If you’re looking for a satisfying meal that’s packed with bold flavors and comes together with minimal effort, Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli is the perfect choice. Tender chicken, buttery lemon garlic sauce, perfectly cooked bowtie pasta, and fresh broccoli combine to create an easy family dinner that’s both comforting and fresh. Whether you’re planning a busy weeknight meal or a cozy weekend dinner, this recipe delivers delicious results every time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in about 30 minutes.
- Rich cowboy butter sauce with bright lemon flavor.
- Tender chicken and perfectly cooked farfalle pasta.
- A complete meal with wholesome broccoli.
- Family-friendly and easy enough for beginners.
- Great for meal prep and leftovers.
Ingredients
- 12 oz bowtie (farfalle) pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the bowtie pasta according to the package directions. During the final 2–3 minutes, add the broccoli florets. Drain well and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, paprika, and red pepper flakes.
- Cook the chicken for 5–7 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and fully cooked.
- Reduce the heat to medium. Add the butter to the skillet. Once melted, stir in the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds.
- Add the lemon zest, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, dried parsley, and thyme. Stir until the sauce is smooth and fragrant. This flavorful sauce is what makes Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli so irresistible.
- Add the cooked pasta and broccoli to the skillet. Toss gently until everything is evenly coated in the buttery lemon sauce.
- Sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley. Toss once more until the cheese melts into the sauce.
- Serve immediately with extra Parmesan and fresh parsley if desired.
Tips & Tricks
- Cook the broccoli with the pasta to save time and reduce cleanup.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the smoothest texture.
- Fresh lemon juice provides the brightest flavor.
- Add spinach, asparagus, or mushrooms for extra vegetables.
- Adjust the red pepper flakes to make the dish milder or spicier.
- Reserve a little pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed.
Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Difficulty: Easy
- Dietary Notes: Nut-free, halal-friendly
Notes
- Rotisserie chicken works well for an even quicker meal.
- Pecorino Romano can replace Parmesan for a sharper flavor.
- Whole wheat farfalle adds extra fiber.
- Serve with garlic bread or a crisp green salad for a complete dinner.
Nutrition (Approximate Per Serving)
- Calories: 610
- Protein: 38g
- Carbohydrates: 47g
- Fat: 28g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sodium: 720mg
FAQ
Can I make Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli ahead of time?
Yes. Prepare the recipe up to two days in advance and store it in the refrigerator.
Can I use a different pasta?
Absolutely. Penne, rotini, shells, or fusilli all work well with the cowboy butter sauce.
Can I use chicken thighs?
Yes. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs remain juicy and flavorful in this recipe.
How do I make it creamier?
Stir in a splash of heavy cream or a little cream cheese after adding the butter sauce.
Can I make it spicy?
Increase the red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
Reheating: Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of chicken broth or water, or microwave in short intervals until heated through.
Similar Recipes
Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli
Ingredients
- 12 oz bowtie farfalle pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts, cubed
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the bowtie pasta according to the package directions. During the final 2–3 minutes, add the broccoli florets. Drain well and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, paprika, and red pepper flakes.
- Cook the chicken for 5–7 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and fully cooked.
- Reduce the heat to medium. Add the butter to the skillet. Once melted, stir in the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds.
- Add the lemon zest, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, dried parsley, and thyme. Stir until the sauce is smooth and fragrant. This flavorful sauce is what makes Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli so irresistible.
- Add the cooked pasta and broccoli to the skillet. Toss gently until everything is evenly coated in the buttery lemon sauce.
- Sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley. Toss once more until the cheese melts into the sauce.
- Serve immediately with extra Parmesan and fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
- Rotisserie chicken works well for an even quicker meal.
- Pecorino Romano can replace Parmesan for a sharper flavor.
- Whole wheat farfalle adds extra fiber.
- Serve with garlic bread or a crisp green salad for a complete dinner.
Conclusion
Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli is the perfect combination of comfort and fresh flavor. The buttery garlic sauce, bright lemon, juicy chicken, tender broccoli, and bowtie pasta come together in a meal that’s easy enough for busy weeknights yet impressive enough for guests. Once you try this delicious cowboy butter chicken pasta, it’s sure to become a regular favorite in your dinner rotation.