Jump to Recipe Print RecipeAs I stood in my kitchen, a joyful chaos of pots and pans surrounding me, I realized that the best meals often come together in the simplest moments. Today, I’m excited to share my Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli—a dish that transforms a busy weeknight into a family feast. With tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and bowtie pasta dressed in a creamy, zesty sauce, this recipe strikes the perfect balance between comfort and quick prep. Plus, it’s a wonderful way to sneak in some veggies that even the kids will love. What’s not to adore about a creamy chicken dish that feels like a warm hug? Ready to dive into the deliciousness? Let’s get cooking! Why is this chicken recipe a must-try? Comforting and Creamy: This Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken is an embrace of flavor, with rich creaminess that guarantees smiles around the dinner table. Quick Preparation: In just 30 minutes, you can have a delightful family meal ready, perfect for busy weeknights that still deserve something special. Versatile Ingredients: Feel free to swap vegetables with options like bell peppers or zucchini to keep things fresh and exciting. Kid-Approved: Packed with flavors that even the pickiest eaters will enjoy, this dish turns broccoli into a delicious highlight instead of a dreaded side. Crowd-Pleaser: Whether it’s a family dinner or a small gathering, everyone will love this comforting dish, making it a fantastic choice for various occasions. Hearty Yet Light: Balance is key here, as this meal feels indulgent without being overly heavy, allowing for seconds without regret. Plus, for an extra treat, check out my Hawaiian Chicken Salad for a tropical twist on a comforting classic! Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken Ingredients • Dive into the flavors of this comforting dish! For the Chicken Chicken breasts – Boneless and skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces for easy eating. Cajun seasoning – 1 tsp for a touch of spice; feel free to adjust based on your heat tolerance. Garlic powder – 1/2 tsp to enhance the savory depth of the chicken. Smoked paprika – 1/2 tsp adds a delicious smokiness to the mix. Salt & Black pepper – To taste; essential for bringing out the flavors. For the Pasta and Vegetables Bowtie pasta – 12 oz; use gluten-free pasta if desired for a lighter alternative. Broccoli florets – 2 cups, packed with nutrients; consider veggies like zucchini or bell peppers for variations. For the Sauce Unsalted butter – 6 tbsp to create that creamy richness everyone loves. Olive oil – 2 tbsp for sautéing the chicken beautifully. Dijon mustard – 1 tsp brings a tangy twist to the sauce. Lemon juice and zest – From 1 lemon, crucial for the dish’s zesty brightness. Fresh parsley & chives – 2 tbsp parsley and 1 tbsp chives for that fresh garnish. Parmesan cheese – 1/2 cup grated for flavor; extra for topping if desired. For the Optional Kick Red pepper flakes – 1/2 tsp (optional) for an added zing. For the Finishing Touch Reserved pasta water – 1/2 cup to adjust sauce consistency for that perfect creamy texture. Now that you have all the ingredients for your Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken, let’s keep the excitement going as we prepare this comforting, creamy delight! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken Step 1: Cook Pasta & Broccoli In a large pot, bring salted water to a rolling boil. Add 12 oz of bowtie pasta and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. In the final 3 minutes of cooking, add 2 cups of broccoli florets to the pot. Once done, reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, drain the pasta and broccoli, and set aside to lock in that vibrant green color. Step 2: Season Chicken In a medium bowl, take your bite-sized chicken pieces and toss them with 1 tsp of Cajun seasoning, 1/2 tsp of garlic powder, 1/2 tsp of smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper to taste. Make sure each piece is evenly coated. This blend will infuse your Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with delicious flavor right from the start. Step 3: Cook Chicken Heat 2 tbsp of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken pieces in a single layer and sauté for about 6-7 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Use a spatula to flip the pieces for even cooking. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside, keeping it warm. Step 4: Make Sauce In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium, and melt 6 tbsp of unsalted butter. Once melted, add minced garlic (if using) and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then stir in 1/2 tsp of red pepper flakes (if you like some heat), 1 tsp of Dijon mustard, the lemon juice, and zest from 1 lemon. Add in 2 tbsp of chopped parsley and 1 tbsp of chives, seasoning the sauce with salt and pepper. Step 5: Combine Everything Return the cooked bowtie pasta, broccoli, and reserved chicken to the skillet. Toss everything together gently, allowing each piece to be coated in the creamy sauce. Slowly add the reserved pasta water as needed to achieve your desired sauce consistency. Lastly, stir in 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy, integrating it fully into the Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken. Step 6: Serve Dish up your Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken warm, garnishing with extra grated Parmesan if desired, a sprinkle of fresh parsley, and a squeeze of lemon juice. The final result features vibrant colors and rich flavors, making it an inviting centerpiece for your family dinner table. Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken Variations Feel free to explore these variations to make the Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken your own and savor every bite! Vegetable Boost: Add spinach or bell peppers for additional color and nutrition. Sauté them along with the chicken for a delicious twist! Gluten-Free: Swap the bowtie pasta for your favorite gluten-free pasta. Enjoy the same creamy goodness without the gluten! Low-Calorie Option: Use skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts for juiciness while reducing calories. It’s a great way to maintain flavor! Creamy Alternative: For an even richer sauce, replace half of the butter with heavy cream. This will elevate the creaminess to a whole new level. Spice it Up: Increase the red pepper flakes or add diced jalapeños for more heat. Perfect for those who love a fiery kick in their meals! Zesty Kick: Incorporate some lime juice in addition to lemon. This brightens the dish and adds a zesty twist that enhances the flavors even more! Herb Swap: Instead of parsley and chives, try using basil or cilantro for a fresh herby flavor that pairs beautifully with the lemon. Sausage Swirl: Substitute some of the chicken with andouille sausage or your favorite smoked sausage for a hearty, flavor-packed variation that’s just as comforting. For more delicious ideas, you might enjoy trying my Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas or a refreshing Chicken Bacon Ranch to mix up your weeknight meals! Make Ahead Options These Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can dice the chicken and season it with spices up to 24 hours in advance, keeping it covered in the refrigerator to maintain freshness. The pasta can be cooked and tossed with a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking, then refrigerated for up to 3 days. As for the broccoli, you can pre-steam it, storing the florets in an airtight container to retain their vibrant color. When you’re ready to serve, simply sauté the prepped chicken until golden, combine it with the pasta, broccoli, and sauce, and you’ll have a delicious family meal with minimal effort! What to Serve with Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken Elevate your family dinner by pairing this creamy, zesty dish with delightful sides that enchant the senses. Garlic Bread: Perfectly toasted and fragrant, garlic bread adds a comforting crunch that complements the creamy chicken beautifully. Green Salad: A fresh salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness of the pasta, brightening every bite. Roasted Asparagus: Tender asparagus, lightly seasoned and roasted until crisp, brings an earthy flavor that plays wonderfully against the zesty notes of lemon in the chicken. Steamed Green Beans: Their snap and vibrant color not only enhance the dish’s aesthetics but also deliver a delightful crunch that contrasts with the creamy pasta. Lemon Sorbet: A refreshing lemon sorbet offers a light and zesty end to your meal, cleansing the palate and leaving everyone feeling invigorated. Chardonnay: Pair your meal with a crisp glass of Chardonnay, whose fruity undertones and acidity will enhance the lemony flavors of your Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken. Each of these pairs adds a delightful twist to your dining experience, inviting family and friends to share in a meal that’s comforting and memorable. How to Store and Freeze Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken Fridge: Store any leftover Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken in an airtight container for up to 2 days to keep it fresh and flavorful. Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the dish in a tightly-sealed container for up to 1 month. Be sure to leave some space for expansion. Reheating: When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of reserved pasta water for creaminess. Airtight Storage: To avoid freezer burn, double wrap the container with plastic wrap before placing it in the freezer. Expert Tips for Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken Sauce Consistency: Adjust the creaminess by slowly adding reserved pasta water. This ensures your Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken reaches that perfect, luscious texture. Seasoning Balance: Taste as you go! This enables you to adjust the Cajun seasoning and salt, making sure the flavors are just right for your family’s preference. Pasta Cooking: Remember to cook the pasta al dente. If overcooked, it can become mushy, making your dish less enjoyable. Keep an eye on the timer! Vegetable Variety: Feel free to mix in seasonal vegetables. Zucchini or bell peppers can add color and nutrients, keeping it exciting for everyone at the table. Butter Boost: For extra richness, increase the amount of butter and Parmesan cheese slightly. It will make the sauce irresistibly creamy and flavorful. Make It Ahead: If you’re short on time, prepare the chicken and sauce in advance and store them separately. Just combine with fresh pasta and broccoli when ready to serve! Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken Recipe FAQs How do I choose the right chicken for this recipe? Absolutely! When selecting chicken breasts, look for boneless, skinless pieces that are plump and have a pinkish hue. Avoid any that have a slimy texture or discoloration. Fresh chicken should feel firm to the touch; this ensures you’re using quality meat for your Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken. How should I store leftovers? Of course! Leftover Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken should be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. Be sure to let the dish cool completely before transferring it to a container for the best flavor preservation. Can I freeze Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken? Yes, you can! To freeze the dish, transfer the cooled Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken into a tightly-sealed container or freezer bag, leaving a bit of space for expansion. It will stay fresh for up to 1 month in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove with some reserved pasta water to revive its creamy texture. What can I do if my sauce is too thick? Very! If you find your sauce has thickened too much, slowly stir in the reserved pasta water, a couple of tablespoons at a time, until achieving your desired consistency. Don’t worry; it’s a common occurrence! This reserved water not only adds the right creaminess but also enhances the flavor, making it perfect for your Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken. Are there any dietary considerations for this recipe? Definitely! This Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken can be easily adapted for gluten-free diets by substituting the bowtie pasta with gluten-free pasta options available in stores. Additionally, be mindful of any food allergies. For instance, you can adjust or omit the Cajun seasoning and red pepper flakes if there’s a sensitivity to spice. Always be sure to check ingredient labels while cooking for those you’re serving. Can I add other vegetables to this recipe? Absolutely! The more, the merrier! Feel free to include seasonal vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach. Just ensure that if you’re adding vegetables like zucchini, you cut them into bite-sized pieces and cook them along with the chicken. This way, your Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken will not only be creamier but also packed with additional flavors and nutrients! Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken: Creamy Family Comfort This Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken combines tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and bowtie pasta in a creamy, zesty sauce, perfect for busy weeknights. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 10 minutes minsCook Time 30 minutes minsTotal Time 40 minutes mins Servings: 4 servingsCourse: DinnerCuisine: AmericanCalories: 550 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Chicken1 pound Boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces1 tsp Cajun seasoning adjust based on heat tolerance1/2 tsp Garlic powder1/2 tsp Smoked paprikaSalt & black pepper to tasteFor the Pasta and Vegetables12 oz Bowtie pasta use gluten-free if desired2 cups Broccoli florets packed with nutrientsFor the Sauce6 tbsp Unsalted butter2 tbsp Olive oil1 tsp Dijon mustard1 lemon Lemon juice and zest2 tbsp Fresh parsley chopped1 tbsp Chives chopped1/2 cup Parmesan cheese gratedFor the Optional Kick1/2 tsp Red pepper flakes optionalFor the Finishing Touch1/2 cup Reserved pasta water Equipment large potmedium bowlLarge Skillet Method Step-by-Step Instructions for Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie ChickenIn a large pot, bring salted water to a rolling boil. Add 12 oz of bowtie pasta and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. In the final 3 minutes of cooking, add 2 cups of broccoli florets to the pot. Once done, reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, drain the pasta and broccoli, and set aside.In a medium bowl, toss bite-sized chicken pieces with 1 tsp of Cajun seasoning, 1/2 tsp of garlic powder, 1/2 tsp of smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper to taste.Heat 2 tbsp of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add seasoned chicken pieces in a single layer and sauté for about 6-7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken and keep warm.In the same skillet, melt 6 tbsp of unsalted butter. If using, add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds. Stir in red pepper flakes, 1 tsp of Dijon mustard, lemon juice and zest, and 2 tbsp of chopped parsley and 1 tbsp of chives.Return the cooked bowtie pasta, broccoli, and reserved chicken to the skillet. Toss gently, adding reserved pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. Stir in 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.Serve warm, garnishing with extra Parmesan, parsley, and a squeeze of lemon juice. Nutrition Serving: 1plateCalories: 550kcalCarbohydrates: 65gProtein: 35gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 90mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 4gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 20IUVitamin C: 80mgCalcium: 15mgIron: 10mg NotesStore leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze for up to 1 month. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
