Warm, bright, and deeply satisfying, this Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli pairs tender seared chicken and al dente bowtie pasta with a silky, lemony butter sauce that sings with garlic and a gentle smoky warmth. Expect a pleasing contrast of textures: pillowy farfalle, crisp-tender broccoli florets, and juicy chicken bites, all coated in a glossy sauce that carries fresh lemon zest, a whisper of Dijon, and a touch of heat from red pepper flakes. The aroma is inviting, with browned butter and garlic at the forefront and a clean citrus finish that keeps the dish lively. Ideal for weeknight dinners when you want something quick but special, or for entertaining when you need a comforting, crowd-pleasing entree. If you enjoy lemon-forward chicken dinners, you might also like this slow, savory variation of a lemon chicken supper like the slow cooker lemon herb chicken with fluffy rice for another hands-off option.

Ingredients

• 12 oz bowtie pasta (farfalle) — Classic short pasta that holds sauce in its folded shape; cooks quickly and is family friendly.
• 3 cups broccoli florets (cut into small bite-sized pieces) — Adds color, crunch, and a fresh vegetal flavor; cut small so broccoli cooks with the pasta.
• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into 1-inch chunks) — Lean protein that sears quickly; cutting into uniform pieces ensures even cooking.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil — For searing the chicken and preventing sticking; use a neutral or extra virgin olive oil.
• Salt and black pepper (to taste) — Essential seasoning for the pasta water, chicken, and sauce.
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter — Forms the base of the cowboy butter sauce; provides richness and a nutty, silky mouthfeel.
• 3 cloves garlic (minced) — Fresh garlic brings aromatic depth; mince finely so it melts into the sauce.
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard — Adds a soft tang and helps emulsify the butter into a cohesive sauce.
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice — Brightens the sauce with fresh acidity; add to taste if you prefer more tang.
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest — Concentrated lemon flavor and aroma that complements the juice.
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika — Gives a warm, smoky note that echoes the cowboy butter concept.
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust for heat preference) — Adds a gentle heat; increase or decrease to suit your spice tolerance.
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (chopped) — Fresh herb for a green, herbaceous finish.
• 1 tablespoon fresh chives (snipped) — Mild oniony brightness and color; snip into short pieces.
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese (freshly grated, for serving) — Salty, nutty finishing cheese to grate over each serving.

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the 12 oz bowtie pasta and cook according to package directions, adding the 3 cups broccoli florets in the last 3 minutes of cooking. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain. Tip: Salt the water like the sea so the pasta is well seasoned from the inside out.

2. Season the 1 lb chicken chunks with salt and black pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken until cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a plate and keep warm. Tip: Do not overcrowd the pan; sear in batches if needed so pieces brown nicely.

3. In the same skillet, melt 6 tablespoons unsalted butter and sauté 3 cloves garlic (minced) until fragrant. Stir in 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice, 1 teaspoon lemon zest, 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, and 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, whisking until the sauce is bubbly and combined.

4. Add the drained pasta, broccoli, and cooked chicken to the skillet, tossing gently to coat everything with the sauce. If the sauce seems thick, adjust the consistency with the reserved 1/2 cup pasta water a little at a time until you reach a glossy coating.

5. Stir in 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (chopped) and 1 tablespoon fresh chives (snipped). Serve portions topped with 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese (freshly grated) to taste.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Servings: 4 generous servings
• Calories: Approximately 730 kcal per serving

For another creamy pasta and chicken pairing idea, try a similar comforting option like the baked Caesar chicken with creamy Parmesan pasta.

Tips, Storage & Variations

Tips

• Cut the broccoli into small, even florets so it softens at the same rate the pasta finishes.
• Use the reserved pasta water sparingly to loosen the sauce without making it watery; the starch helps the butter cling to the pasta.
• If your skillet is small, brown the chicken in two batches for better color and flavor.

Storage and Freezing

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.
• Freezing is not recommended for best texture because the butter sauce and pasta can separate. If you must freeze, use shallow containers, freeze quickly, and thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

Flavor Variations Using Existing Ingredients Only

• Make it tangier: Add an extra 1 teaspoon lemon zest and a touch more lemon juice for brightness.
• Turn up the heat: Increase the red pepper flakes from 1/4 teaspoon to 1/2 teaspoon for a spicier kick.
• Richer finish: Stir a little extra Parmesan into the pasta before serving for a creamier mouthfeel.
• Herb-forward: Double the parsley and chives for a fresher, greener finish.

For more weeknight chicken and pasta inspiration, see this easy pasta family favorite: beef stroganoff with bowtie pasta.

FAQ

1. Can I use a different pasta shape?
   Yes. Any short pasta that holds sauce, such as penne or rotini, will work; adjust cooking time as needed.

2. How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
   Chicken chunks are done when their internal temperature reaches 165 F and juices run clear.

3. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
   Yes, but reduce added salt while cooking and taste before seasoning.

4. Is it okay to skip the Dijon mustard?
   You can omit it, but Dijon adds helpful tang and helps emulsify the sauce.

5. Can I make this dairy-free?
   Not with the current ingredient list, because butter and Parmesan are required; do not substitute since no alternate ingredients are provided.

People Also Ask

1. How long should I boil bowtie pasta for al dente?
   Cook according to package directions, testing a minute or two before the lower end of the range for al dente.

2. When should broccoli be added to pasta water?
   Add broccoli during the final 3 minutes of pasta cooking so it becomes crisp-tender.

3. What is cowboy butter?
   In this recipe, cowboy butter refers to a flavorful garlic and butter sauce with lemon, paprika, and Dijon for bold, savory notes.

4. How can I keep the sauce from separating?
   Whisk the Dijon into the melted butter and add reserved starchy pasta water gradually to create a smooth emulsion.

5. Can I prepare components ahead of time?
   Yes, you can chop broccoli and chicken ahead, but cook and combine just before serving for best texture.

6. Should I brown or poach chicken for this dish?
   Brown the chicken in a skillet as directed to develop flavor and texture.

7. How much Parmesan should I sprinkle per serving?
   About 1 to 2 tablespoons per serving, or use the 1/4 cup total as listed and adjust to taste.

8. Will the lemon flavor overpower the dish?
   No, the lemon juice and zest are balanced by butter and mustard to give brightness without overpowering.

Conclusion

This Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli is a bright, buttery one-pan dinner that comes together fast and pleases the whole table. If you want another take on a lemony chicken and broccoli pasta, Ina Garten’s version is a lovely comparison and inspiration: Ina Garten Lemon Chicken with Broccoli and Bow Ties. For the original source of cowboy butter ideas and technique, see the recipe reference at Umami’s Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli. I hope you try this recipe soon and share how it turns out with friends or family. Enjoy the cozy, citrusy comfort.