Lemon Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta with Broccoli – Easy One Pan Weeknight Dinner
Lemon Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta with Broccoli
This Lemon Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta is the ultimate weeknight dinner solution that combines tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and bowtie pasta in a creamy lemon garlic butter sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes using only one pan, this family-friendly meal delivers restaurant-quality flavors with minimal cleanup.
The cowboy butter sauce—infused with garlic, herbs, and bright citrus—transforms simple ingredients into an extraordinary comfort food experience. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or a casual family gathering, this recipe promises to become a new favorite in your dinner rotation.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
- 8 oz bowtie pasta (farfalle)
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 4 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon (juice and zest)
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Season cubed chicken with salt, pepper, and paprika. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.
Step 2: Create the Cowboy Butter Sauce
In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in lemon zest and juice, then add chicken broth, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
Step 3: Cook Pasta and Broccoli
Add bowtie pasta to the skillet along with broccoli florets. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and cook for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is al dente and broccoli is tender.
Step 4: Combine and Finish
Return cooked chicken to the skillet. Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, dried parsley, and red pepper flakes if using. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until sauce thickens slightly. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 5: Serve Immediately
Garnish with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley. Serve hot for the best flavor and texture experience.
Expert Tips
- Perfect Pasta Texture: For al dente pasta, check at the 12-minute mark and cook longer if needed based on your pasta brand.
- Broccoli Variations: For crisp-tender broccoli, add it during the last 5 minutes of cooking. For softer broccoli, cook it with the pasta from the beginning.
- Sauce Consistency: If sauce is too thin, simmer uncovered for an additional 2-3 minutes. If too thick, add a splash of chicken broth.
- Make it Creamier: Add an extra 1/4 cup of heavy cream for a richer, more indulgent sauce.
This one-pan wonder is similar to our popular Garlic Butter Bowtie Pasta with Chicken but with the bright twist of lemon cowboy butter sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different pasta shape?
Absolutely! Penne, rotini, or fusilli work well. Adjust cooking time according to package directions.
How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth to refresh the sauce.
Can I make this dish ahead?
While best served fresh, you can prep ingredients ahead. Cook the chicken and chop vegetables, then assemble and cook when ready to serve.
What protein alternatives work well?
Shrimp or turkey breast make excellent substitutes. For a vegetarian version, use chickpeas or white beans instead of chicken.
If you enjoy this creamy pasta dish, you might also love our Cheesy One Pot Chicken Alfredo Pasta or the comforting Comfort Chicken Pasta with Smoky Garlic Butter Flavors.
For more easy dinner inspiration, check out our Creamy One Pot Salmon Pasta or the family-friendly Chicken Parmesan Casserole.
Lemon Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta with Broccoli
Ingredients
Method
- Season cubed chicken with salt, pepper, and paprika. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in lemon zest and juice, then add chicken broth, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Add bowtie pasta to the skillet along with broccoli florets. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and cook for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is al dente and broccoli is tender.
- Return cooked chicken to the skillet. Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, dried parsley, and red pepper flakes if using. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until sauce thickens slightly. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
- Garnish with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley. Serve hot for the best flavor and texture experience.
