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introduction

This Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken Pasta with Broccoli is a simple, bright pasta dish. It has cooked chicken, broccoli, lemon, butter, and Parmesan mixed with bowtie pasta. The meal comes together fast and tastes fresh. If you like similar easy pasta meals, try the Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties recipe for another quick dinner: Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties.

why make this recipe

It cooks fast and uses few steps.
The lemon and butter give bright, rich flavor.
Broccoli adds color and a fresh bite.
It feeds a family or makes good leftovers.

how to make Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken Pasta with Broccoli

Follow simple steps and keep the pan hot for good sear on the chicken. This method is similar to the one in the Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine recipe, which also uses butter and bold spice for flavor: Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine. Work in this order: cook pasta, cook chicken, cook broccoli, then combine and finish with butter and cheese.

Ingredients :

1 lb Chicken breasts, boneless skinless
2 cups Broccoli florets
1 tbsp Chives, fresh
1/2 tsp Garlic powder
1 Lemon, Juice and zest of
2 tbsp Parsley, fresh
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1 Black pepper
1 tsp Cajun seasoning
1/2 tsp Paprika, smoked
1/2 tsp Red pepper flakes
1 Salt
2 tbsp Olive oil
6 tbsp Butter, unsalted
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
1/2 cup Reserved pasta water
12 oz Bowtie (farfalle) pasta

Directions :

Cook the bowtie pasta according to package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, Cajun seasoning, paprika, and red pepper flakes. Cook the chicken until golden and cooked through, about 6-7 minutes per side. Remove the chicken and let it rest.
In the same skillet, add the broccoli and a splash of reserved pasta water. Cook until bright green and tender, about 3-4 minutes.
Slice the cooked chicken and return it to the skillet. Add lemon juice, lemon zest, Dijon mustard, chives, and parsley. Stir to combine.
Add the drained pasta and toss everything together. If the mixture seems dry, add more reserved pasta water until desired consistency is reached.
Stir in the butter and grated Parmesan cheese until melted and well combined. Serve warm.

how to serve Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken Pasta with Broccoli

Serve the pasta hot. Add extra chopped parsley or chives on top. Offer lemon wedges on the side for more brightness. A simple green salad or crusty bread goes well with this dish.

how to store Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken Pasta with Broccoli

Cool the pasta to room temperature for no more than two hours. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. Reheat in a pan over low heat with a splash of water or reserved pasta water to keep it creamy. You can also reheat in the microwave, stirring once or twice.

tips to make Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken Pasta with Broccoli

Pound chicken to even thickness so it cooks evenly.
Do not skip the reserved pasta water; it helps the sauce stick to the pasta.
Rest the cooked chicken 5 minutes before slicing to keep it juicy.
Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the best bright flavor.
Taste and adjust salt and pepper at the end.

variation (if any)

Swap chicken for shrimp and cook 2-3 minutes per side.
Use spinach or asparagus instead of broccoli.
Make it spicy by adding more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
Use whole wheat or gluten-free bowties if you prefer.

FAQs

Q: Can I use frozen broccoli?
A: Yes. Thaw or steam it first, then add to the skillet. Cook until bright and tender.

Q: Can I make this ahead and reheat?
A: Yes. Store in the fridge and reheat gently with a splash of water to loosen the sauce.

Q: How can I make it less spicy?
A: Reduce or omit the Cajun seasoning and red pepper flakes.

Q: Can I use other pasta shapes?
A: Yes. Penne, rotini, or orecchiette work well.

Q: Do I have to use butter?
A: Butter adds richness. You can use a little olive oil instead, but the sauce will be less creamy.

Conclusion

This pasta dish is a quick, tasty weeknight meal that balances bright lemon with rich butter and cheese. For another lemon-chicken-and-broccoli take, see Ina Garten’s version of lemon chicken with bow ties: Ina Garten’s Lemon Chicken with Broccoli & Bow Ties. If you want more cowboy butter ideas for chicken pasta, Southern Living has a helpful Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta recipe that shows the bold butter sauce: Southern Living’s Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta.