There’s something about the first time I whipped up my Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli that still sticks with me like the comforting aroma of a Sunday supper. I remember standing in my little kitchen, the air thick with the sizzling sound of chicken hitting hot butter and the bright zing of fresh lemon juice swirling in, and thinking, “This is it—the kind of easy chicken pasta dinner that feels like a warm hug.” That moment was a game-changer for me, especially as a busy mom juggling endless to-dos while still wanting to serve up meals that say “I love you” without fuss or stress.
Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli quickly became a family favorite around here because it hits that perfect balance—creamy lemon chicken pasta that’s fresh and hearty all at once. The bowtie pasta chicken recipe is simple but special, thanks to the luscious lemon butter sauce chicken that ties everything together, with broccoli adding just the right pop of green and crunch in this broccoli pasta skillet style meal. If you’ve ever felt stuck in a dinner rut, unsure how to make a meal that’s both satisfying and quick, you’ll know what a relief it is to find a recipe like this one.
I’ll be honest: there were times I overcooked the chicken or the sauce turned out too tangy before I found my groove with this Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli. One classic “aha” was realizing that using fresh lemon juice—not bottled—is the secret for that bright, balanced tang. And, oh, the tricks I learned about timing the pasta just right because no one wants a soggy broccoli pasta skillet, am I right? That’s part of the fun, though—figuring it out, one creamy lemon chicken pasta dinner at a time!
This recipe slots perfectly into my family’s busy weeknights when we need something nourishing, delicious, and speedy. It’s downright comfort food that comes together in about 30 minutes, and it even reheats well, making it a favorite for leftovers the next day. Plus, it’s one of those dishes my kids actually ask for, which is the highest praise in my kitchen.
I first discovered the magic of Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli during a whirlwind week when I desperately needed an easy chicken pasta dinner that wouldn’t have me glued to the stove. It quickly became a go-to, and over time, it’s become a kitchen staple that I love sharing on the blog, especially because it pairs well with so many sides and flavors. If you want a delicious meal that feels like it took all day but really didn’t, stick around—I’m excited to walk you through how to make your own Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli and share all my personal tips and stories along the way.
If you love comforting meals with a fresh twist, you might also want to check out my Broccoli Cheddar Soup with Shells—a perfect pairing for cozy days—and my Crispy Feta Chicken with Hot Honey Drizzle, which offers a completely different zing but just as much heart.
What You’ll Need for This Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli
Gathering ingredients for Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli is like assembling a small box of sunshine and comfort. Here’s what you’ll want before the magic begins:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts – I always use fresh chicken breasts, trimmed and pounded to even thickness for quick, even cooking. When I’m in a rush, pre-cut chicken works just fine too.
- 8 ounces bowtie pasta (farfalle) – This bowtie pasta chicken recipe comes alive with these pretty little shapes that hold the lemon butter sauce beautifully.
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets – Fresh is best here, but frozen works in a pinch (just be sure to thaw and drain it well). Broccoli pasta skillet dishes need that nice green crunch.
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter – For the cowboy butter, I swear by real butter with no salt so I can control seasoning perfectly.
- 3 garlic cloves, minced – Fresh garlic is key for that punch in our lemon butter sauce chicken.
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice – Oh, the brightness! Bottled lemon juice just can’t compete here, and it makes all the difference.
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest – I usually zest right over the pan, so none of that zesty goodness drifts away.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika – This is where the “cowboy butter” part gets its smoky depth, and trust me, it’s worth it.
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional) – For a hint of heat that my family loves.
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese – This adds that creamy finish for the creamy lemon chicken pasta effect.
When making Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli, you can find most of these ingredients in your local grocery store’s produce and dairy aisles. I learned a trick from my friend Debbie to buy cheese in larger blocks and grate it fresh—it makes a noticeable difference in flavor and saves money. Also, frozen broccoli florets can be a cost-saving shortcut in a pinch.
A quick tip for busy families: you can prepare the broccoli and garlic the night before to save precious minutes on the day of cooking. If you want to prep even further, cooking the pasta ahead and cooling it can help you assemble this creamy lemon chicken pasta dish in no time.
