Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli

This Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli is a bright, comforting weeknight meal that balances rich butter and garlic with a fresh citrus lift. The bowtie pasta offers a pleasant bite that holds the silky lemon garlic sauce, while the broccoli adds a crisp-tender pop of green and gentle bitterness. The chicken cooks in garlic butter until golden, leaving savory browned bits that mingle with lemon zest and juice for an aromatic, slightly tangy finish. This dish is ideal for busy evenings, casual dinners with friends, or when you want a satisfying plate that comes together fast. If you love variations on buttery chicken pasta, try this take on cowboy butter chicken pasta for another comforting option.

Ingredients

2 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
Skinless chicken breasts cook quickly and soak up the garlic lemon butter sauce.
8 oz bowtie pasta
Bowtie pasta holds sauce in its creases and cooks to a tender, toothsome texture.
2 cups broccoli florets
Fresh florets add color, crunch, and nutrition; they become crisp-tender when added to the pasta pot.
4 tbsp butter
Butter is the base for the cowboy garlic butter, creating a rich, glossy sauce.
4 cloves garlic, minced
Fresh garlic provides aromatic depth and savory punch; mince finely for even distribution.
1 lemon, zested and juiced
Lemon zest gives bright citrus aroma while the juice adds lively acidity to cut the richness.
Salt and pepper to taste
Simple seasoning to enhance all flavors; season gradually and taste as you go.
Parmesan cheese for garnish (optional)
A light sprinkle of Parmesan adds a salty, nutty finish if you like extra richness. For a creamier approach, see a related creamy rotisserie chicken broccoli pasta recipe.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cook the bowtie pasta according to package instructions in a large pot of salted boiling water.
Tip: Add a generous pinch of salt to the water so the pasta itself is well seasoned.
Add the broccoli florets during the last 3 minutes of cooking so they become crisp-tender.
Tip: Timing them with the pasta keeps them bright green and slightly firm.
Drain the pasta and broccoli together and set aside, reserving a 1/4 cup of pasta cooking water if needed.
In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter until it foams. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to let it brown.
Tip: Stir constantly and lower the heat if the garlic starts to brown.
Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and season both sides with salt and pepper. Cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 6 to 7 minutes per side. Use a meat thermometer to ensure a safe internal temperature of 165°F.
Tip: Do not overcrowd the pan; cook the chicken in a single layer for an even sear.
Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. Resting keeps the juices inside the chicken.
Add the lemon zest and lemon juice to the skillet, stirring to combine with the garlic butter, scraping up any browned bits. This forms the lemon garlic sauce.
Toss the cooked pasta and broccoli with the lemon garlic sauce in the skillet, coating everything evenly. If the sauce seems tight, add a splash of the reserved pasta water.
Tip: A tablespoon or two of the reserved water loosens the sauce and helps it cling to the pasta.
Serve the pasta topped with sliced chicken and garnish with Parmesan cheese if desired.

For a similar flavor profile with a cheesy bowtie base, check out this garlic butter cheesy bowtie pasta for inspiration.

Recipe Details

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: Approximately 440 per serving

Tips, Storage & Variations

Practical tips: Pat the chicken dry before seasoning to get a better sear. Zest the lemon before juicing to capture maximum flavor. Keep the reserved pasta water on hand to adjust sauce consistency.
Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of water to refresh the sauce.
Freezing: You can freeze cooked chicken slices and pasta separately in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Avoid freezing the dish with broccoli if you prefer the vegetable to retain texture.
Flavor variations using only ingredients on hand:
- Make it zestier by intensifying the lemon zest and juice.
- Boost garlic richness by adding the garlic earlier and slightly more, within the provided amount.
- Turn up the butter for a richer sauce or finish with the optional Parmesan for extra savory depth. For a sweeter buttery note, compare techniques from this sweet savory honey butter chicken recipe.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to cook the chicken through?
Cook chicken about 6 to 7 minutes per side over medium heat, until an internal temperature of 165°F is reached.
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen broccoli can be used; add it to the pasta pot a minute or two earlier since it is already partially cooked.
Do I have to reserve pasta water?
Reserving 1/4 cup is helpful. A splash loosens the sauce and helps it cling to the pasta.
Is Parmesan required?
No. Parmesan is optional and adds a salty, nutty finish if you prefer a richer flavor.
How should I reheat leftovers?
Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water to refresh the sauce and prevent drying.
Can I prepare parts ahead of time?
Yes. Cook the pasta and broccoli and store separately. Sear the chicken just before serving for best texture.

Conclusion

This Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli is a reliable weeknight winner, marrying buttery garlic richness with bright lemon and crisp broccoli for a balanced, crowd-pleasing plate. If you want one more variation to compare techniques, see the original Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli – Umami | Recipe for inspiration. For another take that pairs lemon and bowtie pasta with chicken and broccoli, try the classic Lemon Chicken with Broccoli & Bow Ties Recipe | Ina Garten. Enjoy making this dish, and please share how it turns out with friends or on social media for cozy dinner inspiration.

Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli

Print Recipe

A bright, comforting weeknight meal that balances rich butter and garlic with a fresh citrus lift.

Author: hannah-reed
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Sautéing
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten-Free (if using gluten-free pasta)

Ingredients

Scale

2 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
8 oz bowtie pasta
2 cups broccoli florets
4 tbsp butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 lemon, zested and juiced
Salt and pepper to taste
Parmesan cheese for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Cook the bowtie pasta according to package instructions in a large pot of salted boiling water.
Add the broccoli florets during the last 3 minutes of cooking so they become crisp-tender.
Drain the pasta and broccoli together and set aside, reserving a 1/4 cup of pasta cooking water if needed.
Melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat until it foams. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant.
Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and season both sides with salt and pepper. Cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 6 to 7 minutes per side.
Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
Add the lemon zest and lemon juice to the skillet, stirring to combine with the garlic butter.
Toss the cooked pasta and broccoli with the lemon garlic sauce in the skillet.
Serve the pasta topped with sliced chicken and garnish with Parmesan cheese if desired.