Easy Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli Recipe

Introduction

If you’re looking for a comforting dinner that’s packed with bold flavor and simple enough for busy weeknights, this Easy Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli Recipe is exactly what you need. Tender bites of seasoned chicken, perfectly cooked bowtie pasta, crisp broccoli, and a rich cowboy butter sauce infused with fresh lemon and garlic come together in one satisfying meal. Every bite is creamy, buttery, and bursting with bright citrus flavor, making this an easy family dinner that’s perfect for weeknights, meal prep, or whenever you’re craving a hearty homemade pasta dish.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ready in about 35 mins with simple ingredients.
• Loaded with juicy chicken, buttery garlic flavor, and fresh lemon.
• A complete meal with pasta, chicken, and broccoli.
• Perfect for busy weeknight dinners and meal prep.
• Rich, comforting, and family-friendly.

Quick Facts

Prep Time: 15 mins

Cook Time: 20 mins

Total Time: 35 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 10 oz bowtie (farfalle) pasta
• 3 cups broccoli florets
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the bowtie pasta until al dente according to the package directions. During the final 2–3 mins of cooking, add the broccoli florets to the same pot so they become tender while still keeping their bright green color. Drain everything well and set aside.

Season the Chicken

Place the chicken pieces in a bowl and season them with paprika, Italian seasoning, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Toss well so every piece is evenly coated, ensuring flavorful chicken in every bite.

Cook the Chicken

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken in a single layer and cook for 6–8 mins, turning occasionally, until the chicken develops a beautiful golden crust and is cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a clean plate and keep it warm.

Prepare the Cowboy Butter Sauce

Reduce the heat to medium and melt the butter in the same skillet. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 min until fragrant. Stir in the Dijon mustard, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, crushed red pepper flakes, and a tablespoon of chopped parsley. Mix everything together until the butter becomes silky, fragrant, and infused with the bright citrus and herb flavors that make cowboy butter so irresistible.

Combine Everything

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and gently stir it into the cowboy butter sauce until every piece is evenly coated. Add the cooked bowtie pasta, broccoli, and grated Parmesan cheese, then toss everything together until the pasta absorbs the buttery lemon sauce and the Parmesan melts into a light, creamy coating. If the sauce seems too thick, add a few tablespoons of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.

Finish the Dish

Sprinkle the remaining fresh parsley over the pasta and gently toss one final time. Let the dish sit for 2–3 mins so the flavors blend together before serving. Finish with an extra squeeze of fresh lemon juice and a little more grated Parmesan for the best flavor.

Tips

• Reserve a little pasta water before draining to create a silky, restaurant-style sauce.
• Cook the broccoli until just tender to keep its bright color and slight crunch.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the smoothest texture and richest flavor.

Variations

Swap the chicken breasts for boneless chicken thighs if you prefer extra juicy meat. For a richer sauce, stir in a splash of heavy cream after adding the butter mixture. You can also add mushrooms, spinach, or asparagus for extra vegetables, or replace the bowtie pasta with penne, rotini, or rigatoni if that’s what you have on hand. For a bolder cowboy butter flavor, increase the garlic slightly and add a pinch of cayenne pepper.

What to Serve With

This Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli pairs perfectly with warm garlic bread, homemade breadsticks, Caesar salad, roasted asparagus, sautéed green beans, or a crisp garden salad. A glass of fresh lemonade or sparkling water with lemon also complements the buttery citrus flavors beautifully.

Storage & Reheating

Allow the pasta to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

For longer storage, place individual portions in freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of chicken broth or milk to loosen the sauce while stirring occasionally. Individual portions can also be reheated in the microwave in 30-second intervals until heated through.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli Recipe combines everything you want in a homemade dinner—tender seasoned chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, crisp broccoli, and a rich buttery lemon garlic sauce that’s bursting with flavor. It’s simple enough for busy weeknights while still feeling special enough to serve for family dinners or casual gatherings.

Whether you’re looking for a comforting pasta recipe, an easy meal prep idea, or a new family favorite, this dish delivers satisfying flavor with minimal effort. Save this recipe for your next pasta night and enjoy a fresh, buttery, and delicious dinner everyone will love.