Lemon Chicken Bowtie Pasta with Broccoli Recipe

If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with flavor, comforting, and really impresses without hours in the kitchen, you’re going to love this Lemon Chicken Bowtie Pasta with Broccoli Recipe. I absolutely love how the zesty lemon and buttery sauce come together with tender chicken and vibrant broccoli — it’s like a hug on a plate! Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a casual get-together, this recipe is a total winner you’ll want to keep on repeat.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients in this Lemon Chicken Bowtie Pasta with Broccoli Recipe come together with beautiful balance — the zing of lemon brightens up the rich butter sauce, and the Cajun seasoning adds a subtle kick. Plus, using bowtie pasta gives it a fun texture that holds onto the sauce perfectly!

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Bite-sized pieces cook quickly and soak up the flavorful seasoning.
• Bowtie (farfalle) pasta: Its shape traps sauce well, making sure every bite is saucy and satisfying.
• Broccoli florets: Adds freshness and a nice pop of green; I like to add them in the last minutes of pasta cooking to keep them crisp-tender.
• Cajun seasoning: Adjust this to your spice preference – I usually keep it moderate for gentle heat.
• Garlic powder: Enhances flavor without overpowering; works great alongside fresh garlic.
• Smoked paprika: Adds a warm, smoky depth that complements the lemon beautifully.
• Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings to bring everything together.
• Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): For a little added heat if you like it spicy.
• Dijon mustard: Helps emulsify the sauce and adds tanginess.
• Lemon juice and zest: The star of the show — fresh lemon brightens and elevates every flavor.
• Fresh parsley and chives: These herbs add vibrant green color and fresh, mild onion notes.
• Olive oil: For cooking the chicken tenderly with a light, fruity flavor.
• Unsalted butter: The base of the luscious sauce that coats the pasta and chicken perfectly.
• Grated Parmesan cheese: Stirred in at the end for creaminess and savory depth.
• Reserved pasta water: Keeps the sauce silky and helps it cling to the ingredients — don’t skip this step!

Variations

Part of what makes this Lemon Chicken Bowtie Pasta with Broccoli Recipe so great is how adaptable it is. I often switch things up depending on what I have on hand or the season — and you should too! Play around and make it your own.

• Spicy Kick: I sometimes double the crushed red pepper flakes for an extra spicy twist—perfect when you’re craving some heat.
• Gluten-Free Version: Swap bowtie pasta for your favorite gluten-free alternative; it works just as well without compromising texture.
• Veggie Boost: Add mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, or bell peppers for extra color and nutrition.
• Herb Swaps: Fresh basil or thyme works beautifully if you’re out of parsley or chives.
• Rich & Creamy: Stir in a splash of cream or mascarpone at the end for a decadent treat that’s perfect for special occasions.

How to Make Lemon Chicken Bowtie Pasta with Broccoli Recipe

Step 1: Cook Your Pasta and Broccoli to Perfection

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil — the salt is key to seasoning the pasta right from the start. Add your bowtie pasta and cook until *al dente*; this usually takes about 10-12 minutes. Here’s the trick: toss in the broccoli florets during the last three minutes of cooking so they stay crisp-tender and bright green. Before draining, scoop out and save about half a cup of pasta water — trust me, this really helps your sauce come together silky and smooth!

Step 2: Season and Cook the Chicken

While the pasta is boiling, season your bite-sized chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. I like to rub it in a bit to get every piece evenly coated — the seasoning is what makes the chicken pop! Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until it’s golden and cooked through. Don’t overcrowd the pan; if you do, the chicken will steam instead of sear. Once done, set the chicken aside — you’ll bring everything back together in the next step.

Step 3: Whip Up the Flavor-Packed Sauce

In the same skillet (this is where all that lovely leftover flavor is), melt six tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant — don’t let it burn, or it’ll turn bitter. Stir in red pepper flakes (if using), Dijon mustard, and the juice and zest of one fresh lemon. Then, mix in chopped parsley and chives, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. This sauce is your flavor bomb, with buttery richness and a zesty freshness that ties everything together.

Step 4: Combine and Finish Off

Add the cooked pasta, broccoli, and chicken back to the skillet. Toss everything to coat evenly with the sauce, adding in that reserved pasta water a splash at a time to reach your desired sauce consistency — this keeps the dish from drying out and helps the sauce cling to the bowties. Finally, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is creamy and the cheese melts through perfectly. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve warm, topped with extra Parmesan, fresh parsley, and a squeeze of lemon juice for that extra bright pop.

How to Serve Lemon Chicken Bowtie Pasta with Broccoli Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping this pasta with a generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan and a few chopped parsley leaves—it adds color and a fresh bite. Sometimes, I even add a pinch of extra crushed red pepper flakes on top for guests who want a little heat. A quick twist of fresh black pepper right before serving never hurts either!

Side Dishes

When I serve this, my go-to sides are a simple mixed greens salad with a light vinaigrette or some crusty garlic bread. Both help soak up any leftover sauce and make the meal feel complete without competing with the main flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For family dinners or casual parties, I love serving this pasta in a large rustic bowl topped with lemon slices and herb sprigs—makes it look festive but effortless. If I want to get fancy, individual pasta bowls with microgreens on top are such a charming touch that always impresses guests!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers? No problem. I store any extra pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually get better overnight! When storing, I recommend separating any extra sauce or Parmesan so you can freshen it up when reheating.

Freezing

Freezing this Lemon Chicken Bowtie Pasta with Broccoli Recipe works fine, but I suggest freezing without the broccoli or adding it fresh when you reheat, as it can get a bit mushy after thawing. Store in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months.

Reheating

To reheat, I like to warm the pasta gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. Microwaving works in a pinch, but stirring midway helps avoid cold spots and keeps the pasta creamy and delicious.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Lemon Chicken Bowtie Pasta with Broccoli Recipe has become such a go-to in my kitchen because it strikes the perfect balance between fresh, comforting, and exciting. I love that you can whip it up quickly after a busy day but still wow your dinner crowd with those bright, bold flavors. I’m pretty sure once you make it, it’ll find a permanent spot in your recipe rotation too — and hey, don’t forget to add a little extra lemon zest for that extra sunshine on your plate.

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