I still remember the time this Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli first made it onto our weeknight dinner rotation. It was one of those evenings where I needed something quick, satisfying, and fuss-free. My family, always a bit hungry after a long day, gave it a round of applause for the perfect blend of flavors and easy cleanup. This dish fits right into real home cooking because it uses familiar ingredients to deliver big taste without spending hours in the kitchen.
What makes this Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli so worthwhile is the way the creamy garlic lemon sauce ties everything together—bright, buttery, and just a touch tangy. The broccoli adds that fresh vegetable crunch, and the bowtie pasta carries the sauce perfectly. Plus, it’s one of those meals that feels comfy and fresh all at once.
If you’re a cooking friend who appreciates a steady, delicious recipe you can come back to time and again, this is it. From busy weeknights to casual dinners with friends, this Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli brings everyone around the table with smiles. Let’s get you set up to make this new favorite in your home!
What You’ll Need:
Here’s what you’ll gather to make Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli. These ingredients are simple, probably already in your pantry and fridge, which is why this recipe feels so doable for everyday cooking:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces (if you don’t have chicken breasts, thighs work well too—they stay extra juicy in this Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli)
- 8 ounces bowtie pasta (also called farfalle, and if you want a twist, penne or rotini works fine for a quick swap)
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets (frozen broccoli can save time here, just toss it in a little earlier)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (you’ll find this in the dairy aisle—don’t sweat it if you only have salted butter; just skip extra salt in the recipe)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced (fresh garlic is best to give that garlic punch in your Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli)
- Zest and juice of one lemon (really wakes up the whole dish)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (regular or low sodium)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (for that creamy garlic lemon sauce, half-and-half can work for a lighter option)
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, but it brings that “cowboy butter” flavor that’s cozy and smoky)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (this adds a nice finishing touch)
This Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli keeps costs reasonable because it leans on basics you likely have. Stock up eggs and chicken when on sale, and fresh broccoli won’t break the bank. Bowtie pasta is often a grocery regular, and butter and cream are pantry staples.
Prep shortcut: cut your chicken and broccoli the night before or grab pre-cut broccoli for an even faster dinner.
If you happen to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to keep the creamy garlic lemon sauce tasting fresh.
One little change I do in this Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli is adding a sprinkle of red pepper flakes when cooking the garlic for a tiny kick—nothing too hot, just enough to brighten it up.
Let’s Make It Together:
From start to finish, this Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli takes about 30 to 35 minutes—perfect for a weeknight meal that feels like a treat.
- Cook your bowtie pasta according to package instructions but stop two minutes before it’s completely al dente. This way, it finishes cooking with the sauce later. While your water boils, go ahead and prep the chicken and broccoli.
- Sear the chicken in a large skillet over medium heat with about 2 tablespoons of butter. Season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Cook until nicely browned and almost cooked through—about 5 to 6 minutes. Don’t overload the pan; you want a good sear. Once browned, remove chicken and set aside.
- Add garlic to the pan, then add the remaining butter and let the garlic soften and smell amazing—about 1 minute.
- Stir in the lemon zest and juice, chicken broth, and heavy cream. Let this creamy garlic lemon sauce come to a low simmer.
- Return the chicken to the pan along with the broccoli and partially cooked bowtie pasta. Toss everything gently and let simmer about 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally. The pasta finishes cooking right in the lemon butter, soaking up plenty of flavor while the broccoli gets a tender-crisp touch.
- Finish with Parmesan cheese stirred through just before serving.
When your Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli is ready, your kitchen smells phenomenal—a mix of bright lemon, roasted garlic, and butter.
Quick tip: While the pasta cooks, start a simple salad or warm some crusty bread to serve alongside. It’s all about multitasking for easy weeknight wins.
Don’t worry if some sauce clings a bit more on one side—that’s home cooking for you. Just give it a good toss before plating.
Once you’ve made this a few times, you’ll find the rhythm in timing and seasoning that fits your tastes. I’ve found patience in simmering the sauce makes all the difference in this Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli. It really pulls everything together beautifully.
How to Serve & Enjoy:
I usually serve this Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli straight from the skillet, plating generous scoops onto warm dishes. It feels hearty and fresh at the same time.
For side dishes, a crisp green salad or roasted sweet potatoes work great. If you want to keep everything cozy, try a simple batch of steamed green beans or pickles on the side to cut through the richness.
This meal shines as a family dinner, a casual weekend lunch, or when you have friends over for something satisfying but uncomplicated. It pairs perfectly with a chilled glass of white wine or sparkling water with lemon slices.
Presentation tip: A little sprinkle of fresh parsley or extra Parmesan on top goes a long way to make it feel special.
Leftovers can be turned into a filling lunch—just reheat gently in the microwave or on the stove and maybe add a squeeze of fresh lemon to brighten things back up.
Seasonal spin: I’ve swapped broccoli for asparagus in early spring or added sun-dried tomatoes in late summer for a touch of sweetness. This flexibility is part of why Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli stays in my regular lineup.
Friends always ask for the recipe after trying this dish, which tells me it’s a winner in terms of comfort and flavor.
Your Questions Answered:
Can I make this Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can prepare the sauce and chicken in advance, store it separately, and combine with freshly cooked pasta and broccoli when ready. Just reheat gently to keep the creamy garlic lemon sauce silky.
What’s a good substitute for bowtie pasta in this recipe?
If you don’t have bowtie pasta, penne, rotini, or even spaghetti can work nice. You want a pasta that holds sauce well, so avoid something too thin or delicate.
How do I adjust this recipe for a bigger crowd?
Simply double the ingredients. Make sure your skillet or pan is large enough to toss everything comfortably. For very large batches, cooking pasta and sauce separately then combining in a large serving dish works well.
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen works fine—just add it earlier in the sauce step to make sure it gets enough time to heat through and become tender.
Is there a lighter version of this creamy garlic lemon sauce?
Yes, swap heavy cream for half-and-half or even a mixture of low-fat milk with a tablespoon of flour to maintain some creaminess. The flavor remains lovely but a little lighter on calories.
Can I add other vegetables to this dish?
Definitely. Bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms are great additions. Just sauté them along with garlic before adding liquids for a more complex veggie mix.
What’s the secret to getting that “cowboy butter” flavor?
The mix of butter, garlic, smoked paprika, and lemon juice is key. Take your time to brown the chicken well and don’t rush the sauce simmer—this builds the rich flavor that notes of “cowboy butter” rely on.
For more ideas similar to this dish, check out my favorite one-pot chicken and broccoli pasta recipes like One Pan Chicken Dinner with Buttered Noodles or the cozy Crockpot Maple Dijon Chicken with Butternut Squash for a change of pace that’s just as satisfying.
Check out some inspiration from others too: Bowtie Pasta with Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken & Parmesan and Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine – I Am Homesteader have some great ideas you might find handy.
Final Thoughts:
This Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli holds a special place in my recipe collection because it hits that perfect balance of comfort, freshness, and simplicity. It’s a dish that’s always there for me on busy days when I want something straightforward but satisfying without feeling repetitive.
My Best Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli Tips:
- Don’t rush the garlic butter sauce simmer to get the best flavor.
- Using fresh lemon zest alongside juice brightens everything up.
- Browning the chicken thoroughly locks in juiciness and adds depth.
I’ve tested a few variations like swapping broccoli for spinach, adding sun-dried tomatoes, or using chicken thighs for extra richness. The version everyone asks for most is the classic broccoli and bowtie pasta with that creamy garlic lemon sauce.
I encourage you to make this dish your own—adjust the seasoning, swap veggies, or throw in fresh herbs you love. This Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli is forgiving and dependable, perfect for any home cook wanting a crowd-pleaser.
If you love this, your family might also enjoy my Roasted Butternut Squash with Ground Turkey or make a comforting one-pot meal like the One pot dinner- Sausage & Broccoli Bow Tie Pasta for another easy supper.
No matter how you make it, I hope this recipe brings a little extra comfort and confidence to your everyday cooking. Happy cooking, friend!
Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli
This Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli is a flavorful, easy-to-make skillet dish combining tender chicken, zesty lemon butter sauce, and nutritious broccoli served over bowtie pasta.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 12 oz bowtie pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook bowtie pasta according to package directions until al dente, drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Season chicken pieces with smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper, then add to skillet and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add remaining 2 tablespoons butter and minced garlic; sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in lemon zest, lemon juice, and chicken broth; bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Add broccoli florets to the skillet, cover, and steam until tender-crisp, about 3-4 minutes.
- Return chicken to the skillet, then add cooked bowtie pasta and Parmesan cheese; toss everything together to coat in the lemon butter sauce.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve warm.
Notes
For extra richness, drizzle a little extra melted butter over the dish before serving or add a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for some heat.