Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli Recipe

Some recipes capture the essence of comfort while still feeling fresh and exciting, and this Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli is one of those dishes. It’s the kind of meal you turn to on busy weeknights when you crave something satisfying but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. Imagine tender, Cajun-seasoned chicken, perfectly cooked bowtie pasta, and crisp-tender broccoli all tossed together in a zesty, garlicky cowboy butter sauce brightened with lemon.

The inspiration for this dish comes from the bold and flavorful cowboy butter—a savory butter blend packed with herbs, garlic, lemon, and a touch of spice—that has become a favorite pairing for grilled meats. Here, that same butter gets transformed into a luscious pasta sauce, making each bite creamy, tangy, and unforgettable. Whether you’re cooking for your family, meal prepping for the week, or hosting friends, this recipe delivers big flavor with minimal effort.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you’re still wondering whether this dish deserves a spot on your dinner rotation, here are a few reasons it’s bound to become a favorite:

• Quick and simple: Ready in just 40 minutes, making it weeknight-friendly.

• Wholesome and balanced: Lean chicken breast, hearty pasta, and nutrient-rich broccoli come together in one skillet.

• Bold flavor: Cajun spices, garlic, lemon, and fresh herbs create a punchy, tangy, and satisfying sauce.

• Customizable: Swap the pasta shape, add extra veggies, or adjust the spice level to suit your preferences.

• Family-friendly: Mild enough for kids (you can control the heat), but flavorful enough to satisfy adults.

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Ingredients

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, adjust to taste)

• 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)

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Directions

1. Cook the Pasta & Broccoli

Begin by preparing the base of the dish: the pasta and broccoli. Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil and add a generous amount of salt—about a tablespoon for every 4–5 quarts of water. Salting the water not only seasons the pasta as it cooks but also enhances the flavor of the final dish.

Once the water is boiling, add the bowtie pasta (also known as farfalle). Stir occasionally to keep the pieces from sticking together, and cook according to the package directions until the pasta reaches an al dente texture—tender yet still slightly firm in the center.

During the last three minutes of the pasta’s cooking time, add the broccoli florets directly into the boiling water. This technique saves time and prevents you from dirtying an extra pan. The broccoli will cook just enough to become tender-crisp, meaning it’s soft enough to bite but still retains a slight crunch and its vibrant green color.

Before draining, dip a heatproof cup or measuring glass into the pot and carefully reserve about 1/2 cup of the starchy cooking water. This liquid is valuable—it contains starch released from the pasta and will help the sauce later on cling beautifully to every bite. Once reserved, drain the pasta and broccoli together in a colander. Set them aside while you prepare the chicken and sauce.

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2. Cook the Chicken

While the pasta and broccoli are resting, turn your attention to the chicken. Place the bite-sized chicken breast pieces into a mixing bowl. Sprinkle them with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Toss well until each piece is evenly coated. The spice blend provides a smoky, slightly spicy kick that balances perfectly with the zesty cowboy butter sauce you’ll make later.

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil shimmers, add the seasoned chicken in a single layer, giving the pieces enough space so they can sear instead of steaming. Resist the urge to move them too quickly—let the chicken sit undisturbed for 2–3 minutes on one side to develop a golden-brown crust. Then, turn them occasionally until all sides are browned and the chicken is cooked through, about 6–7 minutes total.

Check for doneness by cutting into a piece—the center should be opaque with no pink remaining, or use a meat thermometer to ensure it has reached an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside. Don’t wash the skillet; the flavorful browned bits left behind will enrich your sauce.

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3. Make the Cowboy Butter Lemon Sauce

Reduce the heat under your skillet to medium. Add the butter to the pan and let it melt, scraping up the browned bits from the chicken with a wooden spoon or spatula. These bits infuse the sauce with incredible depth of flavor.

Next, add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1–2 minutes until fragrant and just beginning to turn golden. Be careful not to let the garlic burn, as it can become bitter. Stir in the crushed red pepper flakes for a gentle heat (or omit them if you prefer a milder dish).

Whisk in the Dijon mustard, which provides a subtle tang that balances the richness of the butter. Then add both the lemon juice and lemon zest. The juice brings brightness and acidity, while the zest contributes concentrated citrus oils for a more pronounced lemon flavor. Finish the sauce by stirring in fresh parsley and chives, then season with a pinch of salt and black pepper.

At this point, you’ll have a fragrant, buttery sauce with a lively balance of richness and citrus—exactly what makes cowboy butter so irresistible.

