Delicious Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli Recipe

When weeknight dinners get hectic, I know the feeling of wanting something that’s quick, satisfying, and a little special without too much fuss. That’s exactly how Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli became one of my go-to dishes. It all started on a busy weeknight when I needed a solid recipe that could do double duty—comfort and freshness, all in one pan. From that very first bite, this Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli grabbed my attention with its rich lemon garlic butter sauce, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked bowtie pasta, all brightened by some fresh broccoli. It’s the kind of meal that fills the kitchen with a wonderful aroma and has everyone asking for seconds.

This Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli fits right into those real-life cooking moments when you want flavor and ease without running all over town for fancy ingredients. The creamy lemon pasta sauce, mingled with the savory cowboy butter, creates a comforting yet fresh experience that feels just right for feeding family or friends any night. Whether you’re juggling work, school runs, or just craving something that hits all the marks, this broccoli chicken skillet meal brings warmth and satisfaction without complicated steps.

I’ve grown fond of how reliable this dish can be. It’s flexible enough for tweaks—switching up the greens or adding a touch of spice—and always stays crowd-pleasing. It’s approachable for all skill levels, and that’s what makes me want to share it over and over. If you’re a fellow home cook looking for that perfect lemon garlic butter chicken with bowtie pasta dinner that’s creamy, wholesome, and bursting with flavor, I’m excited for you to try this Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli recipe. It’s a real kitchen winner, and I’m here to walk you through every simple step.

What You’ll Need:

For this Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli, you’ll find the ingredients are simple and mostly pantry staples. Here’s what I use every time:

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (thinly sliced for quick, even cooking)
  • 8 oz bowtie pasta (farfalle)
  • 3 cups fresh broccoli florets
  • 4 tablespoons butter (preferably unsalted)
  • 4 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest
  • 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (about one large lemon)
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (adds that “cowboy” flair, but regular paprika works well too)
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano (you’ll find this in the spice aisle)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for finishing and a touch of creaminess)
  • 1/4 cup chicken broth or water (to keep things saucy and moist)
Raw ingredients for Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli laid out on a marble surface

No problem if you don’t have fresh broccoli—you can use frozen without thawing, just toss it in a little earlier to cook through. And if you’re missing fresh lemon juice, bottled juice is a fine swap that still keeps that bright flavor in Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli.

This recipe stays budget-friendly since the ingredients are common—pasta, chicken, butter, and broccoli don’t break the bank, yet come together to taste far richer than the cost suggests. A little kitchen tip: I like to zest the lemon before juicing so I don’t waste a bit of that fresh citrus zing. If you want to save time, grab pre-minced garlic and pre-cut broccoli; it’s a helpful shortcut when you want your Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli on the table fast.

If you end up with leftovers, store the sauce and chicken separately from the pasta when possible to keep the bowties from getting too soft. A quick reheat in the skillet or microwave with a splash of broth refreshes it beautifully.

And here’s my secret: I always add an extra tablespoon of butter for that silky finish that turns good into restaurant-quality in this Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli.

Let’s Cook It Together!

Ready to dive in? From start to finish, this Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli takes about 35 minutes—perfect for a weekday dinner that feels like a treat.

  1. Boil the bowtie pasta. Start by bringing salted water to a boil and cook the pasta for about 9-11 minutes or until just al dente. While that’s bubbling away, you can prep the chicken and broccoli.
  2. Cook the chicken. Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the sliced chicken breasts with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and dried oregano. Sear the chicken pieces until golden and cooked through, about 4-5 minutes on each side depending on thickness. Remove the chicken and set aside. This one-pan chicken and broccoli step saves cleanup time too.
  3. Sauté the broccoli. In the same skillet, add the broccoli florets. Add a pinch of salt and cook for about 3-4 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp. If your broccoli looks a little too firm, add a splash of chicken broth and cover for one minute—this trick steams it gently.
  4. Make the lemon garlic butter sauce. Lower the heat and add the remaining butter. Toss in the minced garlic and lemon zest, stirring until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Pour in the lemon juice and chicken broth, scrapping the brown bits from the skillet bottom. Let the sauce simmer and thicken slightly—this is where your kitchen will smell amazing.
  5. Combine everything. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet along with the drained bowtie pasta. Toss everything gently to coat with the creamy lemon sauce. Sprinkle the Parmesan cheese over the top and stir until melted and well combined.
  6. Final touch. Taste and adjust seasoning—sometimes I add a little extra lemon juice or a pinch more salt to brighten the dish before serving.

If your Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli looks saucy but not soupy, you’re right on track. If it feels too thick, add a splash of pasta water or broth to loosen things up. You’ll love how the bowtie pasta captures every bit of that lemon garlic butter chicken flavor in this broccoli chicken skillet.

This method lets you multitask without feeling rushed. I usually start boiling pasta, prep chicken and broccoli while the water heats, and even set the table while the sauce simmers. The result is that perfect creamy lemon pasta dinner with broccoli and tender chicken that feels both fresh and hearty.

For a similar satisfying dinner, consider trying the Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine from I Am Homesteader.

