Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli 

If Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli sounds like something you’d order at a cozy bistro after a long day—same. But here’s the good news: you can make it at home, in under an hour, without breaking a sweat or dirtying every pan you own.

This is one of those recipes that gets busy life. It’s buttery without being heavy, zippy thanks to lemon, and packed with protein and veggies so everyone at the table leaves happy (even the broccoli skeptics—trust me on this). Whether you’re juggling work, kids, or just decision fatigue at dinnertime, this dish shows up like a reliable best friend… with pasta.

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

Let me count the ways—because honestly, this one checks all the boxes:

• Weeknight-friendly: Simple steps, familiar ingredients, big payoff
• Comfort + freshness: Rich cowboy butter meets bright lemon and crisp broccoli
• Family-approved: Mild heat, creamy texture, and pasta always wins
• One-skillet magic: Less cleanup = more time to relax after dinner

This recipe quickly became a favorite in my kitchen after one of those “what can I make with what’s already in the fridge?” nights. The kids asked for seconds, my husband asked when I’d make it again, and I quietly added it to my permanent rotation. That’s when you know it’s a keeper.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chicken

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 2 tbsp olive oil

For the Cowboy Butter Lemon Sauce

• 6 tbsp unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 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
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Pasta & Veggies

• 12 oz bowtie (farfalle) pasta
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for topping)

How to Make Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli 

1. Cook the Pasta & Broccoli

Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a rolling boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook until al dente, stirring occasionally. During the last three minutes, toss the broccoli florets right into the same pot. Easy and efficient.

Before draining, reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water—this little step makes a big difference later. Drain and set aside.

2. Cook the Chicken

Place the chicken pieces in a bowl and season with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss until well coated.

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer and let it sear undisturbed for a couple of minutes before turning. Cook until golden and fully cooked through, about 6–7 minutes total. Remove the chicken and set aside—leave those tasty browned bits in the pan.

3. Make the Cowboy Butter Lemon Sauce

Lower the heat to medium and add butter to the skillet. Let it melt while scraping up all that flavor from the bottom of the pan.

Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (about a minute). Stir in red pepper flakes, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Finish with parsley, chives, salt, and pepper. The aroma alone will make you want to grab a fork early.

4. Bring It All Together

Add the chicken back to the skillet, followed by the pasta and broccoli. Toss gently to coat everything in that glossy lemon butter sauce.

If the sauce feels thick, splash in a little reserved pasta water until it loosens and clings beautifully to every bowtie. Sprinkle in the Parmesan and stir until melted and creamy.

5. Serve & Enjoy

Dish it up while it’s warm. Finish with extra Parmesan, a pinch of parsley, and a squeeze of lemon if you’re feeling fancy (or just honest).

Cooking Tips from My Kitchen to Yours

• Don’t rush the chicken. Letting it sear gives you that golden crust and deeper flavor.
• Pasta water is liquid gold. Add it slowly—you might not need it all.
• Too spicy? Skip the red pepper flakes. Want more heat? Add a pinch more.
• Broccoli too soft? Next time, add it during the last 2 minutes instead of 3.

And if your sauce looks a little separated at first—don’t panic. A good toss and a splash of pasta water usually fixes everything. Cooking isn’t about perfection; it’s about dinner getting on the table.

FAQs About Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken

A Little Kitchen Magic to End On

There’s something deeply comforting about a bowl of Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli—the kind of meal that feels indulgent but still fresh, familiar yet exciting. It’s perfect for busy nights, relaxed weekends, or anytime you want dinner to feel like a small win.

From my kitchen to yours, I hope this recipe brings a little calm, a lot of flavor, and maybe even a few happy sighs around the table.
Happy cooking—and don’t forget to save this one. You’ll want it again.

Don’t Stop Here—More Dinners You’ll Absolutely Love

If this Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli hit the spot (and I’m guessing it did ), your dinner rotation is about to get even more exciting. Here are a few reader-favorite recipes that pair beautifully with the flavors you just enjoyed—think lemony brightness, creamy comfort, and cozy chicken dinners that feel special without extra work:

• Craving more fresh, zesty goodness? You’ll adore this Lemon Butter Chicken with Crispy Zucchini—it’s light, flavorful, and perfect when you want something comforting but not heavy.
• If creamy pasta is your love language, don’t miss the Southern-Style Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta. It’s rich, cozy, and always a hit with family and guests.
• Loved the chicken-and-broccoli combo here? This Baked Potato Chicken and Broccoli Casserole turns those familiar ingredients into an oven-baked, spoon-comfort kind of dinner.
• And if that cowboy butter flavor made you swoon, you’ll want to try Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta next—it’s bold, buttery, and just as irresistible.

Before you go: I’d love to hear how this recipe turned out in your kitchen! If you made it, please leave a quick review and tap those ⭐ stars below—it helps other readers and truly means the world to me. Happy cooking, friend!

Print