Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli

Name: Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces; 12 oz bowtie (farfalle) pasta; 2 cups broccoli florets; 1 tsp Cajun seasoning; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tsp smoked paprika; Salt to taste; Black pepper to taste; 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional); 1 tsp Dijon mustard; Juice and zest of 1 lemon; 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped; 1 tbsp fresh chives, chopped; 2 tbsp olive oil; 6 tbsp unsalted butter; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/2 cup reserved pasta water

by Isabella Reed Published: November 11, 2025

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Let me tell you about my absolute favorite weeknight meal: Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli. This dish is like a warm hug in a bowl! I remember the first time I made it; I was rushing to get dinner ready after a long day, and I thought, “Why not whip up something delicious yet simple?” The bright, zesty flavors of lemon paired with the rich butter sauce just dance on your taste buds, and the tender chicken and crunchy broccoli make it a complete meal that’s satisfying and nutritious.

What I love most about this recipe is how quickly it comes together—just 35 minutes from start to finish! It’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual get-togethers. Plus, it’s so versatile that you can adapt it easily based on what you have on hand. Trust me, once you try this dish, it’ll become a staple in your kitchen as it has in mine!

Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli - detail 1

Why You’ll Love Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli

This recipe is a delightful combination of flavors that brings a little sunshine to your dinner table! First of all, the zesty lemon and creamy butter sauce creates a mouthwatering experience that’s hard to resist. The Cajun seasoning adds a subtle kick that perfectly complements the richness of the butter, making each bite a flavor explosion.

Plus, it’s packed with nutrition! The chicken is a fantastic source of protein, while the broccoli provides essential vitamins and fiber. Not to mention, the bowtie pasta adds a fun twist that makes the meal feel special. And did I mention how easy it is? With just one skillet and a pot for the pasta, cleanup is a breeze! You can have this delicious dinner on the table in 35 minutes or less, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or when you want to impress friends with minimal effort. Trust me, once you taste it, you’ll be hooked!

Ingredients You’ll Need

To whip up this Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli, you’ll need a handful of simple ingredients that pack a punch of flavor! Here’s what you’ll need:

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
12 oz bowtie (farfalle) pasta
2 cups broccoli florets (fresh is best for that vibrant crunch!)
1 tsp Cajun seasoning (feel free to adjust based on your spice preference)
1/2 tsp garlic powder (it adds a lovely depth of flavor)
1/2 tsp smoked paprika (this gives a nice smoky touch)
Salt to taste
Black pepper to taste
1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, but it adds an extra kick!)
1 tsp Dijon mustard (for a tangy twist)
Juice and zest of 1 lemon (fresh lemon really brightens the dish)
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for that pop of color and freshness)
1 tbsp fresh chives, chopped (optional, but they add a lovely onion flavor)
2 tbsp olive oil (for cooking the chicken)
6 tbsp unsalted butter (because butter makes everything better!)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (the finishing touch that makes it irresistible!)
1/2 cup reserved pasta water (to adjust the sauce consistency)

These ingredients come together to create a meal that’s not only delicious but also feels gourmet! If you have any dietary restrictions, don’t worry—I’ll share some substitution ideas in the helpful notes section. Now, let’s get cooking!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now, let’s dive into making this delicious Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli! I promise it’s super easy, and I’ll walk you through each step. Let’s get cooking!

Cooking the Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once it’s bubbling away, toss in your 12 oz of bowtie pasta. Cook it according to the package instructions, usually about 10-12 minutes, until it’s al dente—meaning it should still have a bit of a bite to it. You don’t want mushy pasta! Keep an eye on it, and taste a piece just to check if it’s ready. Once it’s done, drain the pasta, but be sure to save about 1/2 cup of that starchy pasta water—trust me, it’s going to help you create the perfect sauce later!

Preparing the Chicken

While the pasta is cooking, grab a large skillet and heat up 2 tbsp of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, it’s time to add your bite-sized pieces of chicken breast. Sprinkle on the 1 tsp of Cajun seasoning, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, and season with salt and black pepper to taste. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s nicely browned and cooked through. Make sure to check that it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safety. The smell? Oh, it’s divine!

Adding Broccoli and Mixing Sauce

Once the chicken is cooked, toss in your 2 cups of broccoli florets. Stir everything together and let it cook for another 3-4 minutes until the broccoli turns bright green and is tender but still has that perfect crunch. Now, while that’s happening, grab a separate bowl and mix together the Dijon mustard, lemon juice, lemon zest, chopped parsley, chopped chives, and those optional crushed red pepper flakes. This zesty mixture is going to elevate your dish!

