Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken & Broccoli Recipe

When it comes to weeknight dinners, you want something quick, delicious, and satisfying. That’s exactly what you get with this cowboy butter lemon bowtie chicken & broccoli recipe. It’s packed with bold flavors and fresh ingredients, ready in just 30 minutes.

this Recipe

You’ll love how the creamy cowboy butter sauce infused with bright lemon zest brings everything together, making this dish a perfect balance of hearty and refreshing. Plus, the addition of broccoli adds a healthy crunch that complements the tender chicken and pasta.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ready in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights
• Combines protein, veggies, and pasta in one skillet for easy cleanup
• Rich, buttery sauce with zesty lemon and savory spices
• Uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients you likely already have
• Family-friendly flavors that everyone will enjoy

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your cowboy butter lemon bowtie chicken & broccoli come to life.

• 8 ounces bowtie pasta (farfalle)
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• 1 large lemon, zested and juiced
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, plus extra for garnish
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth (for pasta cooking)

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 3 cups of water or chicken broth to a boil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the bowtie pasta and broccoli florets; cook until pasta is al dente and broccoli is tender-crisp, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
2. While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, chili powder, cumin, and cayenne pepper (if using).
3. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
4. Reduce heat to medium, add butter to the same skillet. Once melted, stir in minced garlic and lemon zest; cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
5. Add lemon juice and Parmesan cheese to the butter sauce, stirring until cheese melts and sauce is creamy. Return chicken, pasta, and broccoli to the skillet. Toss everything gently to coat evenly in the cowboy butter sauce.
6. Sprinkle chopped parsley over the dish, adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste, and give one final toss.
7. Serve immediately, garnished with extra parsley and lemon wedges if desired for a fresh burst of flavor.

Tips for the Best Results

• Use fresh lemon zest and juice for the brightest flavor in your cowboy butter chicken.
• Don’t overcook the pasta and broccoli; slightly firm vegetables add great texture.
• Cut chicken into similar-sized pieces to ensure even cooking.
• Feel free to swap broccoli for other quick-cooking veggies like asparagus or snap peas.
• For an extra creamy touch, stir in a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half with the Parmesan cheese.

Storage and Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce and keep the pasta from drying out.

You can freeze this dish for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain the best texture and flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use other pasta shapes?

Absolutely! While bowtie pasta works great here, penne, rotini, or shells are excellent substitutes that hold the sauce well.

Is this recipe spicy?

The heat is mild and customizable — the cayenne pepper is optional, so you can add or omit it based on your spice preference.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, just swap the regular pasta for a gluten-free variety. Make sure your chicken broth or any other ingredients are gluten-free as well.

What’s cowboy butter sauce?

Cowboy butter is a rich, savory butter-based sauce often flavored with garlic, spices, and lemon. It’s perfect for adding bold flavor to meats and veggies.