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4. Combine Everything

Now it’s time to bring all the components together. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, followed by the pasta and broccoli. Using tongs or a large spoon, toss everything until evenly coated in the sauce.

If the sauce feels too thick or doesn’t coat the pasta smoothly, gradually add a splash or two of the reserved pasta water. The starch in the water helps the butter and lemon emulsion cling beautifully to the pasta, creating a silky texture.

Once the mixture is well combined, sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese melts into the sauce, adding richness and creaminess. Continue tossing until every bowtie, broccoli floret, and chicken piece glistens with the buttery lemon coating.

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5. Serve

Transfer the pasta mixture onto plates or into shallow bowls for serving. For a restaurant-quality finish, top each portion with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese, an extra scattering of chopped parsley, and a final squeeze of lemon juice. The garnish not only makes the dish visually appealing but also adds layers of freshness that balance the richness of the sauce.

Serve the dish immediately while warm. Each bite offers a combination of tender pasta, juicy chicken, crisp-tender broccoli, and a zesty cowboy butter lemon sauce that ties it all together. It’s a meal that feels both hearty and refreshing—perfect for family dinners, casual entertaining, or simply treating yourself to a flavorful weeknight meal.

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Prep Time, Cook Time, Yield

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 25 minutes

• Total Time: 40 minutes

• Yield: 4 servings

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Tips for the Best Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken

1. Cut chicken evenly – This ensures all pieces cook at the same rate, preventing dry or undercooked bits.

2. Season generously – The Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika create depth, so don’t skimp.

3. Save pasta water – The starchy water is the key to a silky, clingy sauce.

4. Balance the lemon – Use both juice and zest for the brightest flavor without being overwhelming.

5. Don’t overcook the broccoli – Add it in the last few minutes for that perfect tender-crisp bite.

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Variations to Try

This recipe is incredibly flexible, so don’t be afraid to make it your own:

• Swap the pasta: Try penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine instead of bowties.

• Add more vegetables: Mushrooms, asparagus, or zucchini would pair beautifully.

• Make it creamy: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of cream cheese for a richer sauce.

• Go spicy: Increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce for extra heat.

• Change the protein: Use shrimp, salmon, or even rotisserie chicken if you prefer.

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What is Cowboy Butter?

Cowboy butter is a compound butter traditionally made with softened butter, garlic, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, fresh herbs, and a little spice. It’s often served as a dipping sauce for steak or as a finishing touch for grilled meats and seafood. In this recipe, it’s transformed into a full-bodied sauce that pairs perfectly with pasta and chicken. The richness of butter balances the tangy lemon and bold Cajun spices, creating a sauce that’s both indulgent and refreshing.

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Serving Suggestions

This pasta skillet makes a complete meal on its own, but you can elevate your table with a few simple sides:

• Garlic bread or baguette: Perfect for mopping up the extra sauce.

• Simple green salad: A crisp salad with vinaigrette balances the richness of the dish.

• Roasted vegetables: Carrots, Brussels sprouts, or bell peppers complement the lemony butter sauce.

If you’re cooking for guests, add a light dessert like lemon sorbet or fresh berries to round out the meal.

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Storage and Reheating

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

• Freezer: This recipe isn’t ideal for freezing, as the butter-based sauce can separate. However, you can freeze the cooked chicken and broccoli separately and make the pasta fresh.

• Reheating: Warm gently in a skillet with a splash of water or broth to bring the sauce back together. Avoid microwaving too long, which can dry out the chicken.

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Health Benefits of This Dish

This recipe doesn’t just taste good—it brings a balance of nutrients to your plate:

• Chicken breast: A lean protein source that supports muscle repair and keeps you full.

• Broccoli: Packed with fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants.

• Lemon: Adds vitamin C and aids digestion.

• Herbs: Fresh parsley and chives bring vitamins A and K, plus anti-inflammatory properties.

By combining whole ingredients with fresh herbs and a bright, flavorful sauce, you get a wholesome dinner that doesn’t feel heavy.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes! Chicken thighs will add even more juiciness and flavor. Just adjust cooking time slightly as thighs may take a bit longer.

Is there a way to make this lighter?
You can reduce the butter to 4 tablespoons and increase the lemon juice slightly for a lighter sauce without losing too much flavor.

What if I don’t have Cajun seasoning?
Make your own with a mix of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, and cayenne. Or use Italian seasoning for a milder twist.

Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes, simply omit the chicken and add extra veggies or plant-based protein like chickpeas.

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