Looking for a quick and satisfying dinner that packs a punch of flavor? This cowboy butter lemon bowtie chicken and broccoli recipe delivers on taste and comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for your busy weeknights. The creamy, buttery sauce with zesty lemon brightens up the dish while tender chicken and crisp broccoli add wholesome goodness.
You’ll love how this cowboy butter pasta combines familiar ingredients with a delicious twist. It’s easy enough for beginners but impressive enough to serve guests any night of the week.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in just 30 minutes for quick weeknight meals
- Loaded with protein and vegetables for a balanced dinner
- Creamy cowboy butter sauce with fresh lemon brightness
- Uses simple pantry staples and fresh ingredients
- Comforting pasta dish with a light, fresh finish
Ingredients
Gather these fresh and pantry ingredients to make a delicious cowboy butter lemon bowtie chicken and broccoli pasta.
- 8 oz bowtie pasta (farfalle)
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 3 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
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
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add bowtie pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 10-12 minutes. Add broccoli florets during the last 3 minutes of cooking. Drain and set aside.
- While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, chili powder, and cayenne pepper. Add chicken to skillet and cook for 5-6 minutes until golden and cooked through, turning occasionally.
- Reduce heat to medium and add butter and minced garlic to the skillet with chicken. Stir continuously for about 1 minute until fragrant and the butter melts completely.
- Pour in chicken broth and lemon juice, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Simmer the sauce for 3-4 minutes until it slightly thickens and coats the chicken beautifully.
- Add the drained pasta and broccoli to the skillet, tossing everything gently to combine. Stir in Parmesan cheese and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Cook for another 1-2 minutes until the pasta is warmed through and the sauce clings to every bite. Remove from heat.
- Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley and a little extra lemon zest over the top before serving for a bright, fresh finish.
Tips for the Best Results
- Use fresh lemon juice for the best bright flavor rather than bottled lemon juice.
- Don’t overcook the broccoli—adding it to the pasta water at the end keeps it crisp-tender.
- Adjust cayenne pepper to your preferred heat level or leave it out if you want a milder dish.
- For extra richness, stir in a splash of heavy cream along with the Parmesan cheese.
- Let the chicken rest a few minutes before slicing if using whole breasts; this keeps it juicy.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover cowboy butter lemon bowtie chicken and broccoli in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen after resting overnight.
To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving if possible to keep the chicken tender and the sauce creamy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different pasta shape?
Absolutely! While bowtie pasta works perfectly to hold the sauce, you can substitute with penne, rotini, or fusilli for a similar texture and bite.
Is this recipe spicy?
The recipe includes optional cayenne pepper for a mild kick, but you can omit it to keep the dish mild and family-friendly.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, simply swap out the bowtie pasta for your favorite gluten-free pasta. The cooking time may vary slightly, so follow the package instructions.
What can I substitute for fresh broccoli?
If you don’t have broccoli, steamed green beans or asparagus tips work well as substitutes while maintaining a fresh vegetable component.
