Lemon Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta with Broccoli – Easy One Pan Dinner
Lemon Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta with Broccoli – Easy One Pan Dinner
This Lemon Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta is the ultimate weeknight dinner solution that combines tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and bowtie pasta in a rich, creamy lemon garlic butter sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, this one-pan wonder delivers restaurant-quality flavors with minimal cleanup, making it perfect for busy families seeking comfort food that everyone will love.
The cowboy butter sauce—a flavorful blend of garlic, herbs, and citrus—transforms simple ingredients into an extraordinary meal. The bright lemon notes cut through the richness, while the broccoli adds nutrition and texture. It’s the kind of meal that feels indulgent yet comes together with pantry staples you likely already have on hand.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
- 8 oz bowtie pasta (farfalle)
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon (zest and juice)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the bowtie pasta according to package directions, adding broccoli florets during the last 3 minutes of cooking. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken cubes with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
Step 3: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Step 4: Add chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Stir in lemon juice and zest, then add heavy cream, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Step 5: Return cooked chicken to the skillet, then add the drained pasta and broccoli. Toss everything together until well coated in the sauce. Stir in Parmesan cheese, dried parsley, and red pepper flakes if using.
Step 6: Cook for 2-3 more minutes until everything is heated through and the sauce has thickened slightly. Season with additional salt and pepper if needed.
Step 7: Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley if desired.
Expert Tips
Perfect Pasta Texture: Cook the pasta al dente since it will continue to cook slightly when mixed with the hot sauce. This prevents it from becoming mushy.
Chicken Preparation: Pat the chicken dry before seasoning and cooking to ensure a beautiful golden sear rather than steaming.
Sauce Consistency: If your sauce seems too thin, let it simmer for an extra minute or two to reduce. If too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
Vegetable Variations: This recipe works wonderfully with other vegetables like asparagus, peas, or spinach. Add them according to their cooking times—quick-cooking veggies can go in with the pasta, while heartier ones may need pre-cooking.
For another delicious pasta option that’s perfect for busy nights, try this Cheesy One Pot Chicken Alfredo Pasta that simplifies cleanup even further.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different pasta shape?
Absolutely! While bowtie pasta works beautifully, you can substitute with penne, rotini, or any short pasta that holds sauce well.
How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of broth or cream to refresh the sauce.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, use dairy-free butter and cream alternatives, and omit the Parmesan or use a nutritional yeast substitute.
What makes it “cowboy butter” style?
The cowboy butter flavor comes from the combination of garlic, herbs, citrus, and a hint of spice—creating a robust, flavorful sauce that’s reminiscent of classic cowboy butter recipes.
If you enjoy creamy pasta dishes, you might also love this Creamy Chicken Ranch Pasta for another family-friendly option that’s always a crowd-pleaser.
For a lighter side dish to complement this pasta, consider serving it with Crispy Air Fryer Garlic Green Beans for a complete meal that balances richness with freshness.
Lemon Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta with Broccoli – Easy One Pan Dinner
Ingredients
Method
- Cook the bowtie pasta according to package directions, adding broccoli florets during the last 3 minutes of cooking. Drain and set aside.
- While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken cubes with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Stir in lemon juice and zest, then add heavy cream, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Return cooked chicken to the skillet, then add the drained pasta and broccoli. Toss everything together until well coated in the sauce. Stir in Parmesan cheese, dried parsley, and red pepper flakes if using.
- Cook for 2-3 more minutes until everything is heated through and the sauce has thickened slightly. Season with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley if desired.
