Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli

If you’re looking for a weeknight dinner that’s both comforting and impressive, look no further than Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli. This dish masterfully combines tender, Cajun-seasoned chicken with perfectly cooked bowtie pasta and crisp broccoli, all bathed in a vibrant cowboy butter lemon sauce. Each bite is bright, buttery, and deeply satisfying, making it ideal for busy evenings or casual dinner entertaining.

Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just starting to experiment in the kitchen, this recipe is approachable, flavorful, and loaded with textures and colors that make it feel special. The sauce alone is a showstopper — a luscious combination of garlic, butter, lemon, fresh herbs, and a hint of spice that ties the entire dish together beautifully.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy: Ready in just 40 minutes, perfect for weeknights.
• All-in-one flavor: Chicken, pasta, broccoli, and sauce combine seamlessly.
• Vibrant and fresh: Lemon juice, zest, and herbs brighten the rich, buttery sauce.
• Customizable spice level: Optional red pepper flakes allow you to adjust heat.
• Family-friendly: Balanced protein, pasta, and vegetables in one dish.
• Make-ahead friendly: Leftovers store well in the fridge and reheat beautifully.

Ingredients Breakdown

This recipe is divided into three main components: the chicken, the cowboy butter lemon sauce, and the pasta with vegetables. All measurements are exact and should not be modified for best results.

For the Chicken

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 2 tbsp olive oil

For the Cowboy Butter Lemon Sauce

• 6 tbsp unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 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
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Pasta & Veggies

• 12 oz bowtie (farfalle) pasta
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for topping

Tools & Equipment Needed

• Large pot for boiling pasta and vegetables
• Colander to drain pasta
• Large skillet or sauté pan
• Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Knife and cutting board
• Citrus zester or microplane
• Small mixing bowl (optional, for sauce prep)
• Tongs or slotted spoon

Step-by-Step Instructions

This section provides detailed, error-free steps to ensure perfect results every time.

1. Cook the Pasta and Broccoli

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add 12 oz bowtie pasta and cook until al dente.
3. In the last 3 minutes of cooking, add 2 cups broccoli florets.
4. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain pasta and broccoli and set aside.

Tip: Reserving pasta water helps adjust the sauce consistency later, making it silky and allowing it to cling to the pasta.

2. Season the Chicken

1. In a medium bowl, combine chicken pieces with:
   • 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
   • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
   • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
   • Salt and black pepper to taste
2. Toss until chicken is evenly coated.

Pro Tip: Cut the chicken into uniform pieces for even cooking and browning.

3. Cook the Chicken

1. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add seasoned chicken to the skillet.
3. Cook for 6–7 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden and cooked through.
4. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.

4. Make the Cowboy Butter Lemon Sauce

1. In the same skillet over medium heat, melt 6 tbsp unsalted butter.
2. Add 4 cloves minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Stir in 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional) and 1 tsp Dijon mustard.
4. Add the juice and zest of 1 lemon, stirring to combine.
5. Mix in 2 tbsp fresh parsley and 1 tbsp fresh chives.
6. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

Chef Tip: Stir constantly when adding garlic to prevent burning and maintain a smooth sauce.

5. Combine Pasta, Broccoli, and Chicken

1. Return the cooked chicken, pasta, and broccoli to the skillet.
2. Toss everything in the sauce until evenly coated.
3. Add reserved pasta water as needed to thin the sauce and achieve a creamy consistency.
4. Stir in 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese until fully incorporated.

Tip: For extra creaminess, add a splash of cream or cream cheese at this stage.

6. Serve

1. Plate the dish warm.
2. Garnish with extra Parmesan, fresh parsley, and a squeeze of lemon juice.
3. Serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

Flavor Adjustments

• Spice level: Increase red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce for heat.
• Richness: Stir in cream or cream cheese for an extra velvety sauce.

Vegetable Variations

• Swap broccoli for asparagus, zucchini, or spinach.
• Add bell peppers or cherry tomatoes for color and flavor.

Protein Substitutions

• Use shrimp, salmon, or turkey for alternative proteins.
• Plant-based chicken works for a vegetarian version.

Pasta Options

• Penne, rotini, or shells work if you don’t have bowtie pasta.
• Gluten-free pasta can be substituted without affecting flavor.

