Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli Recipe

I’ve got to tell you about this Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli Recipe that quickly became one of my go-to weeknight dinners. It’s everything you’d want—creamy, zesty, with just a hint of Cajun spice that makes it feel like a little celebration in your mouth. Plus, it comes together in under 40 minutes, which is perfect when you need something delicious but don’t have all evening to cook.

What makes this dish extra special is that buttery, lemony sauce that clings to tender pieces of chicken, tender-crisp broccoli, and perfectly al dente bowtie pasta. Seriously, it’s one of those recipes that feels fancy enough to impress but is easy enough to whip up any night. Once you try this Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli Recipe, you’ll want to keep it in your rotation, trust me.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients work beautifully together to balance protein, veggies, and that perfect buttery, tangy sauce. Make sure to get fresh lemons and good-quality butter, as they really shine in this recipe.

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Bite-sized pieces cook quickly and soak up all the flavors perfectly.
• Bowtie pasta (farfalle): Its shape traps the sauce in all the right spots, making every bite a delight.
• Broccoli florets: Adds a fresh, crisp contrast, and I love throwing them in last to keep that nice crunch.
• Cajun seasoning: The secret to that cowboy kick—adjust the spice level to suit your taste.
• Garlic powder & smoked paprika: Adds smoky depth without overpowering the other flavors.
• Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning both the chicken and the sauce.
• Crushed red pepper flakes: Optional, but I add them for a subtle heat that wakes up the dish.
• Dijon mustard: Brings a tangy note that blends beautifully into the butter sauce.
• Lemon juice and zest: Freshen things up and cut through the richness of the butter.
• Fresh parsley and chives: Their bright, herbaceous notes are the perfect finish.
• Olive oil: For cooking the chicken to golden perfection.
• Unsalted butter: The star of the sauce — rich, luscious, and comforting.
• Grated Parmesan cheese: Gives the sauce a creamy, savory lift.
• Reserved pasta water: Helps loosen up the sauce so it coats everything evenly.

Variations

I love making this recipe my own depending on what’s in my kitchen or my mood. This Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli Recipe is so flexible that you can easily swap or add ingredients to make it just right for you.

• Spice it up: I sometimes add more Cajun seasoning or extra red pepper flakes if I’m craving something bolder.
• Swap the chicken: Turkey breast or even shrimp work wonderfully if you want a seafood twist.
• Make it creamy: For that indulgent feel, I add a splash of heavy cream or more Parmesan cheese when stirring the sauce.
• Gluten-free option: Bowtie pasta is easy to replace with any gluten-free pasta if needed—just watch the cooking time.
• More veggies: Toss in sliced bell peppers or asparagus along with broccoli for extra color and variety.

How to Make Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli Recipe

Step 1: Cook Pasta and Broccoli Together

Fill a large pot with salted water and bring it to a boil—seasoning the water is key to flavorful pasta. Add the bowtie pasta and cook according to the package until just al dente. About 3 minutes before it’s done, toss in your broccoli florets. This way, the broccoli steams perfectly without turning mushy. Before draining, reserve half a cup of that pasta water—that little trick saves your sauce from getting gluey later.

Step 2: Season and Sear Your Chicken

Mix the chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper in a bowl. I like to really rub those spices into the chicken so every bite packs flavor. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, and cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until it’s golden and cooked through. Don’t overcrowd the pan; that helps the chicken brown nicely instead of steam.

Step 3: Build the Cowboy Butter Sauce

In the same skillet, melt that glorious butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for a minute or two—it’ll fill your kitchen with the most mouthwatering aroma. Stir in crushed red pepper flakes, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Toss in the fresh parsley and chives, then season with salt and pepper. This sauce is where the magic happens, combining zesty brightness with rich buttery comfort.

Step 4: Bring Everything Together

Add the cooked pasta, broccoli, and chicken back into the skillet. Toss everything gently to coat in the sauce while adding reserved pasta water as needed to keep it nice and saucy. Stir in Parmesan cheese until the sauce turns creamy and clings to everything perfectly. Taste and adjust seasoning if you want, then it’s ready to dish up and enjoy!

How to Serve Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli Recipe

Garnishes

I always finish this dish with an extra sprinkle of Parmesan and a handful of fresh parsley—it adds such a fresh, bright note. Sometimes, a quick squeeze of additional lemon juice just before serving lifts the flavors even more, especially if you love that tangy punch like I do.

Side Dishes

This Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli Recipe is pretty well-rounded, but I like serving it alongside a simple green salad or warm crusty bread to soak up any leftover sauce. On occasion, I’ll throw in some roasted potatoes or even a light soup to make it a full-on cozy meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For special dinners or holidays, I like serving this in a large rustic casserole dish with extra fresh herbs sprinkled on top. It creates a wonderful centerpiece everyone can dive into. Another fun way is plating it individually in deep bowls with a lemon wedge on the side to add a bit of flair and freshness at the table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you plan to eat it later, it helps to drizzle a tiny bit of olive oil or add a splash of water before reheating to keep everything from drying out.

Freezing

This recipe freezes quite well, but I do recommend freezing the pasta and chicken separately from the sauce if possible. When I freeze the whole dish together, the texture of the broccoli can get a bit soft once thawed.

Reheating

I usually reheat leftovers in a skillet over low heat, stirring gently and adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. Microwaving works too, just be sure to cover it to retain moisture and stir occasionally.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a recipe that’s packed with flavor yet uncomplicated enough for busy nights, this Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli Recipe is a winner. I love how it brings together comforting butter and cheese with bright lemon and a spicy kick—perfect for sharing with family or impressing friends. Once you try this, it’ll probably become as much of a favorite in your kitchen as it is in mine. Give it a shot; you won’t regret having this delicious, fuss-free dish in your dinner rotation!

Print