If you’re craving a quick and delicious dinner that’s bursting with bold flavors, this cowboy butter lemon bowtie chicken & broccoli recipe is exactly what you need. The cowboy butter sauce brings a rich, tangy creaminess that perfectly coats the tender chicken and fresh broccoli, all tossed together with bowtie pasta for a comforting meal.
You’ll love how easily this recipe comes together in just 30 minutes, making it a fantastic weeknight dinner option when time is tight but your appetite is big. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for family dinners or casual get-togethers.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Ready in just 30 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights.
- Rich and creamy cowboy butter sauce with bright lemon notes.
- Balanced with nutrient-packed broccoli for a wholesome meal.
- Uses simple, easy-to-find ingredients you probably already have.
- One-pot style cooking saves on cleanup.
Ingredients
Gather these ingredients to create your cowboy butter lemon bowtie chicken & broccoli pasta. Make sure your chicken breasts are boneless and skinless for easy cooking.
- 8 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
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
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Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Calories (approx.): 520 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 and cook the bowtie pasta according to package instructions until al dente, about 10 minutes. Add the broccoli florets during the last 3 minutes of cooking. Drain and set aside.
- While pasta cooks, heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with smoked paprika, chili powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne if using.
- Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
- Reduce heat to medium and add the remaining 2 tablespoons butter to the skillet. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, scraping up any browned bits from the skillet. Let simmer for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Stir in the fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and Parmesan cheese. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add the cooked chicken, pasta, and broccoli back into the skillet. Toss everything together to coat evenly in the cowboy butter lemon sauce. Warm through for 1-2 minutes.
- Remove from heat and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Tips for the Best Results
- Don’t overcook the pasta; it should be tender but still have a slight bite.
- Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the brightest flavor in the sauce.
- Cut chicken into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking.
- Adjust cayenne pepper according to your preferred spice level.
- If the sauce gets too thick, add a splash of chicken broth to loosen it up.
Storage and Reheating
Store any 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 broth or cream to refresh the sauce’s creaminess.
You can also freeze the cooked pasta and chicken mixture for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and warm on the stove, stirring frequently to keep the sauce smooth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different pasta shape?
Absolutely! While bowtie pasta works great for this recipe, you can substitute with penne, rotini, or even spaghetti depending on your preference and pantry stock.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative and use coconut cream or a dairy-free cream substitute instead of heavy cream. Keep in mind the flavor and texture will be slightly different but still delicious.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
You can prep the chicken and chop the broccoli ahead, but it’s best to cook and combine everything fresh to maintain the best texture and flavor. Leftovers store well, though.
What side dishes go well with cowboy butter pasta?
Simple sides like a crisp green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables complement the rich cowboy butter pasta nicely without overpowering it.