If you’re looking for a comforting yet vibrant dinner, this Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli is the perfect choice. Tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and bowtie pasta are tossed in a rich cowboy butter sauce infused with garlic, lemon, herbs, and a touch of spice. It’s an easy family-friendly meal that delivers restaurant-quality flavor with simple ingredients.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich and buttery with bright lemon flavor
- Easy one-pan sauce for minimal cleanup
- Perfect balance of protein, vegetables, and pasta
- Great for busy weeknight dinners
- Family-friendly with customizable spice levels
- Ready in under 40 minutes
- Delicious leftovers for meal prep
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 1.5 pounds chicken breast or chicken tenders, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Cowboy Butter Sauce
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
For the Pasta and Broccoli
- 12 ounces bowtie pasta (farfalle)
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. Cook the bowtie pasta until al dente according to package instructions.
- Add the broccoli florets during the last 3 minutes of cooking.
- Before draining, reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water. Drain the pasta and broccoli and set aside.
- In a large bowl, season the chicken with garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken and cook for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate.
- Reduce heat to medium and add butter to the same skillet.
- Once melted, add minced garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden.
- Stir in the Dijon mustard and red pepper flakes.
- Remove the skillet from the heat and add lemon juice, lemon zest, and a splash of reserved pasta water. Stir until a glossy sauce forms.
- Season the sauce with salt and black pepper.
- Return the skillet to medium heat and add the pasta and broccoli.
- Toss everything together, adding more pasta water as needed to create a silky consistency.
- Add the chicken back to the skillet and toss until evenly coated in the Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli sauce.
- Stir in parsley and thyme.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve immediately with extra parsley and fresh lemon wedges.
Tips & Tricks
- Use chicken thighs for extra juiciness.
- Do not overcook the broccoli; it should remain bright green and slightly crisp.
- Fresh lemon juice provides the best flavor.
- Reserve extra pasta water in case the sauce thickens too much.
- Reduce red pepper flakes for a milder version.
- Add grated Parmesan cheese for extra richness.
- For more vegetables, add spinach, asparagus, or zucchini.
Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Difficulty: Easy
- Dietary Notes: High Protein, Family-Friendly
Notes
- Swap broccoli for green beans or asparagus.
- Whole wheat bowtie pasta works well for added fiber.
- Fresh thyme can be replaced with Italian seasoning.
- Serve with garlic bread, a green salad, or roasted vegetables.
- Add extra lemon zest for a brighter citrus flavor.
Nutrition (Approximate Per Serving)
- Calories: 580
- Protein: 40g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fat: 28g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sodium: 520mg
FAQ
What is cowboy butter?
Cowboy butter is a flavorful butter sauce made with garlic, herbs, mustard, lemon juice, and spices. It adds rich, bold flavor to chicken, steak, seafood, and pasta dishes.
Can I make Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli ahead of time?
Yes. Prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time and store separately. Combine with freshly cooked pasta before serving for the best texture.
Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes. Thaw and drain frozen broccoli before adding it to the pasta to avoid excess moisture.
What other pasta shapes work well?
Penne, rotini, fusilli, rigatoni, and shells are excellent substitutes for bowtie pasta.
How spicy is this recipe?
The red pepper flakes provide mild heat. You can adjust the amount according to your preference.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely. Use your favorite gluten-free pasta and ensure your Dijon mustard is certified gluten-free.
Storage
Refrigerator
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer
Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Add a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if needed.
Similar Recipes
Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli Recipe
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 1.5 pounds chicken breast or chicken tenders cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Cowboy Butter Sauce
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 6 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
For the Pasta and Broccoli
- 12 ounces bowtie pasta farfalle
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. Cook the bowtie pasta until al dente according to package instructions.
- Add the broccoli florets during the last 3 minutes of cooking.
- Before draining, reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water. Drain the pasta and broccoli and set aside.
- In a large bowl, season the chicken with garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken and cook for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate.
- Reduce heat to medium and add butter to the same skillet.
- Once melted, add minced garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden.
- Stir in the Dijon mustard and red pepper flakes.
- Remove the skillet from the heat and add lemon juice, lemon zest, and a splash of reserved pasta water. Stir until a glossy sauce forms.
- Season the sauce with salt and black pepper.
- Return the skillet to medium heat and add the pasta and broccoli.
- Toss everything together, adding more pasta water as needed to create a silky consistency.
- Add the chicken back to the skillet and toss until evenly coated in the Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli sauce.
- Stir in parsley and thyme.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve immediately with extra parsley and fresh lemon wedges.
Notes
- Swap broccoli for green beans or asparagus.
- Whole wheat bowtie pasta works well for added fiber.
- Fresh thyme can be replaced with Italian seasoning.
- Serve with garlic bread, a green salad, or roasted vegetables.
- Add extra lemon zest for a brighter citrus flavor.
Conclusion
This Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli combines tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, crisp broccoli, and a rich lemon-garlic butter sauce for an unforgettable meal. Whether you’re preparing a quick weeknight dinner or serving guests, this flavorful pasta recipe is simple, satisfying, and guaranteed to become a family favorite.