Irresistibly Juicy Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli

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A Zesty One-Pan Family Favorite

Bring bold flavors to your dinner table with this Irresistibly Juicy Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli. Tender, golden-seared chicken is tossed with perfectly cooked bowtie pasta, crisp-tender broccoli, and a rich cowboy butter sauce infused with garlic, fresh lemon, herbs, and a touch of spice. Finished with Parmesan and fresh parsley, this comforting one-pan meal is bursting with flavor while being easy enough for busy weeknights. If you’re searching for a satisfying chicken bowtie pasta recipe or a hearty cowboy butter pasta, this dish is guaranteed to become a family favorite.

⏱️ Time Breakdown

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Servings: 6

πŸ“ Ingredients

For the Chicken

  • 1Β½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • Β½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Pasta

  • 12 ounces (340 g) bowtie (farfalle) pasta
  • 3 cups broccoli florets
  • Β½ cup reserved pasta water

For the Cowboy Butter Lemon Sauce

  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 5 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • Juice of 1 large lemon
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley
  • 1 teaspoon dried chives
  • Β½ teaspoon dried thyme
  • Β½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
  • Β½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ΒΌ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • Β½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Optional Garnishes

  • Extra Parmesan cheese
  • Lemon wedges
  • Fresh cracked black pepper

✨ Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

This recipe doesn’t require fancy gadgets, just a few reliable kitchen basics to keep everything simple and stress-free.

  • Large skillet
  • Large pot
  • Colander
  • Sharp knife
  • Cutting board
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
  • Cheese grater
  • Citrus zester

πŸ‘©β€πŸ³ Step-by-Step Beginner-Friendly Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta 🍝

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook according to the package directions. During the final 3 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets to the same pot. Reserve Β½ cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta and broccoli.

2. Season the Chicken πŸ—

Pat the chicken dry and season with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder.

3. Sear the Chicken

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer and cook for 4–5 minutes per side, until golden brown and fully cooked to an internal temperature of 165Β°F (74Β°C). Transfer the chicken to a plate.

4. Make the Cowboy Butter Sauce πŸ§„

Reduce the heat to medium. Melt the butter in the same skillet. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30–60 seconds until fragrant. Add the Dijon mustard, lemon juice, lemon zest, dried parsley, dried chives, thyme, smoked paprika, and crushed red pepper flakes. Stir until the sauce is smooth and aromatic.

5. Combine Everything 😊

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add the drained pasta and broccoli, tossing gently to coat everything in the buttery lemon sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, stir in a splash of the reserved pasta water until silky.

6. Finish with Parmesan

Sprinkle in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted into the sauce. Cook for 1–2 minutes, allowing all the flavors to come together.

7. Garnish and Serve ✨

Top with chopped fresh parsley, extra Parmesan, cracked black pepper, and lemon wedges. Serve immediately while hot.

πŸ’‘ Pro Tips

  • Don’t overcook the broccoli: Add it during the last few minutes of boiling so it stays bright green and crisp-tender.
  • Fresh lemon makes a difference: Fresh juice and zest provide a brighter, more vibrant flavor than bottled lemon juice.
  • Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Reheating: Warm gently with a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce.

🌟 Variations

  • Creamy Cowboy Butter Pasta: Stir in Β½ cup heavy cream for an extra-rich sauce.
  • Extra Veggies: Add spinach, asparagus, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes.
  • Seafood Twist: Replace the chicken with shrimp for a quick and flavorful variation.
  • Whole Wheat Version: Use whole wheat bowtie pasta for added fiber.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs stay extra juicy and work wonderfully in this recipe.

What is cowboy butter?
Cowboy butter is a flavorful compound butter made with garlic, herbs, lemon, Dijon mustard, and spices. It adds rich, savory flavor to meats, vegetables, and pasta.

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. Prepare the dish up to a day ahead and reheat gently before serving.

Can I freeze it?
While the chicken freezes well, the pasta and broccoli are best enjoyed fresh for the best texture.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

Serve this flavorful pasta with:

  • Garlic bread
  • Caesar salad
  • Roasted asparagus
  • Steamed green beans
  • Cucumber and tomato salad
  • Roasted Brussels sprouts
  • Sparkling lemonade or iced tea

This Irresistibly Juicy Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli is a bright, buttery, and satisfying meal that’s packed with juicy chicken, tender pasta, crisp broccoli, and a zesty garlic lemon sauce. It’s the perfect one-pan dinner for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or whenever you’re craving a comforting homemade meal with bold, unforgettable flavor.

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