Looking for a quick, flavorful dinner that’s low-carb but doesn’t skimp on taste? This Zesty Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken is exactly what you need. The bright lemon and rich cowboy butter sauce coat tender chicken breasts and bowtie pasta for a meal that hits all the right notes.
You’ll love how fast it comes together on the stovetop, making it perfect for busy weeknights but special enough for guests. The zesty cowboy butter chicken shines with bold flavors and a luscious texture that you’ll crave again and again.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in under 30 minutes—ideal for quick dinners.
- Low-carb-friendly without sacrificing flavor.
- Combines creamy, tangy, and savory notes perfectly.
- Uses simple ingredients you likely have on hand.
- Great for meal prep or family-friendly meals.
Ingredients
Gather these ingredients to make your zesty cowboy butter lemon bowtie chicken. The mix of fresh citrus, herbs, and spices creates a bold cowboy butter sauce you’ll love.
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into thin cutlets
- 8 oz low-carb bowtie pasta (or substitute with shirataki noodles for lower carbs)
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Calories: 380 (approx. per serving)
How to Make Zesty Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken – A Quick & Delicious Low-Carb Delight!
- Bring a large pot of salted water to boil and cook the bowtie pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and dried oregano.
- Add the chicken to the skillet and cook 4-5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove chicken and keep warm.
- Reduce heat to medium and melt butter in the same skillet. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in lemon zest, lemon juice, chicken broth, and heavy cream. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Return chicken to the skillet, spooning sauce over each piece. Add cooked bowtie pasta and toss gently to coat everything in the zesty cowboy butter sauce.
- Sprinkle fresh parsley on top and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Serve immediately with extra lemon wedges if desired.
Tips for the Best Results
- Slice chicken thinly for faster, more even cooking.
- Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the brightest flavor.
- Don’t overcook the pasta; it should have a slight bite to complement the creamy sauce.
- Adjust cayenne pepper to your preferred spice level.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute butter and cream with coconut oil and coconut cream.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover cowboy butter chicken and pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to maintain creaminess.
You can also freeze portions for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on low heat with a splash of chicken broth to loosen the sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! Bowtie pasta works well for its shape and texture, but you can substitute with penne, fusilli, or low-carb noodles like shirataki if you prefer.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
It can be if you use gluten-free or low-carb pasta alternatives. Make sure your chicken broth and seasonings are also gluten-free to keep it safe.
How spicy is the cowboy butter chicken?
The recipe has a mild to medium spice level thanks to smoked paprika and cayenne pepper, but you can easily adjust the heat by increasing or decreasing the cayenne.
Can I prepare this recipe in advance?
Yes, you can cook the chicken and pasta ahead of time and combine them with the sauce just before serving. This helps keep everything fresh and flavorful.
