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Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli Recipe

Tender chicken, bowtie pasta, and broccoli tossed in a rich cowboy butter sauce.
Loaded with garlic, lemon, herbs, and bold flavor.
Easy 35-minute dinner perfect for busy weeknights.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American

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.