Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken Pasta with Broccoli for Dinner is an easy, comforting meal perfect for busy weeknights. This dish balances tender chicken, zesty lemon, and creamy butter sauce tossed with pasta and fresh broccoli for a burst of flavor and texture. Plus, it’s quick to make with pantry staples and beginner-friendly steps. Pair it with my Creamy Avocado Egg Salad Recipe for Sandwiches to round out your meal with a fresh side.
Why You'll Love Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken Pasta with Broccoli for Dinner - Easy, Flavorful & Quick
Try this easy Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken Pasta with Broccoli for Dinner recipe – a quick, family-friendly, and flavorful weeknight meal everyone will love.
- Simple, one-skillet butter sauce that’s packed with lemony, savory flavor.
- Quick and easy prep for busy weeknight dinners.
- Protein and veggies combined with pasta for a balanced, satisfying meal.
- Family-friendly and great for leftovers or meal prep.
Ingredients for Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken Pasta with Broccoli for Dinner - Easy, Flavorful & Quick
Chicken: Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for quick cooking; thighs can be substituted but may alter cooking time.Broccoli: Fresh broccoli is best for texture; frozen broccoli works but cook slightly less to avoid sogginess.
- Chicken: Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for quick cooking; thighs can be substituted but may alter cooking time.
- Broccoli: Fresh broccoli is best for texture; frozen broccoli works but cook slightly less to avoid sogginess.
Ingredient Note: Full measurements for Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken Pasta with Broccoli for Dinner - Easy, Flavorful & Quick are listed in the printable recipe card below.
How to Make Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken Pasta with Broccoli for Dinner - Easy, Flavorful & Quick
Step 1 — Prep & Preheat
Cook the pasta and broccoli: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add bowtie pasta and cook according to package instructions, adding broccoli florets during the last 3 minutes. Drain and set aside.
Step 2 — Cook and Build Flavor
Cook the chicken: While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken with smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Add chicken to skillet and cook until golden and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
Step 3 — Finish, Taste, and Adjust
Make the cowboy butter lemon sauce: Reduce heat to medium, add butter to the skillet, and melt. Stir in minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Add lemon zest and juice, and crushed red pepper flakes if using.
Expert Tips for Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken Pasta with Broccoli for Dinner - Easy, Flavorful & Quick
- Cook pasta and broccoli together to save time and reduce cleanup.
- Season chicken well for a deeper flavor boost.
- Use fresh lemon zest and juice for bright, fresh flavor.
Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken Pasta with Broccoli for Dinner - Easy, Flavorful & Quick
Try this easy Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken Pasta with Broccoli for Dinner recipe – a quick, family-friendly, and flavorful weeknight meal everyone will love.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 8 oz bowtie pasta (farfalle)
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Seasonings & Flavor Boosters
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
Optional Toppings
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Extra Parmesan cheese
- Red pepper flakes
Instructions
How to Make Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken Pasta with Broccoli for Dinner
- Cook the pasta and broccoli: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add bowtie pasta and cook according to package instructions, adding broccoli florets during the last 3 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the chicken: While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken with smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Add chicken to skillet and cook until golden and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
- Make the cowboy butter lemon sauce: Reduce heat to medium, add butter to the skillet, and melt. Stir in minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Add lemon zest and juice, and crushed red pepper flakes if using.
- Toss everything together: Return chicken to skillet, then add drained pasta and broccoli. Toss well to coat everything in the lemon butter sauce. Stir in Parmesan cheese. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, topped with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan if desired.
Nutrition (per serving)
Storage, Freezing & Reheating
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Not recommended (texture changes).
- Serve/Reheat: Best chilled or at room temperature.
Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken Pasta with Broccoli for Dinner - Easy, Flavorful & Quick FAQs
Yes! This dish stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to retain texture and flavor.
You can use penne, rotini, or any short pasta you have on hand.
Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking. Consume within 3 days for best quality.
Be careful not to overcook the chicken. Cook it just until no longer pink inside to keep it juicy.
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Before You Go
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