Savory Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken Pasta with Broccoli

Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken Pasta with Broccoli is my answer to those nights when you want something cozy and bright, but you also do not want to wash a sink full of dishes. You know the vibe: you are hungry, you want real food, and takeout sounds tempting but also kind of disappointing.

This pasta hits that sweet spot with buttery lemon garlic flavor, juicy chicken, and broccoli that soaks up the sauce in the best way. It tastes like you tried harder than you did. If you have a lemon and a box of pasta, you are already halfway there.

Ingredients for Cowboy Butter Lemon Chicken Pasta

I like to keep this recipe flexible, but the core flavors matter. Think buttery, lemony, a little tang from Dijon, and a savory finish from Parmesan. Here is what I actually use most of the time.

• Bowtie pasta (farfalle)
• Chicken (breast or thighs)
• Broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
• Butter
• Garlic
• Dijon mustard
• Lemon (zest and juice)
• Heavy cream (or half and half)
• Parmesan
• Seasonings: salt, pepper, paprika, chili flakes if you want heat
• Optional: spinach, bell peppers, parsley

If you love lemony chicken dinners, you might also want to check out this one on my reading list: zesty lemon chicken. Similar bright flavor, different vibe.

Bowtie (Farfalle) Pasta

Bowties are not just cute. They hold sauce in the little folds, and they have enough bite to stand up to chicken and broccoli. For Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken Pasta with Broccoli, that matters because the sauce is silky and clings better to a pasta with texture.
Cook the pasta in well salted water. I know everyone says that, but it really is the difference between bland noodles and pasta that tastes like something on its own. I cook the bowties until they are just tender, then I save a cup of pasta water before draining. That starchy water is your secret helper later.
One more thing: I toss the drained pasta with a tiny pat of butter if I am not adding it to the pan right away. It keeps it from sticking while I finish the chicken and sauce.

Chicken Breast or Thighs

You can go either way here, depending on what you have and how forgiving you want the cook time to be. Chicken thighs stay juicy even if you get distracted. Chicken breast is lean and still great, as long as you do not overcook it.
My move is to cut the chicken into bite sized pieces so everything cooks fast and mixes into the pasta evenly. I season with salt, pepper, paprika, and a pinch of garlic powder if I am feeling lazy. Then I sear it in butter or a mix of butter and a little oil. You want some browned bits. That is flavor for the sauce later.
If you like buttery lemon chicken in general, this is another one worth bookmarking: lemon garlic butter chicken thighs. It is great when you want the chicken to be the main event.

Butter, Garlic, Dijon, Lemon, Cream, Parmesan

This is where the magic happens. The whole reason Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken Pasta with Broccoli works is because the sauce tastes bold without being complicated.
Here is the quick breakdown of what each thing does:
Butter gives it that rich, “restaurant pasta” feel. Garlic makes the whole kitchen smell like you are doing something impressive. Dijon adds a tangy, savory edge that keeps the butter from feeling heavy. Lemon wakes everything up. Cream smooths it out. Parmesan pulls it together and adds that salty finish.
I like to zest the lemon right into the pan before juicing it. It feels like a tiny extra step, but the lemon zest gives you that bright flavor without making the sauce too sharp.

Optional Veggies (Broccoli, Spinach, Peppers)

Broccoli is my favorite here because it turns tender and catches the sauce in all those little tops. For Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken Pasta with Broccoli, I usually steam or boil the broccoli for just a couple minutes, or I toss it into the pasta water during the last 2 to 3 minutes of cooking. Easy and no extra pot.
If you want more color, sliced bell peppers cook quickly in the same pan you use for the chicken. Spinach is even easier. Just stir it in at the end and let it wilt.
Want another broccoli and chicken combo idea for busy nights? This one is handy: rotisserie chicken broccoli pasta. It is a lifesaver when you have leftover chicken.

How to Make Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken (Step-by-Step)*

This is the way I make it when I want it done in about 30 minutes without stressing.

• Boil a pot of salted water. Cook bowtie pasta until just tender. Add broccoli in the last few minutes if you want to cook it in the same pot. Save 1 cup pasta water, then drain.
• In a large pan, melt butter and sear the chicken pieces until browned and cooked through. Remove chicken to a plate.
• In the same pan, add a bit more butter if needed, then add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds.
• Stir in Dijon mustard, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Scrape up the browned bits.
• Add cream and let it gently bubble for a minute, then add Parmesan and stir until smooth.
• Toss in pasta, broccoli, and chicken. Add a splash of reserved pasta water until it looks glossy and coats everything.
• Taste and adjust: more salt, more lemon, or a pinch of chili flakes.

If you are into pasta nights with a little kick, you would probably like this too: cajun chicken pasta recipe. Different flavor profile, same comforting pasta energy.

How to Get the Perfect Creamy Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce

The sauce is the part people mess up because they rush it. You do not need fancy skills. You just need to do it in the right order.
First, keep the heat around medium once the garlic goes in. Garlic burns fast, and burnt garlic will ruin the whole pan. Next, add the lemon juice after the Dijon and zest, and scrape the pan. Those browned bits are basically free flavor. Then add cream and let it warm through before adding Parmesan. If you dump Parmesan into a sauce that is boiling hard, it can turn grainy.
My biggest tip is to use that reserved pasta water. Add it a splash at a time. It loosens the sauce without watering it down, and it helps the sauce cling to the bowties. That is how Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken Pasta with Broccoli ends up creamy instead of soupy.

Best Pasta Shapes & Ingredient Substitutions

Bowties are my favorite here, but you are not stuck with them. If you have penne, rotini, or shells, go for it. Anything with grooves or curves grabs the sauce.
Substitution ideas that actually work:
No cream? Use half and half, or even a mix of milk and a spoonful of cream cheese. No Parmesan? Use pecorino or a blend, just keep it a hard grating cheese. No Dijon? A small spoon of whole grain mustard works too. No broccoli? Try asparagus pieces, green beans, or peas.
Chicken wise, thighs are more forgiving. Breasts are fine, just watch the cook time. You can even use leftover chicken and just warm it in the sauce at the end.

Pro Tips for Juicy Chicken & Silky Sauce

I have made this enough times to learn where it can go wrong, so here are the simple fixes.
Do not overcrowd the pan when browning the chicken. If the pan is packed, it steams instead of searing. Cook in two batches if you need to. Let the sauce thicken gently. If you crank the heat, it can separate. Season in layers. A little salt on the chicken, then a little salt in the sauce, then a final taste at the end makes the flavor feel more balanced.
Also, zest the lemon first. I have forgotten and it is so annoying to try to zest a squeezed lemon.

Variations: Spicy, Veggie-Loaded, or Lighter Version

This is where you can make it your own.
Spicy version: Add chili flakes, a pinch of cayenne, or even a spoon of Calabrian chili paste if you have it. The butter and lemon can handle the heat.
Veggie-loaded: Add peppers, mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini. Just cook the watery veggies first so they do not thin the sauce too much.
Lighter version: Use half and half instead of heavy cream, and cut the butter slightly. You will still get plenty of flavor from lemon, Dijon, and Parmesan. You can also increase the broccoli and reduce the pasta a bit. It still feels like a real meal.

What to Serve with Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta

I usually keep sides simple because the pasta is the star. Here are a few ideas when you want a full dinner situation.

• Garlic bread or warm rolls
• A simple salad with lemony dressing
• Roasted vegetables if you want extra color
• Fresh fruit for a light finish

If you are feeding a crowd and want something you can prep ahead, a baked pasta is always a good call. This one is a comfort classic: cheesy chicken pasta bake.

Storage, Meal Prep & Reheating Tips

This pasta stores better than you would think. I pack it into containers and it turns into an easy lunch.
Fridge: 3 to 4 days in a sealed container.
Reheat: Add a small splash of water or milk before microwaving. Heat in short bursts and stir so the sauce comes back together.
Meal prep tip: If you know you will reheat it later, keep a tiny bit of the reserved pasta water in a jar in the fridge for the next day. Sounds extra, but it makes leftovers feel fresh.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

I have done all of these at least once, so learn from me.
Overcooking the chicken leads to dry bites. Pull it off the heat as soon as it is cooked. Boiling the sauce hardSkipping the pasta waterAdding all the lemon at once
And please taste before serving. Parmesan levels and saltiness vary a lot by brand.

Nutrition Highlights & Ways to Lighten It Up

This meal has a nice balance: protein from chicken, fiber and vitamins from broccoli, and satisfying carbs from pasta. The butter, cream, and cheese are the richer parts, which is why it feels comforting.
If you want to lighten Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken Pasta with Broccoli up without losing the vibe, do one or two of these:
Use half and half instead of heavy cream, reduce butter by a tablespoon or two, and add extra broccoli or spinach to bulk it up. You can also use whole wheat bowties for more fiber, just keep an eye on cook time.

Common Questions

Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yep. I thaw it a bit first or toss it into the pasta water for the last couple minutes. Just do not overcook it into mush.
How do I keep the sauce from getting grainy?
Lower the heat before adding Parmesan, and stir it in slowly. If it gets too thick, add a splash of pasta water.
Can I make it without cream?
You can. Use half and half, or try milk plus a little cream cheese. It will be slightly less rich but still tasty.
What is the best way to add more lemon flavor without making it sour?
Add more lemon zest instead of only juice. Zest brings aroma and flavor without as much sharpness.
Can I use leftover cooked chicken?
Definitely. Stir it in at the end so it warms through without drying out.

A Cozy Pasta Night You Will Actually Want to Repeat

If you try Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken Pasta with Broccoli, I think you will love how it tastes like comfort food but still feels fresh because of the lemon and broccoli. Keep the heat gentle for the sauce, save that pasta water, and do not overcook the chicken and you are set. If you want another lemony broccoli pasta idea, I also really like Lemon Chicken with Broccoli & Bow Ties Recipe | Ina Garten for inspiration on a classic take. Now go grab that lemon and butter and make it happen tonight.

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