Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken Pasta with Broccoli: 35-Minute Bold Creamy Irresistible.

Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken Pasta with Broccoli has become my go-to weeknight hero. As a chef who also runs a busy home life, I crafted this dish to deliver bold flavor in under 40 minutes with minimal fuss. On my about page, you’ll read that I’m driven by comforting, crowd-pleasing meals that still feel special enough for a weeknight dinner with the family or a quick dinner with colleagues after a long shift. This recipe blends bright lemon, rich butter, and a touch of paprika with tender chicken, broccoli, and bowtie pasta for a creamy, glossy finish. If you’re juggling meetings, carpool, and dinner, this is your plan-ahead-and-deliver solution. Read on for a kitchen-tested method that keeps things simple, joyful, and delicious.

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what make this Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken Pasta with Broccoli special

Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken Pasta with Broccoli is my weeknight hero. I designed it for busy days when taste can’t suffer. Bold lemon, rich butter, and paprika meet chicken and broccoli for a sunny, creamy coat. Bowtie pasta catches the sauce like confetti on a party plate. This one-pan workflow saves time and keeps cleanup light. It’s comforting, crowd-pleasing, and simple enough to pull off after a long day.

strongHooked by flavor and speed

The dish delivers a bold, creamy lemon butter sauce that clings to bowtie pasta and broccoli.

When I whisk butter with lemon and garlic, the kitchen smells like sunshine. The sauce coats every bowtie and brightens the broccoli. It feels like a quick trip to a cozy cafe, right in your skillet.

The structure busy families crave

A one-pan-friendly workflow (start pasta, sear chicken, finish in the same skillet) keeps cleanups light.

I start the pasta first so it waits, hot and ready. Then I sear the chicken in the same pan. Finally, I toss in broccoli and sauce for a glossy finish and easy cleanup.

Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken Pasta with Broccoli in action

Why this exact combination works for weeknights and casual dinners with guests.

People love the bright lemon against the rich butter. Broccoli adds color and crunch, while chicken stays tender. The bowties catch every drop of sauce, turning a simple weeknight into a crowd-pleasing plate.

Why You’ll Love This Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken Pasta with Broccoli

I reach for Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken Pasta with Broccoli on busy weeknights because it delivers bold flavor fast. I love how the lemony butter coats every bite, while broccoli stays crisp and bright. It’s comforting enough for family plates and polished enough for a casual dinner with friends, all with minimal cleanup. The one-pan workflow means I spend less time cooking and more time laughing with loved ones.

Speed and simplicity

Ready in about 35 minutes with a straightforward simmer and toss.

Comfort with a bright edge

Lemon notes cut through richness for a satisfying, light finish.

Ingredients

Here are the ingredients for Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken Pasta with Broccoli, with brief notes on why I reach for each item. Exact quantities print below for easy grocery planning.

• 12 oz bowtie pasta — I love how its playful shape catches the sauce and broccoli.
• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces — I cut them small for fast, even searing.
• 1 tbsp olive oil — I use it to start the chicken and add a touch of richness.
• 3 tbsp butter — the creamy heart of the lemon butter sauce.
• 3 cloves garlic, minced — I add garlic early to bloom its aroma in butter.
• 1 tsp paprika — gives a warm, subtle smokiness that complements lemon.
• ½ tsp chili flakes (optional) — for a gentle heat that brightens the dish.
• ½ tsp salt — seasons every component as it comes together.
• ½ tsp black pepper — a classic bite that anchors flavors.
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning — brings herbal depth without clutter.
• 1 lemon, zested and juiced — I love the bright, sunny citrus that lifts the sauce.
• ½ cup chicken broth — adds body and helps the sauce emulsify.
• 1½ cups broccoli florets — I keep them crisp-tender for color and crunch.
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese — melts into the sauce for extra savoriness.
• 2 tbsp chopped parsley (optional, for garnish) — a fresh, fragrant finish that looks spa-ready.
• Optional substitutions: substitute broccoli with other greens or add spinach; swap Parmesan for Pecorino; use vegan butter and broth if needed.

How to Make Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken Pasta with Broccoli

Step 1: Cook Bowtie Pasta

Cook pasta until al dente; reserve a little pasta water if needed. I keep a splash handy to loosen the sauce later.

