Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli Bliss

Name: Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli Bliss
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 cups bowtie pasta; 1 pound chicken breast, cubed; 2 cups broccoli florets; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 unit lemon, juiced and zested; 1 teaspoon paprika; Salt and pepper, to taste; Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Jack Ellison

Update : March 15, 2026

Delicious Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken served with broccoli

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why make this recipe

This dish is quick, bright, and full of flavor. It uses simple ingredients you may already have. The lemon and butter make the chicken and pasta taste fresh. Broccoli adds color and a healthy touch. It is a good weeknight meal that cooks fast.

introduction

Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli Bliss is a simple pasta dish with cubed chicken, broccoli, and a lemon butter sauce. Bowtie pasta holds the sauce well. The garlic, lemon juice, and zest give a fresh, light taste. You can make it in one pan and serve it in under 30 minutes.

how to make Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli Bliss

Cook the bowtie pasta according to the package. Drain and set aside.
Season cubed chicken with salt, pepper, and paprika.
Melt butter in a skillet. Add garlic and cook until soft.
Add chicken to the skillet and cook until done.
Add broccoli and cook until tender.
Stir in lemon juice and zest. Mix in the cooked pasta.
Adjust salt and pepper. Garnish with chopped parsley if you like.

Ingredients :

2 cups bowtie pasta (Cook according to package instructions.)
1 pound chicken breast, cubed (Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts.)
2 cups broccoli florets (Fresh or frozen broccoli works.)
1/2 cup unsalted butter (Melted in the skillet.)
2 cloves garlic, minced (Adds flavor to the dish.)
1 unit lemon, juiced and zested (Adjust quantity for more lemon flavor.)
1 teaspoon paprika (For color and flavor.)
to taste Salt and pepper (Adjust according to preference.)
optional Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish (Enhances presentation.)

Directions :

Preparation

Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook bowtie pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Cut chicken into cubes. Wash and cut broccoli into small florets. Mince garlic. Zest and juice the lemon.

Cooking

Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the butter and let it melt.
Add minced garlic to the skillet. Cook 30–60 seconds until it smells good.
Add the cubed chicken. Sprinkle paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook 6–8 minutes until chicken is cooked through and lightly browned.
Add broccoli to the skillet. Cook 3–5 minutes until broccoli is tender but still bright green.
Pour in lemon juice and add lemon zest. Stir to mix flavors.
Add the cooked bowtie pasta. Toss everything together so the pasta gets the sauce.
Taste and add more salt or pepper if needed. Serve warm with chopped parsley on top.

how to serve Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli Bliss

Serve hot on plates or in a large bowl.
Garnish with fresh parsley for color.
Pair with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a full meal.

how to store Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli Bliss

Cool the dish to room temperature before storing.
Put in an airtight container and keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave. Add a splash of water or a little extra butter if it seems dry.

tips to make Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli Bliss

Do not overcook the pasta. Keep it al dente so it holds the sauce well.
Cut chicken into similar size pieces so they cook evenly.
Use fresh lemon for the best bright flavor.
If broccoli is frozen, add a little more cook time and check texture.
Taste as you go and adjust salt, pepper, and lemon to your liking.

variation (if any)

Add a handful of grated Parmesan for a richer sauce.
Swap chicken for cooked shrimp or turkey breast for a different protein.
Add red pepper flakes for a mild kick.
Stir in a small spoon of cream for a creamier sauce (optional).

FAQs

Q: Can I use other pasta shapes?
A: Yes. Penne, rotini, or farfalle work well with this sauce.

Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
A: Yes. Use gluten-free bowtie or another gluten-free pasta and follow the same steps.

Q: Can I use frozen broccoli?
A: Yes. Thaw or add a little more cooking time. Avoid overcooking to keep it bright.

Q: How do I know when the chicken is done?
A: Cut a piece open. It should be white inside with no pink and reach a firm texture.

Q: Can I make this ahead for work lunches?
A: Yes. Store in the fridge and reheat gently. Add a splash of water or butter when reheating.

Conclusion

For a lemon butter pasta idea that focuses on bright, simple flavors, try an easy lemon butter pasta method for more sauce tips and ideas from Easy Lemon Butter Pasta Recipe on YellowBlissRoad. If you want another simple lemon chicken take, see this clear, step-by-step guide for creamy lemon chicken from Creamy Lemon Chicken Breast – RecipeTin Eats.