Combining Everything

Now for the grand finale! Reduce the heat to low and add the 6 tbsp of unsalted butter to the skillet, stirring until it melts and coats everything beautifully. Then, pour in your sauce mixture and stir to combine all that flavor. Now, add the cooked bowtie pasta and pour in the reserved pasta water a little at a time. This is where you can adjust the sauce to your liking—if it feels too thick, just add a splash more of the pasta water. Give everything a good toss, and watch as it all comes together in a creamy, dreamy embrace. Finally, serve it up hot and sprinkle with the 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Enjoy your delicious creation!

Variations

One of the best things about Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli is how adaptable it is! If you want to switch things up, consider trying different proteins. Shrimp or scallops can be a fantastic substitution for chicken, adding a lovely seafood twist. Just be sure to adjust the cooking times accordingly since they cook faster!

If you’re looking to amp up the veggie game, feel free to toss in other colorful vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, or even asparagus. They not only add great flavor but also make the dish even more nutritious. For a heartier version, you could add some cooked white beans or chickpeas for a protein boost!

For those following a gluten-free diet, using gluten-free pasta is an easy swap that keeps the dish just as delicious. And if you’re aiming for a lighter option, you could reduce the amount of butter or substitute it with olive oil. Trust me, experimenting with these variations will keep this dish exciting and fresh every time you make it!

Serving and Storage Tips

When it comes to serving your Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli, I recommend serving it hot right off the skillet. It pairs beautifully with a light side salad or some crusty garlic bread for a more filling meal. You can also add a sprinkle of extra parsley or chives on top for that pop of color and flavor—trust me, it makes a difference!

If you have any leftovers (which I hope you do, because they’re just as tasty!), you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just make sure to let it cool down a bit before sealing it up. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat it on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or some extra butter to loosen up the sauce. This will help revive that creamy texture!

If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze the leftovers for up to 2 months. Just remember to portion it out into freezer-safe containers. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and then reheat as mentioned above. Enjoy your delicious meal again and again!

Helpful Notes

Here are a few extra tips to help you make the most of your Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli! First, if you’re sensitive to spice, feel free to reduce or completely omit the Cajun seasoning and crushed red pepper flakes. You can also try other seasonings like Italian herbs for a milder flavor.

As for the butter, if you’re looking to lighten things up a bit, you can reduce the amount of butter to 4 tablespoons and replace the rest with olive oil. This will still give you a nice flavor without all the extra fat. If you want a dairy-free option, simply substitute the butter with a high-quality plant-based butter.

Lastly, this dish is packed with protein from the chicken, but if you’re looking for a vegetarian option, replacing the chicken with sautéed mushrooms or a mix of your favorite veggies can still give you that hearty feel! Enjoy exploring these options!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Frozen broccoli works just fine. Just make sure to thaw it beforehand and drain any excess water to avoid making your dish watery.

2. What if I don’t have Cajun seasoning?

No problem! You can create your own spice blend using paprika, cayenne pepper, and dried herbs like oregano and thyme. Or, just use whatever spices you have on hand that you enjoy!

3. How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The best way to check is to use a meat thermometer; it should read 165°F. If you don’t have one, just make sure the chicken is no longer pink in the center and the juices run clear.

4. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Sure! You can prepare the chicken and sauce in advance, then simply cook the pasta and combine everything when you’re ready to serve. Just keep in mind that the pasta may absorb some sauce as it sits, so you might want to add a touch more pasta water when reheating.

5. What’s the serving size for this recipe?

This recipe yields about 4 servings, depending on how hungry you are! If you’re serving it with sides, it could easily stretch to 5 servings. Enjoy!

Final Thoughts

There you have it, my friends! Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli is not just a meal; it’s a delightful experience that brings warmth and joy to your dinner table. The combination of zesty lemon, creamy butter, and perfectly seasoned chicken is truly a match made in culinary heaven. Plus, with its quick preparation time and minimal cleanup, it’s perfect for those busy weeknights or when you want to impress guests without the stress.

I encourage you to give this recipe a try and let it become a favorite in your household, just like it has in mine. Don’t forget to share your experiences and any delicious variations you come up with! Happy cooking!

Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli