Oh, buckle up because I’ve been buzzing to share my latest obsession: Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli. This dish is everything Cuba Queen stands for—bold, unapologetic flavor that hits every craving note. I’m talking about a combination so fresh and satisfying it transforms your dinner table into a flavor playground. The first time I nailed this recipe, I was mid-testing in my kitchen, hunting for that perfect balance between buttery richness and that zingy lemon punch. And guess what? When that fresh cowboy butter sauce met tender chicken, al dente bowtie pasta, and crisp broccoli, it was like fireworks went off in my mouth.
This Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli brings together so many flavor adventures: the zing of lemon garlic chicken pasta vibes, the comfort of creamy chicken and broccoli pasta, and the rustic charm of broccoli chicken skillet dishes all rolled into one showstopper. I knew I’d hit gold when my taste testers stopped mid-bite and just stared—utterly blown away by how fresh yet comforting every forkful was. This recipe isn’t just food; it’s a flavor bomb that demands repeat performances.
I’m pumped to hand over the reins so you can unleash your inner flavor adventurer with this Cowbow Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli recipe. Ready to stir up something unforgettable? Let’s get into the details that make this game-changing dish pop every single time.
Ingredients You Need for This:
This Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli ingredient list is SHORT but mighty! Here’s your lineup for creating this bowl of boldness:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips – the star protein that soaks up all the cowboy butter sauce glory
- 8 oz bowtie pasta (farfalle) – trust me, these little bowties are perfect for grabbing sauce, and yes, there’s a whole world of bowtie pasta recipes, but this one tops the charts
- 2 cups broccoli florets, fresh and crisp – essential for that broccoli chicken skillet appeal that adds crunch and greens
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter – the foundation for the cowboy butter sauce that’s the secret powerhouse here
- 4 garlic cloves, minced – lots of punch, because lemon garlic chicken pasta needs aggressive garlic love
- Juice and zest of 1 lemon – fresh, bright, and absolutely mandatory for that irresistible zing
- 1 tsp smoked paprika – to give the cowboy butter sauce that smoky depth
- 1 tsp dried thyme – a subtle layer that elevates the flavor bomb without overpowering
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese – the creamy finish that ties the whole creamy chicken and broccoli pasta experience together
The game-changer here for your Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli is using fresh lemon zest and juice instead of bottled lemon juice—trust me, the difference is night and day. You’ll find the best ingredients at your local farmers’ markets or specialty grocery stores where produce is at its prime. If budget’s tight, frozen broccoli works but get ready for slightly less crunch (it’s still fantastic). Splurge on high-quality unsalted butter because the cowboy butter sauce richness depends on it.
For storage wisdom: prep your chicken the day before and marinate it lightly in some lemon juice and garlic to boost flavor absorption. It’s a simple hack that makes the Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli taste like you spent hours in the kitchen.
Step-By-Step Instructions:
Ready to drop some boldness in your kitchen? Follow these steps for Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli glory.
- Boil Your Bowtie Pasta Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Cook the bowtie pasta until al dente—about 10 minutes depending on your box. Drain and set aside but don’t rinse. Keep it saucy!
- Sauté Broccoli Florets In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Toss in your broccoli with a pinch of salt and cook until bright green and just tender, about 4 minutes. Set aside the broccoli but keep the skillet hot—this is prime real estate for your chicken and cowboy butter sauce.
- Cook the Chicken Season your chicken strips generously with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and dried thyme. Add another tablespoon of butter to the skillet and sauté the chicken over medium-high heat until golden and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Big flavor comes from that sear, so don’t crowd the pan.
- Make the Cowboy Butter Sauce Lower the heat to medium and add remaining butter and minced garlic into the skillet. Stir and cook garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute. Slowly mix in lemon juice and zest. Watch your kitchen fill with that lemon garlic chicken pasta aroma—that’s your green light.
- Combine All the Goodness Return the broccoli to the skillet and then fold in the bowtie pasta. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the mixture, stirring gently to create a creamy chicken and broccoli pasta situation that’s rich and tangy in perfect harmony.
- Final Taste and Season Now, taste your Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli and adjust salt and pepper as needed. This is where your flavor bomb becomes undeniable.
Pro tip for Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli perfection: reserve a splash of pasta water before draining. Adding a tablespoon of that starchy water back in makes the sauce cling like a dream. Don’t stress—your Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli is going to be incredible.
Presentation:
People absolutely lose their minds when I serve this Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli at dinner parties or weeknight dinners craving a punch of fresh and creamy at once. For maximum impact, pile a generous scoop right onto the plate, letting the sauce glisten. Garnish with a little extra Parmesan and a sprinkle of fresh parsley or thyme for that bright, pop-of-color effect.
Pair with a vibrant side salad or rustic garlic bread for a full-on flavor experience. This Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli shines bright during spring and summer when lemons and broccoli are at peak flavor, but I’ve also tested cozy fall versions with roasted butternut squash—total game-changer.
Instagram-worthy plating? Serve it family-style in a big rustic skillet straight to the table—everyone digs into that mix of buttery chicken, lemony zing, and pasta comfort. Trust me, the crowd reactions say it all: “This is hands down one of the best lemon garlic chicken pasta dishes I’ve had!”
Leftover tip: Toss your Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli cold the next day with a squeeze more lemon juice and some fresh Parmesan for a zesty pasta salad twist.
FAQs:
Q: Can I make this Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli spicier?
A: Absolutely! Add a teaspoon of red pepper flakes with the garlic when making your cowboy butter sauce. The heat balances perfectly with lemon garlic chicken pasta flavors. I’ve done taste tests—this adds a sizzling kick without drowning out the fresh notes.
Q: What if I don’t have bowtie pasta?
A: No problem. Rotini or penne work brilliantly for the Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli vibe and bring their own bowtie pasta recipe flair. Just keep cooking times similar, and you’re set.
Q: How do I know my chicken is perfectly done?
A: Look for a golden sear on the outside, and when you cut into the thickest piece, it should be white and juicy, not pink. Pro tip: Use a meat thermometer at 165°F if you want to be bulletproof.
Q: Is this recipe gluten-free?
A: Swap bowtie pasta for a gluten-free version, and you’re good to go—still packing that cowboy butter sauce punch.
Q: Can the broccoli be swapped?
A: For sure! Asparagus or green beans make excellent substitutes in this broccoli chicken skillet-style recipe. Just adjust cook times slightly.
Q: How long does this dish keep?
A: Stored in an airtight container, Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli stays fresh for up to 3 days in the fridge.
Q: Any suggestions for making a vegetarian version?
A: Swap chicken for crispy tofu or roasted mushrooms, and crank up the garlic and lemon in the cowboy butter sauce. Same formula, bold flavors.
You’re fully equipped to rock this Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli with confidence. For more bold flavor adventures, check out my Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Creamy Parmesan Pasta, a recipe that shares the same buttery, rich vibes. Also worth tasting is this wild twist from Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine – I Am Homesteader, giving you even more cowboy butter sauce inspiration.
Conclusion:
Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli is a reflection of everything Cuba Queen stands for—big flavors, simple ingredients, and cooking that turns every meal into a celebration-worthy bash. This recipe covers all my power tips to keep your flavor game strong:
- Use fresh lemon juice and zest for bright, authentic zing.
- Don’t skip that butter in your cowboy butter sauce – it’s pure flavor gold.
- Reserve pasta water to finish your sauce silky and clingy.
I’ve created variations playing with smoked sausage, swapping out broccoli for roasted butternut squash (like in my Hasselback Butternut Squash with Feta), and even making a creamy chicken and broccoli pasta with more cheese and cream for those indulgent nights. The lemon-forward Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli version gets the biggest “wow” reactions every time, hands down.
Make this your signature dish—your table will never be boring again. I have zero doubt you’ll nail it on your first round, and I can’t wait for you to create bold flavor memories with this taste explosion. Go on, share your flavor adventure stories and photos—I’m here for all the Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli hype!
Oh, and if this recipe rocks your world, you NEED to try my spin on butternut with sausage in Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage for more flavor-burst magic. Also, get a feel for that green crunch in this creamy combo via Creamy Cowboy Butter Steak & Broccolini Lemon Bowtie.
Keep cooking loud and proud, flavor adventurer!
Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli
A flavorful skillet dish featuring tender chicken breasts tossed in zesty lemon cowboy butter sauce, served with bowtie pasta and fresh broccoli for a wholesome, satisfying meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 8 oz bowtie (farfalle) pasta
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Parmesan cheese, grated (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the bowtie pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Steam or blanch broccoli florets until tender-crisp, about 3-4 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- In a small bowl, combine smoked paprika, onion powder, chili powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Season both sides of the chicken breasts with this spice blend.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken breasts and cook for 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken and let rest.
- In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add butter and garlic. Cook until garlic is fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add lemon juice and zest to the skillet and stir to combine, creating the cowboy butter sauce.
- Slice the rested chicken into strips and return to the skillet along with cooked pasta and broccoli. Toss everything to coat evenly in the lemon cowboy butter sauce.
- Remove from heat and garnish with chopped parsley and grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve warm.
Notes
For added richness, sprinkle extra Parmesan on top, or serve with a side of crusty bread to soak up the flavorful cowboy butter sauce.