Ever tasted a dish that’s like a warm hug on a plate?

Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli is just that! This crowd-pleasing, creamy pasta dish combines the zesty brightness of lemon, the richness of a buttery sauce, and tender chicken, all while embracing the delightful crunch of broccoli. Plus, it’s a one-pan wonder, which means quick cleanup, more time for you to kick back!

Why make this recipe

Here’s why this dish deserves a spot on your dinner table:

Quick and easy: With minimal fuss, you can whip this up in about 30 minutes. Who doesn’t love that?
Kid-approved: The combination of pasta and a creamy sauce makes it a hit with the little ones. They’ll be asking for seconds (or thirds!).
One pan to rule them all: Less cleanup means more time for relaxing—unless, of course, you enjoy scrubbing pans. 😅

Ingredients

You don’t need fancy stuff — just these basics!

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
12 oz bowtie (farfalle) pasta
2 cups broccoli florets
1 tsp Cajun seasoning (Adjust according to spice preference)
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
Salt to taste
Black pepper to taste
1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
1 tsp Dijon mustard
Juice and zest of 1 lemon
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
1 tbsp fresh chives, chopped
2 tbsp olive oil (For cooking chicken)
6 tbsp unsalted butter (For the sauce)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (Plus extra for topping)
1/2 cup reserved pasta water (To adjust sauce consistency)

Directions

Creating this deliciousness is a breeze! Follow these simple steps:

Preparation: Cook the bowtie pasta in salted water according to package instructions. During the last couple of minutes, add the broccoli to the pot. Drain and set aside, reserving some pasta water.
Cooking Chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Cook until golden and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
Making the Sauce: In the same skillet, lower the heat and add unsalted butter. Once melted, stir in Dijon mustard, lemon juice, lemon zest, and Parmesan cheese. Add a splash of the reserved pasta water to reach desired consistency.
Combining Ingredients: Toss the chicken, pasta, and broccoli into the skillet with the sauce. Mix well and adjust seasoning if necessary. Finish with fresh parsley and chives.

How to make Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli (Overview)

It’s as easy as 1-2-3! Start by cooking your pasta and broccoli together for convenience. While they’re busy blending their flavors, you’ll sizzle up that seasoned chicken. Once golden, you quickly whip up the buttery sauce to bring everything together, and voila! Quick tip: Don’t skip the zest, it’s what takes the flavor to the next level!

How to serve Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli

Serve this vibrant dish straight from the skillet for a rustic feel. It looks stunning with pops of green broccoli against the creamy, buttery chicken and pasta. Consider sprinkling some extra Parmesan on top for good measure and a sprinkle of fresh herbs. The aroma will reel everyone to the table before you even finish plating!

How to store Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli

It’ll keep well in the fridge for about 3-4 days in an airtight container. Want to save some for later? Freeze it for up to 2 months. When reheating, add a splash of water to help bring back that creamy consistency.

Tips to make Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli

Cook your chicken in batches if your skillet is small. Overcrowding won’t give you that lovely sear.
If you want to lighten it up, swap half the butter for more reserved pasta water.
Feel free to substitute the chicken with shrimp or a plant-based protein for a twist!

Variation

Try adding some veggies into the mix, like spinach or sun-dried tomatoes, for a different flair. Want it vegan? Use chickpeas instead of chicken and swap butter for plant-based alternatives, keeping that delightful lemon goodness!

FAQs

Can I use whole grain pasta? Absolutely! Whole grain bowtie pasta works just as well for added nutrition.
Can I make this ahead of time? Yes! Prepare everything and combine it at dinner time to keep the pasta and sauce fresh.
Is this freezable? You bet! Just make sure to let it cool completely before freezing to maintain texture.

📌 Pin this recipe for your next cozy dinner night!