If you’re craving a dish that marries bold flavors with comfort food vibes, you’re going to love this Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli Recipe. The tangy kick from fresh lemon and Cajun spices gives the buttery sauce a mouthwatering twist, while the bowtie pasta and tender chicken make it a hearty, satisfying meal. I’ve found it’s one of those recipes that feels fancy enough for a weekend dinner but easy enough to whip up after a busy day.

Whenever I make this Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli Recipe, it reminds me how a simple balance of seasoning and quality ingredients can transform dinner. The broccoli steaming right alongside the pasta keeps everything fresh and colorful, plus it cuts down on cleanup—two wins in my book! I’m excited to walk you through everything so you can nail it the first time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe shines because the ingredients complement each other perfectly—zesty lemon and parsley brighten the rich butter, while the Cajun seasoning adds a smoky depth. When you shop, try to get fresh broccoli and good-quality unsalted butter to really make the flavors pop.

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Cut into bite-sized pieces for quick, even cooking.
Bowtie (farfalle) pasta: Its shape holds the sauce beautifully.
Broccoli florets: Fresh is best for a vibrant crunch, but frozen works in a pinch.
Cajun seasoning: Adjust to your spice level. I usually go mild if cooking for kids.
Garlic powder: Enhances savory depth without overpowering.
Smoked paprika: Adds subtle smokiness—don’t skip it!
Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning throughout.
Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): For that little extra heat kick.
Dijon mustard: Adds tang and helps emulsify the sauce.
Juice and zest of 1 lemon: Fresh lemon brightens the whole dish.
Fresh parsley, chopped: For freshness and color at the end.
Fresh chives, chopped: Adds a mild oniony note that pairs beautifully.
Olive oil: Used for cooking chicken; gives nice caramelization.
Unsalted butter: The star of the sauce—use good quality for best flavor.
Grated Parmesan cheese: Brings creamy richness and umami; plus a sprinkle on top is divine.
Reserved pasta water: Helps loosen the sauce and keeps it silky.

Variations

I love how flexible this Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli Recipe is—it’s a great canvas for swapping in your favorite ingredients or tailoring it to dietary needs. Here are some tweaks I’ve played with over time to keep it fresh and exciting.

Variation: For a low-carb version, swap the bowtie pasta for zucchini noodles. I tried this on a busy weeknight, and it still felt indulgent without the extra carbs.
Variation: Use heavy cream or cream cheese in the sauce for an ultra-rich, creamy texture.
Variation: Replace chicken with shrimp for a quicker cook time and a coastal twist—perfect for summer cookouts.
Variation: Add roasted red peppers or sun-dried tomatoes for a pop of sweetness and deeper color.
Variation: Make it vegan by substituting butter with plant-based margarine, chicken with tofu, and using a dairy-free Parmesan alternative.

How to Make Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli Recipe

Step 1: Cook Pasta and Broccoli Together

Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil—salting the water is key, like seasoning your pasta from the start. Add your bowtie pasta and let it cook until just al dente. About three minutes before the pasta is done, toss in your broccoli florets to steam alongside. This trick keeps the broccoli tender-crisp and saves you a pot. Reserve about half a cup of pasta water before draining to help thin the sauce later if needed.

Step 2: Season and Cook the Chicken

While the pasta cooks, season your chicken pieces thoroughly with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper—this layer of flavor is what sets the whole dish alight. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken until golden and cooked through, about 6-7 minutes, flipping occasionally. Getting that nice sear is what I focus on here—avoid overcrowding the pan so your chicken doesn’t steam and lose that crisp edge. Once done, remove from heat and set aside.

Step 3: Build the Cowboy Butter Sauce

Lower the heat to medium and melt butter in the same skillet to soak up any leftover chicken flavors. Add minced garlic and sauté gently for 1-2 minutes until fragrant—watch closely to prevent burning. Stir in crushed red pepper flakes (if you like heat), Dijon mustard, and then the star of the show: fresh lemon juice and zest. Toss in chopped parsley and chives, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. This sauce is where the magic happens, so taste as you go and adjust seasoning to your liking.

