Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli is the kind of pasta dinner that feels indulgent but comes together in just 40 minutes. Juicy seasoned chicken, tender broccoli, and a rich buttery lemon sauce tossed with bowtie pasta and Parmesan make this one a weeknight staple worth bookmarking.
I first threw this together on a Tuesday night when I had a lone lemon, some chicken, and half a box of pasta sitting in the pantry. What came out of that skillet surprised everyone at the table. The cowboy butter sauce is bold, bright, and just zesty enough to keep things interesting. My kids asked for seconds, and my husband cleaned the pan.
Get ready for something delicious!
Table of Contents
Ingredients for Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli
I always keep these pantry staples on hand because recipes like this one come together fast when the basics are ready to go. Here is everything you need for this cowboy butter lemon bowtie chicken with broccoli.
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tsp Cajun seasoning — I recommend a store-bought blend for consistent flavor every time
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika — in my experience, smoked paprika adds a depth that regular paprika just cannot match
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
For the Cowboy Butter Lemon Sauce:
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter — I always use unsalted so I can control the salt level myself
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon — my preference is to zest before juicing so nothing goes to waste
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh chives, chopped
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Pasta and Veggies:
- 12 oz bowtie (farfalle) pasta
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
Step-by-Step Instructions
I recommend reading through all the steps before you start — this recipe moves quickly once the chicken hits the pan, and a little prep upfront makes everything go smoothly.
Step 1: Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil. Cook the bowtie pasta according to package directions until al dente. In the last 3 minutes of cooking, drop in the broccoli florets. Before draining, scoop out 1/2 cup of the starchy pasta water and set it aside. Drain everything together and set aside.
Step 2: Toss the chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until every piece is coated. Do not skip this step — the spice rub builds the base layer of flavor for the whole dish.
Step 3: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer and let it sear undisturbed for 2 to 3 minutes before flipping. Cook until golden and cooked through, about 6 to 7 minutes total. Remove the chicken and set it aside, leaving all those browned bits in the pan. Those bits are flavor gold.
Step 4: Lower the heat to medium and add the butter. Once melted, scrape up the browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until it smells fragrant and turns just barely golden.
Step 5: Stir in the red pepper flakes, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Season with salt and pepper, then stir in the chopped parsley and chives.
Step 6: Return the chicken, pasta, and broccoli to the skillet. Toss gently to coat everything in the cowboy butter lemon sauce. Add reserved pasta water a splash at a time until the sauce is silky and clings to the pasta.
Step 7: Stir in the Parmesan until melted and creamy. Serve warm with extra Parmesan, a handful of fresh herbs, and a squeeze of lemon right on top.
What to Serve with Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli
This dish is satisfying on its own, but a well-chosen side can round out the meal and balance the rich, buttery flavors beautifully.
Garlic Bread: Crusty garlic bread is the ultimate companion here. It soaks up every bit of that cowboy butter lemon sauce left in the bowl. Try this homemade cheesy breadsticks recipe for a crowd-pleasing option that pairs perfectly.
Simple Green Salad: A crisp salad with lemon vinaigrette cuts through the richness and adds freshness to the plate. This Mediterranean chickpea salad with lemon vinaigrette is a bright, satisfying option that complements the lemon notes in the pasta.
Roasted Vegetables: A simple veggie side keeps the meal balanced and adds color to the table. These garlic roasted vegetables come together with minimal effort and pair naturally with the buttery, garlicky pasta sauce.
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites: If you are feeding a crowd and want to stretch the meal, a protein-forward side works great alongside the pasta. These garlic butter chicken bites share the same buttery garlic flavor profile and keep the meal cohesive.
Broccoli and Mushroom Stir Fry: Looking for a veggie-forward side with some texture? This broccoli and mushroom stir fry adds an earthy contrast that works surprisingly well next to the bright lemon pasta.
Baked Garlic Parmesan Potato Wedges: For a heartier spread, crispy potato wedges are always a hit with the family. These baked garlic Parmesan potato wedges bring crunch and savory depth that balances the creamy pasta beautifully.
Storage and Serving Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The pasta will absorb the sauce as it sits, so the texture will be thicker the next day — that is completely normal.
To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or chicken broth to loosen the sauce back up. I recommend the stovetop over the microwave whenever possible — it keeps the chicken tender and the sauce smooth rather than greasy.
Pro tip: this dish is just as good served slightly warm as it is piping hot. Top each bowl with freshly grated Parmesan, a pinch of chopped parsley, and a fresh squeeze of lemon right before serving to wake everything back up.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work great here. They stay juicier and are a little more forgiving. Just cook them 1 to 2 minutes longer than the recipe calls for.
What if I do not have bowtie pasta?
Penne, rotini, or shells all work well. Any short pasta shape that holds sauce in its ridges or folds is a solid substitute.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can prep the chicken and sauce ahead, but the pasta is best cooked fresh. If you need to make the full dish ahead, store it separately and reheat with a splash of broth to bring the sauce back together.
Conclusion
Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli is the kind of recipe that earns a permanent spot in your dinner rotation. It is fast, full of flavor, and easy enough for any weeknight. The buttery lemon sauce brings every component together in the most satisfying way. Give this one a try tonight and see for yourself why it disappears so fast at the dinner table.
Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil. Cook bowtie pasta according to package directions until al dente. During the last 3 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets to the same pot. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining. Drain and set aside.
- Season chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss until every piece is evenly coated.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken in a single layer and sear undisturbed for 2 to 3 minutes before turning. Cook until golden and cooked through, about 6 to 7 minutes total. Remove chicken and set aside, leaving browned bits in the pan.
- Lower heat to medium and add butter to the skillet. Once melted, scrape up the browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Stir in red pepper flakes, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Season with salt and pepper. Stir in parsley and chives.
- Return the chicken, pasta, and broccoli to the skillet. Toss gently to coat everything in the sauce. Add reserved pasta water a splash at a time until the sauce is silky and clings to the pasta.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Serve warm topped with extra Parmesan, fresh herbs, and a squeeze of lemon if desired.
