Cowboy butter chicken bowtie pasta with broccoli and lemon garnish

When life gets busy, you need a dinner that’s quick, comforting, and full of flavor. This cowboy butter lemon bowtie chicken & broccoli recipe hits all those marks, delivering a tasty 30-minute meal that feels special without extra fuss. The vibrant lemon freshness brightens the buttery sauce, while tender broccoli adds a healthy crunch to this hearty pasta dish.

Cowboy butter chicken bowtie pasta with broccoli and lemon garnish this Recipe
Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken & Broccoli Recipe 3 Enjoy a quick 30-minute cowboy butter chicken bowtie pasta with bright lemon and tender broccoli for a delicious weeknight dinner.

You’ll love how easily this cowboy butter chicken recipe comes together on the stovetop, making it a go-to for weeknights when you want satisfying food fast. Let’s dive into how you can whip up this delicious dish and enjoy the perfect balance of tangy, savory, and buttery flavors.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Ready in just 30 minutes—perfect for busy nights.
  • Bright lemon juice complements rich cowboy butter sauce.
  • Healthy broccoli adds color, crunch, and nutrients.
  • Uses easy-to-find ingredients you probably have on hand.
  • One-pan stovetop cooking minimizes cleanup.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to make your cowboy butter lemon bowtie chicken & broccoli come alive with flavor.

  • 8 ounces bowtie pasta (farfalle)
  • 2 cups broccoli florets, fresh or frozen
  • 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a little heat)
  • Juice and zest of 1 lemon
  • 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Recipe Details

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Servings: 4
  • Calories: Approximately 480 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. Add the bowtie pasta and cook according to package directions, about 10-12 minutes, until al dente. During the last 3 minutes, add broccoli florets to the pasta water. Drain and set aside.
  2. While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces, season with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, chili powder, and cayenne. Sauté until golden and cooked through, about 6-7 minutes. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
  3. Reduce heat to medium, melt butter in the same skillet. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
  4. Return chicken to the skillet. Add cooked pasta and broccoli. Toss everything together gently.
  5. Stir in lemon juice, lemon zest, and Parmesan cheese. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Heat through for 2-3 minutes, letting flavors meld and sauce coat the pasta nicely.
  6. Remove from heat, garnish with chopped fresh parsley, and serve immediately with extra lemon wedges if desired.

Tips for the Best Results

  • Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the brightest flavor; bottled lemon juice won’t be as vibrant.
  • Don’t overcook the broccoli—adding it to the pasta water at the end keeps it crisp-tender.
  • Cut chicken into uniform pieces so it cooks evenly and quickly.
  • Feel free to swap Parmesan for Pecorino Romano for a sharper flavor.
  • Add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you want to enhance the heat beyond the cayenne.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The pasta may absorb some sauce, so add a splash of water or broth when reheating to keep it saucy and moist.

You can freeze this dish for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While bowtie pasta works great because it holds sauce well, feel free to substitute with penne, fusilli, or even spaghetti based on your preference.

Is there a way to make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, substitute the butter with a dairy-free spread or olive oil and replace Parmesan with nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without dairy.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

You can cook the pasta and broccoli ahead and store separately from the chicken and sauce. Reheat and combine just before serving for best texture.

What can I serve with this cowboy butter chicken pasta?

A simple green salad or crusty garlic bread pairs beautifully to round out the meal with fresh and crunchy textures.

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