Step 2: Sauté Chicken to Perfection

Season chicken with paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper; sear in olive oil until golden and cooked through; set aside. I rest the chicken briefly so juices stay in the meat.

Step 3: Build the Lemon Butter Sauce

In the same pan, melt butter, sauté garlic (and chili flakes if using). Add lemon juice, lemon zest, and chicken broth; scrape up brown bits for depth; simmer briefly. Those browned bits are flavor gold.

Step 4: Finish with Pasta and Broccoli

Return chicken to pan with broccoli; add parmesan; toss with cooked pasta until glossy and well-coated. Adjust with a splash of pasta water if needed. If the sauce tightens, loosen it with a little reserved water.

Step 5: Plate and Garnish

Finish with parsley and extra lemon zest if desired; serve warm. I love a final squeeze of lemon at the table for brightness.

Tips for Success

Ready in about 35 minutes with a straightforward simmer and toss.

Speed and simplicity

Lemon notes cut through richness for a satisfying, light finish.

Equipment Needed

• Large skillet or sauté pan — ideal for searing and finishing the sauce
• Large pot for pasta — gives bowties plenty of room to roll
• Garlic press (or mince finely) — quick, fragrant garlic without mess
• Slotted spoon and tongs — easy to lift, toss, and drain
• Grater for Parmesan (optional microplane) — melt-in, fluffy cheese texture

Variations

• Swap broccoli for sautéed spinach or asparagus in Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken Pasta with Broccoli to keep the dish bright while adding greens.
• Use chicken thighs for richer flavor; adjust cooking time to keep meat juicy.
• Make it lighter: reduce butter to 2 tbsp and stretch the sauce with more broth or pasta water.
• Make it vegetarian: sauté mushrooms and add extra olive oil; replace chicken with chickpeas for protein.

Serving Suggestions

• I serve Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken Pasta with Broccoli with a crisp green salad and lemon wedges for brightness.
• Pair it with a light white wine like Pinot Grigio to echo the citrus notes.
• Garnish with extra parsley or lemon zest for color and aroma.
• For picky eaters, offer grated Parmesan on the side and a little extra sauce.

Make It a Weeknight Staple Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken Pasta with Broccoli: Leftovers, Make-Ahead Tips, and Storage

I love making a double batch of Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken Pasta with Broccoli. Leftovers taste better the next day as flavors mellow, like a song that settles into the room. It saves time on busy nights and keeps my evening calm. That extra batch slips into the week like a trusted friend.

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of broth to restore creaminess.
• Cook pasta fresh for serving if you’re keeping the sauce separate.
• Prepare components in advance: chop broccoli and chicken, grate cheese, and zest lemon.

If you want the best texture, store the pasta and sauce separately. Reheat in the same skillet and toss with a splash of broth. If you like extra color, give the broccoli a quick toss in the pan first.

Make-ahead tips help me stay sane: wash and chop ingredients, zest the lemon, and grate the cheese the night before. Keep each component in its own container, and you’re moments from a cozy, weeknight dinner. I often bake a crusty loaf to serve on the side for a complete meal.

FAQs

Can I make this Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken Pasta with Broccoli ahead of time?

Yes. I prep components ahead; reheat and combine just before serving to retain texture. This keeps the Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken Pasta with Broccoli from thinning out.

Can I use a different pasta shape?

Bowtie is traditional. I often swap in penne, fusilli, or farfalle depending on mood and pantry.

How do I adjust the sauce if it’s too thin or too thick?

I adjust with broth or pasta water. I simmer a bit longer to thicken.

Is this suitable for a dairy-free version?

I sometimes swap olive oil for butter. I use a dairy-free cheese substitute and brighten with zest.

Final Thoughts

Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken Pasta with Broccoli has become more than a weeknight favorite for me. It’s my little secret for turning busy evenings into a feel-good moment. The lemony butter sauce glows, the broccoli stays crisp, and the bowties catch every bit of sauce.

I love how the dish travels from stove to table with minimal fuss. It’s forgiving if you swap broccoli or skip chili flakes. And when guests praise the balance of bright citrus and rich butter, I smile because I cooked that magic.

If you keep a few components prepped, this meal becomes a reliable reset button after a long day. Leftovers become supper for another night or a quick lunch. In short, it’s comfort, brightness, and practicality all simmered into one cheerful plate.

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