If you end up with leftover butter or cheese, store them tightly wrapped or in airtight containers in the fridge to keep their flavor fresh for your next Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli or even other dishes like my Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup.
Let’s Make This Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli Together
Alright, girlfriend, roll up those sleeves because this Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli is about to become your new go-to recipe for a comfort meal with a fresh twist. Don’t worry if your first try isn’t perfect—trust me, I’ve been there, and I’ll walk you through every step!
- Boil your pasta and prep broccoli: Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook according to package instructions, usually about 10-12 minutes, until al dente. In the last 3 minutes of cooking, toss in the broccoli florets so they cook tender but still have a bit of crunch. Drain and set aside. This step helps keep your broccoli pasta skillet balanced—not mushy and not raw.
- Season and cook the chicken: While the pasta is cooking, pat your chicken breasts dry and season both sides generously with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and, if you like a little kick, crushed red pepper flakes. Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp of 165°F). I learned the hard way that rushing this step means dry chicken—so keep an eye on your timing.
- Make that dreamy lemon butter sauce: Remove chicken to a plate and reduce heat slightly. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet along with minced garlic; cook for about 1 minute until fragrant (don’t let it burn!). Add fresh lemon juice and lemon zest, stirring to pick up all those browned bits from the chicken. Your kitchen will smell amazing—that’s your cue that you’re nailing this creamy lemon chicken pasta.
- Combine pasta, broccoli, chicken, and sauce: Slice your chicken into bite-sized pieces. Add the cooked bowtie pasta and broccoli right into the skillet, toss everything gently to coat in the lemon butter sauce. Then sprinkle in that freshly grated Parmesan cheese, stirring just until melted and creamy.
- Final tasting and tweaks: Give your Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli a taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Sometimes I like a splash more lemon juice or a shake more Parmesan. This step makes all the difference between good and “I’m making this every week” good.
In my kitchen, Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli usually takes around 30 minutes from start to finish. While the pasta cooks, I tidy up the prep area and think about what side dish might finish the meal (more on that soon!). Pro tip: if you want to save time without sacrificing freshness, you can poach or grill the chicken earlier in the day and just warm it through when you assemble this creamy lemon chicken pasta.
For more ideas and inspiration around making easy chicken pasta dinners, I recently found this delicious Bowtie Pasta with Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken & Parmesan recipe on Facebook. It’s a close cousin to our Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli and a great way to switch things up while sticking with those comforting flavors we love.
Also, if you want to dive deeper into perfecting your lemon butter sauce chicken technique, this Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine – I Am Homesteader tutorial is super helpful with extra tips on timing and sauce consistency.
How I Love to Serve This Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli
My family absolutely loves this Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli when I serve it alongside a crisp green salad and some crusty bread to soak up every last drop of that lemon butter sauce chicken goodness. We also enjoy it with some roasted potatoes when we want to make the meal heartier.
This Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli is perfect for casual weeknight dinners or even for when friends stop by unexpectedly. I love pulling it together because it looks lovely on the plate—those bowtie pastas dressed in creamy lemon pasta sauce, topped with vibrant bright green broccoli and tender chicken slices. Presentation is simple but inviting, and I always sprinkle just a tad of extra Parmesan and some fresh cracked black pepper on top before serving.
If you have extra Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli, leftovers reheat wonderfully in a skillet with a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce. Sometimes I transform leftover portions into a filling for wraps or stuff it into baked bell peppers with a sprinkle of cheese on top. Leftover ideas are a family favorite topic around here, and this recipe shines for that reason.
Seasonally, I like swapping broccoli for asparagus in spring or adding sun-dried tomatoes for an extra burst of flavor in summer. Each twist makes this Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli feel fresh and new.
Friends always ask for this Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli recipe when I host, and it’s common to hear, “I want that lemon butter sauce chicken again!” which makes me smile every time.
If you’re looking for other dishes to serve alongside, don’t miss my Broccoli Cheddar Soup with Shells or my Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup for warming companions. They complement the flavors beautifully and round out the meal nicely.
Your Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli Questions Answered
Q: Can I use frozen broccoli for this Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli?
Absolutely! I’ve done it several times. Just thaw the broccoli and drain any excess water before adding it to the pasta. It’s a useful shortcut for busy nights when fresh produce shopping falls through.
