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Lemon Cowboy Butter Chicken Bowtie Pasta with Broccoli

When you need a quick, satisfying dinner that the whole family will love, this Lemon Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta delivers on every level. The bright citrus notes from fresh lemon combine with rich garlic butter sauce to create a comforting pasta dish that comes together in just one pan. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into an extraordinary meal that feels both elegant and approachable.

What makes this dish special is the cowboy butter sauce – a flavorful blend of butter, garlic, herbs, and zesty lemon that coats every piece of tender chicken and bowtie pasta. The addition of fresh broccoli adds color, texture, and nutrition, making this a complete meal that requires minimal cleanup. If you enjoy garlic butter chicken pasta recipes, you’ll appreciate the elevated flavors in this version.

Ingredients

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
8 oz bowtie pasta (farfalle)
2 cups broccoli florets
4 tablespoons butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 lemon (juice and zest)
1 teaspoon dried parsley
½ teaspoon dried thyme
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
½ cup chicken broth
¼ cup heavy cream
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and black pepper to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the pasta according to package directions, adding the broccoli florets during the last 3 minutes of cooking. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Reduce heat to medium and add butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in dried parsley, thyme, and red pepper flakes if using.

Step 4: Pour in chicken broth and lemon juice, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.

Step 5: Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Add the cooked pasta, broccoli, and chicken back to the skillet. Toss everything together until well coated in the sauce.

Step 6: Stir in lemon zest and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan cheese for topping.

Expert Tips

For the best results, use fresh lemon juice rather than bottled – the bright, vibrant flavor makes a significant difference in this dish. If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes before adding the pasta. This one-pan cowboy butter pasta technique works well with other pasta shapes too – try penne or rotini if you don’t have bowtie pasta on hand.

For meal prep, you can cook the chicken and sauce ahead of time, then simply reheat and combine with freshly cooked pasta. The flavors actually improve when allowed to meld together, making this an excellent option for next-day lunches. If you’re looking for more creamy chicken pasta variations, this recipe adapts beautifully to different ingredients.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen broccoli? Yes, frozen broccoli works well in this recipe. Add it directly to the pasta water during the last 4-5 minutes of cooking without thawing first.

How can I make this dish lighter? Substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream and reduce the butter by 1 tablespoon. The sauce will still be creamy but with fewer calories.

What other vegetables work well? This recipe is versatile – try adding sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach along with the broccoli. For more vegetable inspiration, check out our healthy broccoli recipes collection.

Can I make this ahead of time? Absolutely! The entire dish reheats well, though you may need to add a splash of broth or cream when reheating to refresh the sauce consistency.