Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli

I make this Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli when I want a bold, zesty dinner that feels both comforting and fresh. Tender chicken, bright lemon, rich buttery sauce, and perfectly cooked bowtie pasta come together with crisp broccoli for a balanced and satisfying meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how the cowboy butter-inspired sauce transforms simple ingredients into something incredibly flavorful. The combination of garlic, lemon, herbs, and butter coats the pasta and chicken beautifully, creating a dish that feels indulgent without being complicated.

I also appreciate how everything cooks in under an hour. The broccoli adds color, texture, and freshness, making the meal feel complete in one pan. It is perfect for weeknights when I want something impressive but manageable.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

12 ounces bowtie (farfalle) pasta
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon paprika
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Juice of 1 lemon
Zest of 1 lemon
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
1 teaspoon dried thyme
2 cups broccoli florets
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Directions

I start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. I cook the bowtie pasta according to package instructions, adding the broccoli florets during the last 2 to 3 minutes of cooking. I reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining everything together.

While the pasta cooks, I heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. I season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and paprika, then add them to the skillet. I cook for about 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden and cooked through. I remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

In the same skillet, I reduce the heat slightly and add the butter. Once melted, I stir in the garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

I whisk in the Dijon mustard, lemon juice, lemon zest, thyme, and parsley. I let the sauce simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes so the flavors combine.

I return the cooked chicken to the skillet, then add the drained pasta and broccoli. I toss everything together, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce and help it coat the pasta evenly.

I finish by sprinkling Parmesan cheese on top if I want an extra savory touch, and serve it warm.

Servings and timing

I usually get about 4 servings from this recipe.

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes

Variations

I sometimes swap the chicken breasts for chicken thighs for extra juiciness. When I want more vegetables, I add spinach, asparagus, or green beans.

If I prefer a creamier version, I stir in a splash of heavy cream or a spoonful of cream cheese to the sauce. For extra brightness, I add more lemon zest right before serving.

I also enjoy using whole wheat pasta for a heartier texture.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

When reheating, I prefer using the stovetop over low heat. I add a small splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce as it warms. If I use the microwave, I heat it in short intervals and stir between each round to ensure even heating.

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli?

I can use frozen broccoli, but I prefer to thaw and drain it first so it does not release too much moisture into the dish.

What is cowboy butter flavor?

For me, cowboy butter flavor means a rich buttery base mixed with garlic, lemon, herbs, and a little heat from red pepper flakes.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

I can prepare it a few hours in advance and reheat gently before serving. I add a splash of liquid when reheating to keep it from drying out.

Can I make this gluten-free?

I simply substitute gluten-free pasta and make sure the Dijon mustard and other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

How do I keep the chicken tender?

I avoid overcooking the chicken and remove it from the skillet as soon as it is cooked through. Adding it back into the sauce at the end helps keep it juicy.

Conclusion

I find this Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli to be the perfect balance of bold flavor and comforting texture. The buttery lemon sauce, tender chicken, and vibrant broccoli create a meal that feels special yet easy enough for any night of the week.

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