Q: What if I don’t have bowtie pasta?
No worries! Penne, rotini, or even shells work perfectly for this creamy lemon chicken pasta dish. The key is choosing a pasta shape that holds sauce well, so your Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli still tastes amazing.
Q: How can I make the lemon butter sauce chicken less tangy?
If it feels too lemony, add an extra tablespoon of butter or a tiny splash of cream to balance the acidity. That’s a favorite tweak I’ve made over the years based on my family’s tastes.
Q: Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
You can! Substitute the butter with dairy-free margarine or olive oil, and use nutritional yeast or a dairy-free cheese alternative instead of Parmesan. I tried this variation for a friend once, and it still turned out rich and comforting.
Q: How do I keep the chicken moist?
Pounding chicken breasts to an even thickness helps them cook evenly. Also, don’t overcook; 5-6 minutes per side usually does the trick. Rest the chicken a few minutes after cooking before slicing for the juiciest results.
Q: What if my cowboy butter sauce thickens too much?
Just add a splash of chicken broth or pasta water to thin and loosen the sauce. It’s a simple fix I found by trial and error. Keeping some pasta water handy is a great cooking tip.
Q: Can I prepare this in advance?
For sure! Cook the pasta and broccoli, and grill or pan-cook the chicken ahead of time. Store everything separately, then assemble and heat the sauce just before serving. It’s a lifesaver on busy days.
Many readers have shared that customizing the red pepper flakes spice level helped tailor this Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli to their households. You know what I do when my kids want it milder? I leave the spicy bit on the side for adults.
For more tips on making broccoli pasta skillet dishes and easy chicken pasta dinners like this one, take a look at this Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli post on Facebook.
My Final Thoughts on This Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli
This Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s one of those dishes that grew out of real family life—crazy busy schedules, picky eaters, and the need for comfort throwing its arms around us at the end of the day. It’s creamy lemon chicken pasta that’s approachable and nourishing, exactly how I like my meals to feel in my kitchen and on my blog.
My Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli Pro Tips:
- Use fresh lemon juice and zest to make your lemon butter sauce chicken really sing.
- Don’t rush the chicken cooking; it’s the star of this dish, so give it its moment to shine juicy and golden.
- Save pasta water to loosen your broccoli pasta skillet sauce—it’s the secret ingredient for creamy perfection.
I’ve tried many variations of this recipe: swapping broccoli for green beans, adding sun-dried tomatoes, or even tossing in some cooked bacon to make it extra hearty. My husband loves it with extra heat from red pepper flakes, while my kids prefer it mild and creamy. It’s flexible, which makes it a keeper throughout all seasons.
I encourage you to make this Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli your own. Tweak it, play with it, and share it—because the greatest joys of cooking come from sharing food and stories around the table.
For more family-friendly, easy chicken pasta dinners like this one, be sure to check out my Crispy Feta Chicken with Hot Honey Drizzle; it’s a different flavor but just as comforting and shareable.
I hope your kitchen fills with the same warm, zesty aromas this Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli does in mine—and that it brings your family together for many happy meals. You’ve got this, friend! Happy cooking.
If you want to revisit the comforting flair of creamy lemon chicken pasta combined with veggies, give my Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup a try—it’s like sunshine in a bowl.
And hey, if you made it this far, thanks for spending a little time with me in my kitchen. Let’s keep cooking and sharing these little moments that make family meals so special.
Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli
This Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli is a flavorful and hearty skillet meal combining tender chicken, zesty lemon butter sauce, and nutritious broccoli 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
- 8 oz bowtie pasta
- 2 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 3 tbsp cowboy butter (see note)
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Cook bowtie pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Steam or blanch broccoli florets until tender-crisp. Set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Cook chicken in the skillet for 5-7 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and let rest.
- In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Reduce heat to low and stir in cowboy butter, lemon juice, and lemon zest until melted and combined.
- Slice the cooked chicken into strips and return to the skillet. Add broccoli and cooked pasta, tossing gently to coat with the lemon butter sauce.
- Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve immediately garnished with extra lemon zest or parsley if desired.
Notes
For an extra kick, add a pinch of smoked paprika to the cowboy butter or garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives.