Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken Pasta with Broccoli.

Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken Pasta with Broccoli is the weeknight showstopper I reach for after a long day in the kitchen. As a chef who believes bold flavor can come together quickly, I design meals that feel special without pulling you away from family time or a tight budget. This American-Italian inspired skillet blends bright lemon with a buttery finish, pairing tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and bowtie pasta for restaurant-worthy flavor in under 40 minutes. It’s comforting, practical, and perfect for busy moms and professionals who want meals that wow without the fuss. Read on to recreate this weeknight hero and savor every bite.

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

what makes Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken Pasta with Broccoli special

Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken Pasta with Broccoli is the weeknight hug I reach for after a chaotic day in the kitchen. I know how tight evenings can feel, so I built this dish to deliver big flavor without stealing time from your family. In under 40 minutes, bright lemon dances through a buttery glaze, coating tender chicken and crisp broccoli that cling to every bowtie bite. It tastes special, but stays budget-friendly and simple for busy families.

Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken Pasta with Broccoli: flavor profile

The bold lemon-butter sauce shines, coating every bite with brightness. Juicy chicken, crisp broccoli, and the playful bowties capture garlic and Parmesan in a comforting hug. Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken Pasta with Broccoli delivers that restaurant feel without leaving your kitchen.

Why it works for busy households

For busy moms and professionals, this dish hits the mark: it comes together quickly, cleans up in one skillet, and uses everyday ingredients. It adapts to your week with easy substitutions and still feels special. Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken Pasta with Broccoli is the weeknight hero you can rely on.

Ingredients Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken Pasta with Broccoli

I keep this list handy for a quick weeknight win—the Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken Pasta with Broccoli comes together fast, and exact quantities are at the bottom of the article and printable.

The ingredients at a glance

• 300 g bowtie pasta — shape holds sauce and makes kids smile.
• 500 g boneless skinless chicken breast, sliced — cooks quickly and stays juicy.
• 2 cups broccoli florets — adds color and crunch.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil — for searing and aroma.
• 2 tablespoons butter — the creamy, lemony base.
• 3 cloves garlic, minced — aroma and depth.
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice — brightens the sauce.
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest — fresh citrus perfume.
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika — subtle warmth.
• 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley — herbaceous zing.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt — essential seasoning.
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper — balanced heat.
• 1/4 teaspoon chili flakes (optional) — for a gentle kick.
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese — finishing, salty creaminess.

Substitutions and add-ins

• Gluten-free option: use gluten-free bowtie pasta; ensure sauce ingredients are gluten-free.
• Dairy tweaks: swap olive oil for a dairy-free option, or use a Parmesan substitute if needed.
• Palate swaps: sun-dried tomatoes, peas, or spinach add color and nutrition.
• Protein swaps: turkey breast or shrimp can replace chicken with adjusted cook times.

How to Make Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken Pasta with Broccoli

As a home cook, I love how Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken Pasta with Broccoli comes together in one skillet. On busy nights I keep flavors bold but steps simple. I rinse and slice chicken first, boil the pasta, and have broccoli ready to drop in. The lemon butter sauce ties everything together, making a weeknight dinner feel like a restaurant moment without the drama.

Step-by-step instructions for Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken Pasta with Broccoli

I’ll guide you through a quick, practical process. The method is designed for a 9th-grade reading level, so you can zip through prep and still savor every flavor. I rely on simple steps, a few pantry staples, and a little confident sautéing that elevates weeknight meals.

Step 1: Cook the bowtie pasta and add broccoli at the end of cooking

I boil the bowtie pasta until al dente. In the last minute, I drop in broccoli. That keeps the florets crisp and bright, with flavors ready to mingle. I reserve a splash of pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed.

Step 2: Sauté the chicken with salt, pepper, and paprika until golden

I season the chicken with salt, pepper, and paprika. I sear until golden and cooked through. I rest the meat a minute to keep it juicy for the toss.

Step 3: Melt butter and sauté garlic; stir in lemon juice, lemon zest, dried parsley, and chili flakes

In the same pan, I melt butter over medium heat. Then I add minced garlic and cook until fragrant. I whisk in lemon juice, lemon zest, and dried parsley for brightness. A pinch of chili flakes gives a gentle kick without overpowering the lemon. I tilt the pan and swirl the sauce until glossy and cohesive.

Step 4: Return chicken, add pasta and broccoli, finish with Parmesan

I return the chicken to the skillet and toss to coat in the lemon butter sauce. Then I add the cooked pasta and broccoli, giving a quick toss until everything shines. A generous shower of Parmesan finishes the dish. If the sauce thickens, I splash a little reserved pasta water.

Tips for Success

• Use freshly minced garlic for the most aroma and brightness.
• Pat chicken dry before cooking to get a crisp, golden sear.
• Add broccoli to the pasta water in the last few minutes to save time.
• Finish with a squeeze of lemon and an extra pinch of zest for brightness.
• Keep extra Parmesan on hand for a quick finish.

Equipment Needed

• Large skillet or sauté pan — at least 12 inches; nonstick optional for easy cleanup.
• Large pot for pasta — roomy enough for bubbling water; substitute: a wide, deep skillet with a lid.
• Colander or slotted spoon — for draining; alternative: use the pasta pot lid to strain.
• Tongs for tossing — helps to lift and mix; alternative: two wooden spoons.
• Garlic press (optional) — quick mincing; or simply mince with a knife.

Variations

• Make it dairy-light: use olive oil in place of butter and skip or reduce Parmesan in Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken Pasta with Broccoli.
• Gluten-free version: swap in gluten-free bowtie pasta to keep the dish friendly for gluten-free eaters.
• Spice level: dial up or down chili flakes to taste; the dish stays bright with lemon even when spicy.
• Add-ins: stir in sun-dried tomatoes, peas, or spinach for extra color and nutrition.

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

• It comes together in under 40 minutes, ideal for weeknights.
• The lemon-butter sauce feels indulgent without heavy cream.
• Protein, greens, and pasta in one skillet minimize cleanup.
• Family-friendly flavors that still feel special.

Serving Suggestions

• Fresh lemon wedges for bright pops at the table
• Garlic bread or a simple side salad
• A glass of crisp white wine to complement Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken Pasta with Broccoli
• For non-alcoholic: sparkling lemon water or iced tea with a lemon twist

Make It Your Own: Flavor Twists and Meal-Prep Tips

I love how this Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken Pasta with Broccoli plays well with plans. It scales up without losing flavor, and batch-friendly meals keep weeknights calm. Here are my go-to tweaks to tailor it to your week, your crowd, and your pantry.

• Double the batch and refrigerate in airtight containers for quick lunches that stay tasty for days.
• Swap proteins: turkey breast or shrimp for variation.
• Prep lemon zest, garlic, and parsley in advance for faster dinner assembly.
• Store sauce separately for fresh flavor on reheating; re-toss with warmed pasta.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time and reheat?

Yes—this Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken Pasta with Broccoli travels well.

Cook the pasta al dente, then cool and refrigerate.

Store cooked chicken and broccoli separately if possible.

Reheat gently with a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce.

A final squeeze of lemon freshens the dish when reheated.

Is this dish suitable for gluten-free diets?

Yes, with a simple swap to gluten-free pasta.

Make sure all other ingredients are gluten-free as well.

The flavor stays bright, and the lemon butter keeps its shine.

Can I substitute shrimp for chicken?

Yes—shrimp works nicely in this dish.

Cook shrimp quickly until pink, then toss with the pasta and sauce.

Keep an eye on timing so shrimp stay tender.

How do I store leftovers?

Refrigerate leftovers in airtight containers for up to three days.

Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of liquid.

Spot-check seasoning and lemon brightness when reheating.

Final Thoughts

This Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken Pasta with Broccoli is my weeknight hero for chaotic after-school nights.
I love how bold lemon meets buttery richness, with chicken and broccoli in one easy skillet that fills the kitchen with sunshine.
It saves me time, keeps dinner special, and fits our budget on hectic days every week.

I love how its one-pan efficiency means more time at the table and less cleanup to enjoy stories after dinner.
The lemon brightness lifts every bite, and Parmesan finish feels like a warm hug from the stove.
May your meals feel cozy, doable, and a little adventurous, even on your busiest days this week.

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