Step 4: Combine Everything Together

Return the cooked chicken, broccoli, and pasta to the skillet and gently toss to coat everything evenly in that luscious butter sauce. If the mixture feels too thick, splash in some reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen it up and keep the sauce silky smooth. Finally, mix in grated Parmesan cheese until creamy and well combined. The cheese melts into the sauce giving it that perfect richness.

How to Serve Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli Recipe

The image shows raw ingredients neatly arranged on a white marbled surface. At the top left, there is a pile of uncooked farfalle pasta with a yellow color and bow-tie shapes. Next to it on the right is a clear glass bottle filled with light olive oil. Below the bottle are two raw chicken breasts with a light pink color, lightly sprinkled with green herbs. On the left side, several pieces of bright green broccoli with a fresh texture are stacked. To the right, there are two white bowls: one filled with grated cheese topped with two slices of butter, and the other with finely chopped herbs mixed with cheese. Between the chicken and the bowls, there is a single clove of garlic. Below the chicken on the white marbled surface lies a halved yellow lemon, and next to it, a whole bulb of garlic is placed. A small bunch of fresh green parsley is positioned near the bowls. The overall scene is brightly lit, showing fresh and natural textures. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I always top this dish with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan and a handful of fresh chopped parsley—it adds a lovely burst of color and freshness. Sometimes, a quick squeeze of lemon juice right before serving adds an irresistible brightness that ties all the flavors together. If you like a little zing, a tiny pinch of red pepper flakes on top works wonders.

Side Dishes

This Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli pairs amazingly well with a crisp green salad or some garlic bread to soak up those buttery juices. On cooler days, a bowl of roasted sweet potatoes or even simple steamed carrots complements the dish beautifully. I love keeping sides light and fresh here since the main event feels indulgent yet balanced.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist on family dinners, try serving this dish in shallow bowls garnished with edible flowers or microgreens. It elevates the look without much effort. I’ve also made mini skillet portions for entertaining, letting guests dig straight in from their own little pan. Fancy, simple, and undeniably tasty—just how I like it.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers of this Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli Recipe store really well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I recommend separating the pasta and chicken from any salad or garnishes to keep everything fresh. When you open the container, it smells just as inviting as the first time you made it.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this dish a couple of times, mostly the chicken and broccoli mixture without pasta, and it reheated beautifully. If you decide to freeze, cool completely before packing in freezer-safe containers. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.

Reheating

To reheat leftovers, I gently warm it on the stove in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. This method helps keep the chicken juicy and prevents the pasta from drying out. Avoid microwaving if you can because the texture doesn’t hold up as well, but it works in a pinch!

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?

Absolutely! While bowtie pasta holds the sauce nicely, you can use penne, rotini, or even spaghetti. Just keep in mind cooking times may vary slightly, so adjust accordingly to get that perfect al dente texture.
Is there a substitute for Cajun seasoning?

If you don’t have Cajun seasoning on hand, you can make a quick blend with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Customize spice levels to your taste!
How do I prevent the sauce from becoming too thick?

The key is to reserve some pasta water before draining and add it gradually while tossing the pasta and chicken in the sauce. The starchy water helps loosen the sauce and coats everything beautifully without clumping.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! Swap the butter for a plant-based alternative and omit or replace Parmesan cheese with a dairy-free version. Nutritional yeast can add a cheesy flavor if you like.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

Reheating on the stovetop over low heat with a bit of water or broth keeps the sauce creamy and the chicken moist. Microwaving works in a pinch but might dry out the pasta.

Final Thoughts

This Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli Recipe is one of those dishes I keep returning to—it’s quick, comforting, and full of fresh flavors that make dinner feel special without a lot of fuss. If you want a dish that’s both familiar and exciting, give this a try and see how those bright lemon notes and buttery sauce win over your taste buds. I bet it’ll become a staple in your kitchen, just like it did in mine!