Cowboy Chicken Broccoli Butter Lemon Bowtie Recipe Is a Weeknight Game Changer

I still remember the first time I made this Cowboy Chicken Broccoli Butter Lemon Bowtie Recipe—it filled my kitchen with the most incredible aroma. I was craving something comforting but bright, and this recipe delivered both bold flavors and simple prep. After that first bite, I knew this would become a weeknight favorite in my home.

The buttery lemon sauce clings to each piece of pasta, chicken, and broccoli so well that every forkful feels special. I can honestly say this recipe never fails to impress my family and friends. You can also enjoy a Creamy Jamaican Shrimp Rasta Pasta Recipe for a vibrant seafood twist.

Ingredients Section

Here’s what you’ll need to make this flavorful pasta meal come together perfectly:

For the Chicken

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts – cut into bite-sized pieces so they cook quickly and evenly.
• 1 tsp Cajun seasoning – gives a smoky, peppery backbone to the chicken.
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder – enhances savory depth without overpowering.
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika – adds warmth and subtle smokiness.
• Salt and black pepper to taste – essential for balanced seasoning.
• 2 tbsp olive oil – helps achieve a golden sear on the chicken.

For the Cowboy Butter Lemon Sauce

• 6 tbsp unsalted butter – creates a smooth, rich sauce base while allowing better salt control.
• 4 garlic cloves, minced – fresh garlic adds stronger aroma and flavor than powdered.
• 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional) – gives gentle heat if you enjoy spice.
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard – adds tanginess and helps blend flavors smoothly.
• Juice and zest of 1 lemon – zest intensifies citrus aroma while juice brightens the sauce.
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped – provides freshness and color.
• 1 tbsp fresh chives, chopped – adds a mild onion note without overpowering.
• Salt and pepper to taste.

For the Pasta & Vegetables

• 12 oz bowtie (farfalle) pasta – its shape holds sauce well in every bite.
• 2 cups broccoli florets – fresh broccoli stays crisp and vibrant when cooked.
• 1/2 cup reserved pasta water – the starch helps thicken and bind the sauce.
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for garnish) – freshly grated melts smoothly and tastes richer.
• You might also like trying the Easy Balsamic Glazed Steak Tips and Mushrooms Recipe as another hearty dinner option.

Note: several serving

Variations

You can easily adjust this dish to suit your preferences or dietary needs:

• Swap chicken for shrimp or salmon for a seafood version.
• Use gluten-free or whole wheat pasta if desired.
• Replace butter with plant-based butter and Parmesan with nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option.
• Add vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or bell peppers for extra nutrition.
• Stir in a splash of cream if you prefer a richer, creamier sauce.

Cooking Time

Here’s how long you’ll spend preparing this dish:

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes

Equipment You Need

• Large pot – used to cook pasta and broccoli together.
• Large skillet – where chicken and sauce are cooked.
• Wooden spoon or spatula – helps scrape flavorful bits while cooking.
• Tongs – useful for tossing pasta and sauce evenly.
• Knife and cutting board – needed for chopping ingredients.

How to Make Cowboy Chicken Broccoli Butter Lemon Bowtie Recipe?

This dish comes together smoothly when prepared in simple steps. The process flows naturally from cooking pasta to combining everything in one flavorful pan. Follow these steps for perfect results every time.

Cook the Pasta and Broccoli

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook bowtie pasta until al dente. Add broccoli florets during the final few minutes so they cook until tender but still bright green. Reserve half a cup of pasta water before draining to help create a smooth sauce later.

Sear the Chicken

Season chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and cook chicken until golden and fully cooked. Keep the browned bits in the pan since they add extra flavor to the sauce.

Prepare the Cowboy Butter Lemon Sauce

Lower the heat and melt butter in the same skillet. Add minced garlic and cook briefly until fragrant, then stir in red pepper flakes if using. Mix in Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and zest before finishing with fresh parsley and chives for brightness.

Combine Everything

Return cooked chicken to the skillet and add drained pasta and broccoli. Toss everything together so the sauce coats every ingredient evenly. Add reserved pasta water gradually until the sauce becomes silky and smooth.

Finish and Serve

Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and blended into the sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve warm with extra cheese and a fresh squeeze of lemon for added brightness.

