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Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken

Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken: A Creamy Comfort Food Delight

A delightful Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken recipe perfect for busy weeknights, combining savory chicken, zesty lemon, and tender broccoli in a rich, buttery sauce.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 650

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 1 lb Chicken cut into bite-sized pieces
For the Pasta
  • 12 oz Bowtie Pasta can swap with gluten-free options
For the Vegetables
  • 2 cups Broccoli florets can substitute with bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach
For the Sauce
  • 1 tsp Cajun seasoning adjust spice as needed
  • 1/2 tsp Garlic powder for flavor depth
  • 1/2 tsp Smoked paprika adds smokiness
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1/2 tsp Crushed red pepper flakes optional for heat
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard for tang
  • from 1 lemon Lemon juice and zest to brighten the dish
For Garnish
  • 2 tbsp Fresh parsley chopped
  • 1 tbsp Fresh chives chopped
For Cooking
  • 2 tbsp Olive oil for sautéing
  • 6 tbsp Unsalted butter for creamy sauce
  • 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan cheese add more for serving
  • 1/2 cup Reserved pasta water to adjust sauce consistency

Equipment

  • large pot
  • Large skillet
  • measuring cups
  • Measuring Spoons

Method
 

Cooking Instructions
  1. In a large pot, bring water to a rolling boil and generously salt it. Add the bowtie pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually around 8-10 minutes. In the final three minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets to the boiling water. Once everything is cooked, drain the pasta and broccoli, reserving ½ cup of the starchy pasta water for later use.
  2. While the pasta cooks, season the chicken pieces in a bowl with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken pieces and sauté for about 6-7 minutes, until cooked through and golden brown.
  4. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and melt unsalted butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  5. Stir in crushed red pepper flakes, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and zest. Add chopped parsley and chives, seasoning with salt and pepper.
  6. Combine cooked bowtie pasta, broccoli, and sautéed chicken into the skillet. Toss gently and use reserved pasta water to adjust sauce consistency.
  7. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted. Serve warm with extra Parmesan and fresh parsley.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 650kcalCarbohydrates: 70gProtein: 35gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 4gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 15IUVitamin C: 50mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 10mg

Notes

For creamier sauce, increase butter and Parmesan. Always reserve pasta water for silky sauce. Substitute broccoli with other veggies as desired. Adjust seasoning before serving.

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