Description
A bold and buttery cowboy butter lemon chicken pasta made with juicy Cajun-seasoned chicken, tender bowtie pasta, and crisp broccoli tossed in a garlicky lemon butter sauce. This quick one-pan meal is perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- 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 bowtie pasta according to package instructions. During the last 2–3 minutes of cooking, add broccoli florets to the pot. Drain and reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Cook the chicken for 5–7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
5. Stir in Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Cook for another 1–2 minutes and season with salt and pepper.
6. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet along with the pasta and broccoli.
7. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water gradually until the sauce coats the pasta evenly.
8. Stir in Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, and chives.
9. Serve hot with additional Parmesan sprinkled on top if desired.
Notes
Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or chicken thighs for juicy results.
Avoid overcrowding the pan so the chicken develops a nice golden sear.
Cook the pasta and broccoli until just al dente for the best texture.
Adjust crushed red pepper flakes depending on your spice preference.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 110mg