If you’re looking for a comforting, flavor-packed dinner that comes together with minimal fuss, Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli is the perfect choice. This easy pasta dish combines juicy chicken, tender broccoli, and bowtie pasta tossed in a rich, buttery lemon garlic sauce that delivers restaurant-quality flavor right at home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich, buttery cowboy butter-inspired sauce
- Bright lemon flavor balances the richness perfectly
- Easy one-pan finishing process
- Family-friendly and weeknight-approved
- Packed with protein and vegetables
- Ready in about 30 minutes
- Perfect 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. Add the bowtie pasta and cook according to package directions.
- During the last 2–3 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets to the same pot. Drain 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.
- Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 5–7 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and fully cooked.
- Reduce the heat to medium and add the butter to the skillet.
- Once melted, stir in the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the lemon zest, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, dried parsley, and thyme. Stir well to create the sauce.
- Add the drained pasta and broccoli to the skillet.
- Toss everything together until evenly coated in the flavorful sauce.
- Stir in the Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley.
- Serve immediately and enjoy this delicious Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli while warm.
Tips & Tricks
- Cut chicken into evenly sized cubes for consistent cooking.
- Freshly grated Parmesan melts better than pre-shredded varieties.
- Add extra lemon juice if you enjoy brighter citrus flavor.
- For a creamier sauce, stir in a splash of heavy cream.
- Swap broccoli with asparagus, spinach, or green beans.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to suit your spice preference.
Details
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4–6 servings
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American
Difficulty: Easy
Dietary Notes: Nut-free, family-friendly, high-protein
Notes
- Use chicken thighs for extra juiciness.
- Add mushrooms for additional texture and flavor.
- Serve with garlic bread or a fresh green salad.
- A sprinkle of extra Parmesan before serving enhances the flavor beautifully.
Nutrition (Approximate Per Serving)
- Calories: 620
- Protein: 38g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fat: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 620mg
FAQ
Can I make Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli ahead of time?
Yes. Prepare the dish up to 2 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator.
Can I use frozen broccoli?
Absolutely. Add frozen broccoli directly to the pasta water during the final few minutes of cooking.
What does cowboy butter taste like?
Cowboy butter is rich, buttery, garlicky, and slightly tangy with herbs and citrus flavors.
Can I use a different pasta shape?
Yes. Penne, rotini, shells, or fusilli work wonderfully in this recipe.
How can I make it spicier?
Increase the red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes. Simply substitute your favorite gluten-free pasta.
Storage
Refrigerator:
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer:
Freeze for up to 2 months in freezer-safe containers.
Reheating:
Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of water or broth. Microwave in 30-second 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. Add the bowtie pasta and cook according to package directions.
- During the last 2–3 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets to the same pot. Drain 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.
- Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 5–7 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and fully cooked.
- Reduce the heat to medium and add the butter to the skillet.
- Once melted, stir in the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the lemon zest, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, dried parsley, and thyme. Stir well to create the sauce.
- Add the drained pasta and broccoli to the skillet.
- Toss everything together until evenly coated in the flavorful sauce.
- Stir in the Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley.
- Serve immediately and enjoy this delicious Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli while warm.
Notes
- Use chicken thighs for extra juiciness.
- Add mushrooms for additional texture and flavor.
- Serve with garlic bread or a fresh green salad.
- A sprinkle of extra Parmesan before serving enhances the flavor beautifully.
Conclusion
This Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli delivers everything you want in a satisfying dinner: juicy chicken, tender broccoli, perfectly cooked pasta, and a buttery lemon garlic sauce that ties it all together. Whether you’re feeding the family on a busy weeknight or looking for a comforting meal-prep option, this recipe is simple, delicious, and guaranteed to become a favorite.