How to Serve & Enjoy It!

This Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli shines on its own, but I love pairing it with a few simple sides for a full meal that impresses without fuss.

A crisp green salad or a simple cucumber and tomato side works well. The fresh crunch balances the creamy lemon pasta texture beautifully. You could also serve it alongside a crusty bread or garlic butter dinner rolls to mop up all that buttery sauce.

This dish is perfect for weeknight dinners, casual get-togethers, or even a low-key weekend family meal. I’ve served it when friends drop in without much notice, and it always feels like you put in more effort than you did—which is a win in my book.

If you’re looking to switch things up, sprinkle some toasted pine nuts or a handful of chopped parsley on top for crunch and color. Leftovers reheat well too—just warm gently on the stove or microwave and add a splash of broth to keep the sauce creamy.

Close-up of finished Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli in a skillet

During lemon season or spring gatherings, this Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli feels especially fresh and bright. I’ve found that guests often comment on how vibrant and balanced it tastes, which makes for happy company and a full table.

For more one-pan chicken and broccoli ideas, you might like my Garlic Butter Chicken Thigh Skillet or these Crispy Chicken Tenders with Dipping Sauce for a different spin.

Your Questions Answered

Many home cooks ask if Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli can be made ahead of time. The answer: yes! You can prep the chicken and sauce up to a day before, then toss it all together with cooked pasta and broccoli when you’re ready to serve. Just keep the components separate in the fridge for the best texture.

If you wonder what to use instead of bowtie pasta, penne or rotini make great stand-ins in this lemon garlic butter chicken dish. The shape holds sauce well, keeping every bite tasty.

For serving more or fewer people, scaling this Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli is easy. Double or halve ingredients depending on your crowd—a large skillet or wide pan works best to keep everything cooking evenly.

What if you don’t have smoked paprika? No worries—regular paprika or a pinch of chili powder will add warmth. I’ve even swapped in Italian seasoning instead of oregano when I’m out; it gives the dish a slightly different but still tasty angle.

Some cooks ask about making this dish dairy-free. Try substituting butter with olive oil and using nutritional yeast or a dairy-free Parmesan alternative for a similar depth without dairy. The lemon and garlic flavors shine through either way.

People often want to know how to keep the broccoli crisp in this broccoli chicken skillet. The kitchen tip is to add broccoli towards the end of cooking and avoid overcooking in liquid. Bright green, vibrant florets make the dish pop both on the plate and in flavor.

For a creamier twist on the creamy lemon pasta, stir in a splash of heavy cream or cream cheese while tossing everything together. It’s my favorite variation when I want a richer sauce without losing the fresh lemon promise.

If you love this dish, consider trying the Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta from Pumpkin ‘N Spice for another creamy, zesty variation on lemon garlic butter chicken with pasta.

I hope these answers help you feel confident tackling your own Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli at home. It works no matter where you start in the kitchen—promising reliable, delicious results.

Final Thoughts

This Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli is one I keep coming back to because it’s simply that reliable and delicious. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a casual weekend gathering, it suits the moment with ease and plenty of flavor.

My Best Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli Tips:

  • Always zest your lemon before juicing to get the freshest citrus flavor.
  • Don’t rush the chicken cooking step; let it develop a golden sear for the best texture.
  • Use pasta water to loosen the sauce if it gets too thick—keeps everything silky and perfect.

I’ve tested variations like swapping broccoli for asparagus or green beans, adding chopped sun-dried tomatoes for a tangy pop, and even stirring in a little cream for a richer sauce. The version that gets requested most in my house is with extra lemon zest and a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top—bright, buttery, and fresh.

I encourage you to make this recipe your own by adjusting seasonings or adding any favorites from your kitchen. I love that this Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli feels like a fresh twist on comforting classics with straightforward steps we all can handle.

Give it a try, and I promise you’ll appreciate how it fills your kitchen with amazing smells and your plate with flavors that keep everyone happy. If you want more reliable dinner ideas along these lines, check out my Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Creamy Mashed Potatoes or this Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine from I Am Homesteader.

Here’s to delicious and doable cooking—you’ve got this!

Print

Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli

Beautiful Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli plated

A flavorful and hearty skillet dish featuring tender chicken, zesty lemon cowboy butter, bowtie pasta, and fresh broccoli, perfect for a comforting dinner.

  • Author: Duma Ashton
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Skillet
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 8 oz bowtie pasta
  • 2 cups broccoli florets
  • 4 tbsp cowboy butter (see notes)
  • 1 lemon, zested and juiced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
  • Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Instructions

  1. Cook bowtie pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
  3. Add chicken to skillet and cook 5-7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and golden brown. Remove chicken and rest.
  4. In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
  5. Add broccoli florets and cook 3-4 minutes until tender-crisp.
  6. Return chicken to skillet. Add cooked pasta, cowboy butter, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Toss everything together until evenly coated and heated through.
  7. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the dish and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

For extra flavor, use homemade cowboy butter with fresh herbs and spices. This dish pairs well with a crisp green salad or warm crusty bread.

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