When you want a satisfying dinner that comes together fast, this Lemon Bowtie Chicken recipe with cowboy butter and broccoli is an absolute winner. The rich, zesty flavor of the cowboy butter sauce perfectly complements tender chicken and crisp broccoli, all tossed with bowtie pasta for a comforting, easy meal.
You’ll love how this dish balances bright lemon notes with savory spices in just 30 minutes on the stovetop. It’s an ideal weeknight dinner that feels special but won’t keep you in the kitchen all evening.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in just 30 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights.
- Combines fresh lemon flavor with a rich, buttery cowboy butter sauce.
- Uses wholesome ingredients like chicken breast and fresh broccoli.
- One-pot cooking keeps cleanup easy and quick.
- Bowtie pasta holds the sauce beautifully, making every bite delicious.
Ingredients
Gather these simple, fresh ingredients to make the flavorful cowboy butter lemon bowtie chicken and broccoli.
- 12 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
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 large lemon, zested and juiced
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup 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
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente, about 10-12 minutes. Add broccoli florets to the pasta water during the last 3 minutes of cooking. Drain pasta and broccoli, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water.
- While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces, season with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, chili powder, cayenne, and dried thyme. Cook, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
- Reduce heat to medium and add butter to the skillet. Once melted, stir in minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add lemon zest and juice, stirring to combine and create the cowboy butter sauce.
- Add drained pasta and broccoli to the skillet with the chicken and sauce. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time until the sauce coats the pasta evenly. Stir in Parmesan cheese for extra creaminess.
- Remove from heat, sprinkle chopped parsley over the top, and serve immediately with extra lemon wedges if desired.
Tips for the Best Results
- Trim chicken pieces evenly so they cook at the same rate and stay juicy.
- Add broccoli towards the end of the pasta cooking time to keep it bright green and crisp-tender.
- Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the most vibrant flavor in the cowboy butter sauce.
- Reserve some pasta water to loosen the sauce and help it cling to the noodles.
- For a spicy kick, adjust the cayenne pepper to your taste or omit it for milder flavor.
Storage and Reheating
Store any leftover cowboy butter lemon bowtie chicken and broccoli in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or microwave until warmed through, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened.
This dish can also be frozen for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Note that broccoli texture may soften after freezing, but the flavors remain delicious.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other types of pasta?
Absolutely! While bowtie pasta is ideal for its shape and texture, penne, rotini, or farfalle all work well to hold the cowboy butter sauce.
Is this recipe spicy?
It has a mild smoky heat from the paprika and chili powder, with optional cayenne for extra kick. You can reduce or omit the cayenne to suit your spice preference.
Can I substitute vegetables?
Yes, feel free to swap broccoli for green beans, asparagus, or snap peas depending on what you have on hand or prefer.
What can I serve with this dish?
This pasta is a complete meal but pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad or garlic bread for a heartier dinner.
