Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken & Broccoli Recipe

You’re going to love this cowboy butter chicken recipe because it’s packed with bold flavors and ready in just 30 minutes. Combining tender bowtie pasta, juicy chicken, fresh broccoli, and a zesty lemon butter sauce, this dish makes weeknight dinners feel special without a lot of fuss.

this Recipe

Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding a hungry family, this easy cowboy butter lemon bowtie chicken & broccoli pasta is the perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and savory—all on one plate. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some veggies while keeping everyone happy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ready in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
• Delicious cowboy butter sauce with lemon adds bright, rich flavor.
• Balanced meal with protein, pasta, and vegetables.
• Uses common pantry ingredients you likely have on hand.
• Simple stovetop method with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients for a hearty and flavorful cowboy butter lemon bowtie chicken and broccoli dish.

• 8 ounces bowtie pasta (farfalle)
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 1 large lemon)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Optional garnish: chopped fresh parsley or cilantro

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Calories: Approximately 520 per serving

How to Make Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken & Broccoli – Easy 30-Minute Pasta Recipe

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the bowtie pasta according to package instructions until al dente, about 10-12 minutes. In the last 3 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets to the boiling water. Drain both and set aside.
2. While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and sprinkle with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, chili powder, cumin, and cayenne pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
3. Reduce heat to medium, push the chicken to one side of the pan, and add butter and minced garlic. Allow butter to melt and garlic to become fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir together with the chicken.
4. Pour in the fresh lemon juice and stir well to combine everything. Then add the drained pasta and broccoli to the skillet. Toss gently to coat evenly in the cowboy butter sauce.
5. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta and toss again until melted and creamy. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat and let sit for a minute to thicken slightly.
6. Serve immediately, garnished with chopped parsley or cilantro if desired for a fresh finish.

Tips for the Best Results

• Cut chicken into uniform pieces for even cooking.
• Don’t overcook the broccoli; it should be bright green and slightly crisp.
• Use fresh lemon juice for the best bright flavor, not bottled.
• Reserve some pasta water before draining to loosen sauce if needed.
• Feel free to swap Parmesan with Pecorino Romano for a sharper taste.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftover cowboy butter chicken pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep pasta from drying out, add a splash of water or chicken broth when reheating.

You can freeze the cooked dish for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes! While bowtie pasta works great, you can substitute penne, rotini, or even spaghetti based on what you have. Just adjust cooking time accordingly.

Is this dish spicy?

The recipe has a mild kick from chili powder and optional cayenne pepper, but you can easily omit or reduce the cayenne to make it milder.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

To make it dairy-free, swap the butter with a dairy-free alternative and omit the Parmesan cheese or use a vegan cheese substitute.

What can I add for extra veggies?

Feel free to toss in sliced bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, or zucchini for more color and nutrition. Just add them to the skillet as you cook the chicken.