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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.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 520
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

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

Method
 

Instructions
  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. Garnish with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley. Serve hot for the best flavor and texture experience.

Notes

For al dente pasta, check at the 12-minute mark and cook longer if needed based on your pasta brand. For crisp-tender broccoli, add it during the last 5 minutes of cooking. If sauce is too thin, simmer uncovered for an additional 2-3 minutes. If too thick, add a splash of chicken broth.