pasta Can substitute with rotini or penne.
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese Plus extra for topping.
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped
Instructions
Cooking the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook according to package instructions. In the last 2–3 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets, then reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
Preparing the Chicken
- While the pasta cooks, pat the chicken dry. Slice thick breasts into 1/2-inch cutlets or pound them for even thickness. Season with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
Searing the Chicken
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until golden and cooked through, about 3–4 minutes per side. Remove chicken and tent with foil.
Building the Sauce
- Reduce heat to medium, add butter to the skillet and melt. Add garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing for 30–60 seconds until fragrant. Stir in Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and zest, cooking for 1–2 minutes.
Combining Everything
- Return the chicken to the skillet. Add pasta and broccoli, tossing to combine while adding reserved pasta water until sauce coats pasta.
Finishing Touch
- Stir in Parmesan, parsley, and chives. Serve hot with extra Parmesan on top.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days. For a lighter version, reduce butter to 3 tablespoons.