Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli Bliss

Update : March 24, 2026

Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken served with broccoli on a plate

why make this recipe

This dish is quick, bright, and filling. It mixes lemon butter sauce with tender chicken, bowtie pasta, and broccoli. You get a full meal in one pan with simple ingredients. It works for busy weeknights and easy dinners with family.

introduction

Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli Bliss is a simple, tasty meal. The lemon and garlic lift the butter sauce. Bowtie pasta holds the sauce well, and broccoli adds color and a little crunch. You can make it fast and enjoy a warm, comforting plate.

how to make Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli Bliss

Follow these small steps and you will have a good meal.

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 the bowtie pasta according to package directions for al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain the pasta.
If using frozen broccoli, thaw or steam it briefly so it cooks quickly later. Cut fresh broccoli into small florets.
Pat the cubed chicken dry. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika. Zest and juice the lemon and mince the garlic.

Cooking:

In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
Add the chicken to the skillet. Cook 5–7 minutes, stirring, until the chicken is cooked through and lightly browned.
Push the chicken to one side of the pan. Add the garlic and cook 30–60 seconds until it smells fragrant.
Stir the chicken and garlic together. Add the lemon juice and lemon zest. Let the sauce simmer 1–2 minutes.
Add the broccoli and cook 2–3 minutes until it is bright green and tender-crisp.
Add the cooked bowtie pasta to the skillet. Toss well to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to loosen it.
Taste and add more salt, pepper, or lemon if you want. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

how to serve Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli Bliss

Serve hot on plates or in bowls. Add a small lemon wedge on the side for extra lemon. Sprinkle extra parsley for color. This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables.

how to store Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli Bliss

Cool the food to room temperature for no more than two hours.
Put in an airtight container and store in the fridge for 3–4 days.
To reheat, warm gently in a pan over low heat with a splash of water or broth, or microwave in short bursts until hot.
You can freeze the dish for up to 2 months, but texture may change. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.

tips to make Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli Bliss

Do not overcook the pasta. Al dente holds up better when mixed with the sauce.
Use the reserved pasta water to adjust the sauce thickness.
Pat chicken dry so it browns well.
Taste the sauce before serving and add more lemon or salt if needed.
If you like spice, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.

variation (if any)

Swap chicken for cooked shrimp or turkey breast for a different protein.
Add a spoon of grated Parmesan cheese at the end for a richer sauce.
Use spinach or asparagus instead of broccoli for another green vegetable.
Add a few cherry tomatoes for a pop of color and mild acidity.

FAQs

Q: Can I use another pasta instead of bowtie?
A: Yes. Use penne, fusilli, or farfalle. Cook per package directions.

Q: Can I use frozen broccoli?
A: Yes. Thaw or steam it first and drain well before adding.

Q: How long does this take to make?
A: About 25–35 minutes from start to finish, depending on pasta time.

Q: Can I make this ahead for lunch?
A: Yes. Cook fully, cool, and store in the fridge. Reheat gently when ready to eat.

Q: Is this dish kid-friendly?
A: Often yes. The flavors are simple and mild. Leave out extra lemon or spice for picky eaters.

Conclusion

Try this lemon butter pasta idea for more sauce tips and a simple lemon pasta base on Easy Lemon Butter Pasta recipe on Yellow Bliss Road. For another simple lemon chicken approach that pairs well with this dish, see Creamy Lemon Chicken Breast recipe on RecipeTin Eats.