cowboy butter pasta with lemon chicken and broccoli in a bowl garnished with parsley and lemon zest

If you’re looking for a quick, satisfying dinner that packs a punch of flavor, this cowboy butter lemon bowtie chicken & broccoli recipe is made for you. In just 30 minutes, you’ll have a vibrant, creamy pasta dish that combines zesty lemon with rich cowboy butter sauce and tender chicken.

cowboy butter pasta with lemon chicken and broccoli in a bowl garnished with parsley and lemon zest this Recipe
Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken & Broccoli Recipe 3 Enjoy a quick, flavorful cowboy butter pasta with lemon chicken and broccoli ready in just 30 minutes for a perfect weeknight meal.

This easy 30-minute pasta recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something hearty but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. The focus keyphrase cowboy butter pasta perfectly captures the bold, buttery sauce that ties the whole dish together.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Ready in just 30 minutes, making weeknight dinners a breeze
  • Uses simple, everyday ingredients you likely have on hand
  • Bright lemon flavor balances the rich cowboy butter sauce
  • One-pot stovetop cooking minimizes cleanup
  • Healthy broccoli adds color, texture, and nutrition

Ingredients

Gather these fresh and pantry staples for your cowboy butter lemon bowtie chicken & broccoli.

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

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. Cook the bowtie pasta according to package instructions until al dente, about 9-11 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  2. While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces, seasoned with salt and pepper, and cook until golden and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
  3. Reduce heat to medium, add the butter to the same skillet. Once melted, stir in minced garlic, smoked paprika, chili powder, cayenne (if using), and cumin. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Pour in chicken broth and fresh lemon juice, stirring to combine. Let the sauce simmer gently for 2-3 minutes until slightly reduced and glossy.
  5. Add the cooked pasta, chicken, and steamed broccoli to the skillet. Toss everything together to coat evenly with the cowboy butter lemon sauce.
  6. Remove from heat, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley. Give it one final toss, adjust salt and pepper if needed, and serve immediately.

Tips for the Best Results

  • Don’t overcook the chicken—bite-sized pieces cook quickly and stay juicy.
  • Use fresh lemon juice for the brightest flavor; bottled lemon juice won’t be as vibrant.
  • Blanch broccoli quickly in boiling water to keep it tender-crisp and bright green.
  • For a creamier sauce, stir in a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half at the end.
  • Adjust cayenne pepper based on your desired heat level to keep the cowboy butter balanced.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce if it has thickened.

You can also freeze this dish in meal-sized portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat as above. The broccoli may soften a bit but will still taste delicious.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different pasta shape?

Absolutely! While bowtie pasta works well for holding the sauce, penne, rotini, or fusilli would also be great choices with similar texture and bite.

Is cowboy butter spicy?

Cowboy butter has a mild smoky heat from the spices like smoked paprika and chili powder. You can adjust the cayenne pepper to control the spiciness to your taste.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! Substitute the butter with a dairy-free margarine or olive oil, and omit the Parmesan or use a dairy-free cheese alternative.

What sides go well with this dish?

This dish is a full meal on its own, but a simple green salad or crusty garlic bread would complement it beautifully for a heartier dinner.

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