Additional Tips for Making this Recipe Better

From my own experience cooking this dish:

• I always reserve extra pasta water because it improves sauce texture.
• Letting the chicken brown without constant stirring gives deeper flavor.
• Freshly grated cheese melts better than packaged shreds.
• I sometimes add extra lemon juice just before serving for freshness.

How to Serve Cowboy Chicken Broccoli Butter Lemon Bowtie Recipe?

Serve this pasta in wide bowls so the colorful ingredients stand out beautifully. Garnish with extra Parmesan and fresh herbs for a restaurant-style finish. Lemon wedges on the side allow everyone to adjust flavor, and garlic bread or a crisp green salad makes a perfect pairing.

Nutritional Information

Approximate nutritional values per serving:

• Calories: about 540 kcal
• Protein: around 36 g
• Carbohydrates: roughly 42 g
• Fat: about 28 g

Make Ahead and Storage

Refrigeration

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Keeping it sealed well helps preserve both texture and flavor.

Freezing

The dish can be frozen, though pasta and broccoli may soften slightly after thawing. Store portions separately for easier reheating if possible.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. Microwave reheating also works—heat in short intervals and stir to keep the chicken tender.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

This recipe quickly becomes a favorite for many reasons:

• Simple Weeknight Dinner: Quick prep and cooking make it perfect for busy evenings while still tasting special.
• Balanced Flavor: The combination of buttery sauce, lemon brightness, and seasoning creates satisfying flavor.
• Flexible Ingredients: You can easily swap proteins or vegetables to suit your taste.
• Family Friendly: Mild yet flavorful, it appeals to both adults and kids.
• Easy Cleanup: One skillet for sauce means fewer dishes and less cleanup time.

If you’d like, I can also create a printable version or a quick one-page recipe card for easy kitchen use.

Ben Carraoli

Cowboy Chicken Broccoli Butter Lemon Bowtie Recipe

I still remember the first time I made this Cowboy Chicken Broccoli Butter Lemon Bowtie dish—it filled my kitchen with the most incredible aroma. I was craving something comforting but bright, and this recipe delivered both bold flavors and simple prep. After that first bite, I knew this would become a weeknight favorite in my home.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts – cut into bite-sized pieces so they cook quickly and evenly.
• 1 tsp Cajun seasoning – gives a smoky peppery backbone to the chicken.
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder – enhances savory depth without overpowering.
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika – adds warmth and subtle smokiness.
• Salt and black pepper to taste – essential for balanced seasoning.
• 2 tbsp olive oil – helps achieve a golden sear on the chicken.
• 6 tbsp unsalted butter – creates a smooth rich sauce base while allowing better salt control.
• 4 garlic cloves minced – fresh garlic adds stronger aroma and flavor than powdered.
• 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes optional – gives gentle heat if you enjoy spice.
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard – adds tanginess and helps blend flavors smoothly.
• Juice and zest of 1 lemon – zest intensifies citrus aroma while juice brightens the sauce.
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped – provides freshness and color.
• 1 tbsp fresh chives chopped – adds a mild onion note without overpowering.
• Salt and pepper to taste.
• 12 oz bowtie farfalle pasta – its shape holds sauce well in every bite.
• 2 cups broccoli florets – fresh broccoli stays crisp and vibrant when cooked.
• 1/2 cup reserved pasta water – the starch helps thicken and bind the sauce.
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese plus extra for garnish – freshly grated melts smoothly and tastes richer.

Method

 

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook bowtie pasta until al dente. Add broccoli florets during the final few minutes so they cook until tender but still bright green. Reserve half a cup of pasta water before draining to help create a smooth sauce later.
2. Season chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and cook chicken until golden and fully cooked. Keep the browned bits in the pan since they add extra flavor to the sauce.
3. Lower the heat and melt butter in the same skillet. Add minced garlic and cook briefly until fragrant, then stir in red pepper flakes if using. Mix in Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and zest before finishing with fresh parsley and chives for brightness.
4. Return cooked chicken to the skillet and add drained pasta and broccoli. Toss everything together so the sauce coats every ingredient evenly. Add reserved pasta water gradually until the sauce becomes silky and smooth.
5. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and blended into the sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve warm with extra cheese and a fresh squeeze of lemon for added brightness.

Notes

• I always reserve extra pasta water because it improves sauce texture.
• Letting the chicken brown without constant stirring gives deeper flavor.
• Freshly grated cheese melts better than packaged shreds.
• I sometimes add extra lemon juice just before serving for freshness.