Hey y'all! If you're craving something bold, zesty, and perfect for just about any night of the week, look no further than this Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli. It's a flavor-packed dinner that combines juicy chicken, tender bowtie pasta, bright broccoli, and a punchy Cowboy Butter sauce with fresh lemon – all in just 30 minutes! It’s easy enough for busy weeknights but impressive enough to wow your dinner guests. Let’s get cooking!

Why You'll Love This Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli

Quick and simple – Ready in just 30 minutes with minimal prep.
Packed with flavor – Rich, buttery sauce meets tangy lemon and savory herbs.
Perfectly balanced – Protein, veggies, and pasta all in one bowl.
Versatile – Great for family dinners, meal prep, or weekend gatherings.
Customizable – Swap out veggies or pasta shapes to suit your cravings.

Ingredients

12 oz (340 g) bowtie (farfalle) pasta
1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
2 cups broccoli florets (about 1 medium head)
2 tablespoon olive oil, divided
1 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
½ teaspoon black pepper, divided
4 tablespoon unsalted butter
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
2 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (about 1 large lemon)
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon fresh parsley, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
Zest of 1 lemon
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional for serving)

Directions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta and Broccoli

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook for 6 minutes. Add broccoli florets to the pasta water and cook together for an additional 3–4 minutes, until the pasta is al dente and broccoli is crisp-tender.
Reserve ½ cup pasta water. Drain pasta and broccoli, set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Meanwhile, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken with ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. Add chicken pieces to the skillet and sauté for 5–7 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove chicken to a plate.

Step 3: Make Cowboy Butter Sauce

In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil and 4 tablespoons butter. When butter is melted, stir in minced garlic, smoked paprika, remaining salt and pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for about 1 minute, until fragrant.
Stir in Dijon mustard, lemon juice, lemon zest, and parsley. Cook another 30 seconds.

Step 4: Combine & Serve

Add cooked pasta, broccoli, and chicken back to the skillet. Toss everything to coat in the cowboy butter lemon sauce, adding reserved pasta water as needed for a silky sauce.
Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and extra parsley. Serve warm with fresh lemon wedges if desired.

Notes

Cut broccoli into uniform, bite-size florets for even cooking.
Reserve a bit of pasta water to help the sauce coat every bite.
Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the brightest flavor.

Variations

Spicy Kick: Use extra red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for more heat.
Veggie Swap: Substitute asparagus, zucchini, or snap peas for the broccoli.
Pasta Change: Try penne, rotini, or whole wheat pasta for a twist.

Required Equipment

Large pot for boiling pasta
Large skillet
Mixing spoon or tongs
Knife and cutting board
Zester or fine grater
Measuring cups and spoons

Storage Instructions

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.
Not ideal for freezing due to the dairy-rich sauce.

Suggested Pairings

Crusty garlic bread
Simple green salad with balsamic vinaigrette
Chilled glass of sauvignon blanc or sparkling lemonade

Pro Tips

Let the skillet cool slightly before adding butter to avoid burning.
Taste and adjust seasoning right before serving – a pinch of extra salt or lemon can liven things up.
For even more flavor, marinate chicken with a splash of lemon and garlic for 30 minutes before cooking.

FAQ

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead?: Absolutely! Shred rotisserie chicken and toss it in with the sauce at the end for a super quick meal.
How do I keep the chicken juicy?: Don't overcook it – sauté just until golden and cooked through, and let it rest briefly before combining with the pasta.
Is there a dairy-free option?: Yes – sub vegan butter and skip the Parmesan for a dairy-free version.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes