Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta with Lemon Broccoli
A vibrant, quick weeknight dinner pairing Cajun-seasoned chicken with creamy lemon-Parmesan pasta and crisp broccoli. Ideal for families seeking bold, balanced flavors with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (1 lb), cut into bite-sized pieces
- Bowtie (farfalle) pasta (12 oz)
- Broccoli florets (2 cups)
- Cajun seasoning (1 tsp)
- Garlic powder (1/2 tsp)
- Smoked paprika (1/2 tsp)
- Salt (to taste)
- Black pepper (to taste)
- Garlic (4 cloves), minced
- Crushed red pepper flakes (1/2 tsp, optional)
- Dijon mustard (1 tbsp)
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, melted)
- Heavy cream (1/2 cup, optional for a richer sauce)
- Grated Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup)
- Lemon zest and juice (1 large lemon)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil
- Add bowtie pasta and broccoli florets; cook until pasta is al dente and broccoli is tender (approx 6-8 minutes)
- Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain pasta and broccoli
- Heat butter in a large skillet over medium heat
- Add chicken pieces and season with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, pepper, and half the salt; cook until golden and cooked through
- Sprinkle remaining Cajun seasoning and stir to coat chicken
- Return cooked pasta and broccoli to skillet with butter
- Add Dijon mustard, red pepper flakes (if using), and half the Parmesan; stir to combine
- Gradually mix in heavy cream (optional), adjusting consistency with reserved pasta water
- Finish with lemon zest, juice, and remaining Parmesan
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper
- Serve immediately with parsley for garnish
Notes
Use chicken thighs for more richness (adjust cook time to ~10 minutes per side)
Substitute Penne or Rotini pasta if needed
For a lighter version, omit heavy cream and use milk instead
Use cauliflower if preferred over broccoli
Grate Parmesan yourself for fresher flavor
Leftovers store well in an airtight container for 3-4 days at refrigerator temperatures
Substitute Penne or Rotini pasta if needed
For a lighter version, omit heavy cream and use milk instead
Use cauliflower if preferred over broccoli
Grate Parmesan yourself for fresher flavor
Leftovers store well in an airtight container for 3-4 days at refrigerator temperatures
Nutrition
Serving: 1gCalories: 520kcalCarbohydrates: 55gProtein: 40gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 18gCholesterol: 130mgSodium: 280mgFiber: 4gSugar: 3g
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