Flavor Profile & Pairings

Taste

• Buttery, garlicky, and bright with lemon zest and juice
• Mild heat from optional red pepper flakes
• Savory, well-seasoned chicken with Cajun notes

Texture

• Al dente pasta
• Tender chicken
• Crisp-tender broccoli
• Silky, glossy sauce

Side Dish Pairings

• Simple green salad with vinaigrette
• Garlic bread or dinner rolls
• Roasted vegetables for extra fiber

Nutritional Overview (Approximate, Per Serving)

Nutrition	Amount
Calories	510
Protein	34g
Carbohydrates	42g
Fat	22g
Fiber	4g
Sugar	3g
Sodium	750mg
Cholesterol	120mg

Dietary Notes: Contains dairy (butter, Parmesan cheese), suitable for nut-free diets. Can be made gluten-free by swapping pasta.

Make-Ahead & Meal Prep Tips

• Cook pasta and broccoli in advance and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
• Chicken can be marinated and cooked ahead of time, then stored in the fridge.
• Assemble sauce just before serving or reheat leftovers gently in a skillet with a splash of water or broth.

Leftover Storage

• Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheat on the stove or microwave, adding reserved pasta water for a creamy consistency.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen broccoli?

Yes, just add it to the pasta in the last few minutes of boiling.

2. Can I make this dairy-free?

Substitute butter with vegan butter and Parmesan with a dairy-free alternative.

3. What if I don’t have bowtie pasta?

Penne, rotini, or shells are excellent substitutes.

4. Can this recipe be made spicier?

Yes, increase red pepper flakes or add hot sauce to taste.

5. Can I prepare this ahead of time?

Yes — cook chicken and pasta separately and combine with sauce just before serving.

6. How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?

Cook over medium-high heat for 6–7 minutes only, ensuring it remains tender and juicy.

Cooking Timeline (At a Glance)

Stage	Time
Prep Time	15 minutes
Cook Pasta & Broccoli	10–12 minutes
Cook Chicken	6–7 minutes
Make Sauce & Combine	8–10 minutes
Serve	Immediate
Total Time	40 minutes

Serving Suggestions

• Serve immediately for the best texture.
• Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan.
• Pair with roasted veggies or a crisp green salad for a full meal.

Recipe Variations

1. Creamy Garlic Bowtie Chicken – Add a splash of heavy cream for a richer sauce.
2. Spicy Cowboy Chicken – Double red pepper flakes and add cayenne for heat lovers.
3. Mediterranean Style – Add cherry tomatoes, olives, and feta cheese.
4. Protein Swap – Use shrimp or turkey instead of chicken for variation.

Ingredient Spotlight

Chicken

• Choosing: Look for firm, fresh, boneless breasts.
• Storage: Keep refrigerated and use within 1–2 days.
• Why it works: Tender bite-sized pieces absorb seasonings and sauce beautifully.

Butter

• Choosing: Unsalted for better control of seasoning.
• Why it works: Forms the base of the sauce, providing richness and silkiness.

Fresh Herbs

• Parsley and chives brighten the sauce and add a fresh, fragrant finish.

Pro Cooking Tips

• Use pasta water to loosen and bind the sauce.
• Do not overcook broccoli — it should remain slightly crisp.
• Stir in Parmesan at the end to prevent clumping.
• Sauté garlic gently to avoid bitterness.

Storage & Freezing Guide

• Fridge: Up to 3 days in airtight containers.
• Freezing: Cooked pasta, chicken, and sauce can be frozen separately. Thaw overnight and reheat gently.
• Avoid freezing the dish fully assembled; the pasta may become mushy.

Expanded Conclusion

Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli is a delightful balance of buttery richness, bright citrus, and tender textures. Perfect for weeknight dinners, casual entertaining, or meal prep, it combines comfort, flavor, and elegance in one dish.

Its creamy, garlicky, and slightly tangy sauce transforms simple ingredients chicken, pasta, and broccoli into a restaurant-quality meal you can enjoy at home. With minimal cleanup, customizable spice, and versatile variations, this dish is destined to become a favorite in your weekly rotation.

Serve, savor, and share and don’t forget to save a bit for lunch the next day!

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