I still remember the first time I whipped up Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli. It was one of those evenings where I stood in the kitchen wondering how to get dinner on the table fast with a little zing and wholesome nutrition. I’d heard about this recipe from a friend in a busy mom group, and the name alone promised that buttery, comforting goodness we all crave, but with a fresh lemon twist and a boost from broccoli. Turns out, this dish has been a total win for nourishing my wild crew without the drama.
After the first bite, my kids gave me the kind of glowing approval every busy mom dreams of. Even my picky toddler leaned in for seconds, which felt like a quiet victory in the never-ending battle against bland, boring meals. More importantly, this Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli brought a balance of protein, veggies, and comforting carbs that kept everyone’s energy steady through homework and bedtime chaos.
What surprised me most was how this recipe fits into my family’s nutrition goals without feeling restricted or complicated. It’s simple enough for hectic weeknights but satisfying enough to feel special. Plus, the buttery lemon sauce adds flavor without a laundry list of ingredients. If you’re like me, juggling school drop-offs and playdates, you’ll appreciate this recipe’s straightforward charm.
Fellow nutrition-seekers, if you’re hunting for a dish that’s wholesome but won’t add stress to your evenings, give this Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli a try. It’s been a steady staple for my family’s wellness, and I’m excited to share how it can help yours too. Let’s dive into the simple steps that keep our dinnertime wins coming!
Oh, and if you love this tasty, nutritious pasta dinner, you should also check out my Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet for another creamy lemon chicken pasta experience or the Maple Glazed Chicken with Sweet Potatoes for a sweet twist on easy chicken broccoli dinner nights.
INGREDIENTS You’ll Need:
Here’s the heart of your Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli magic, made simple because busy moms need nutrition without complexity!
- 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound), sliced thin
- 8 ounces bowtie pasta (farfalle)
- 3 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (this is your “cowboy butter” base)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Juice and zest of 1 large lemon
- 1/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (adds a hint of warmth)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
No worries if you don’t have fresh broccoli florets—you can easily substitute frozen broccoli florets without losing any nutrition in your Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli. I keep frozen on hand during busy weeks for quick prep.
Bowtie pasta is a family favorite because its fun shape keeps kids interested. If you want to swap, penne or rotini work great here too! All these pasta shapes provide that wonderful carb boost we need for after-school activities.
This recipe proves nutritious doesn’t mean expensive. You can find all these wholesome ingredients at your regular grocery store or farmers’ market. I love that adding lemon juice gives a fresh hit of vitamin C, which supports immune health in my family, especially during the busier seasons.
For a nutrition hack, whenever I want a bit more greens, I toss in chopped spinach right before serving. It wilts into the warm sauce without changing the flavor that much—bonus nutrients for everyone!
Shortcut alert: You can buy pre-minced garlic and pre-cut broccoli florets to shave a few precious minutes off prep time. In my house, every minute saved is a win!
Let’s Make it Happen!
Ready to bring this nourishing Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli to your table? Let’s tackle it together step by step—no stress, just simple nutrition.
- Start with a big pot of salted water boiling for your bowtie pasta. While waiting, prep your chicken by slicing it thin so it cooks evenly and quickly. Thin slices keep this easy chicken broccoli dinner speedy.
- Toss your pasta in and cook according to package directions, usually about 10-12 minutes. This gives you the perfect al dente texture to hold the flavorful sauce. While you wait, prep your broccoli by steaming it lightly or microwaving for 2-3 minutes until bright green but still crisp. Perfect time to prep tomorrow’s lunch or breathe deeply!
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced chicken, sprinkle smoked paprika for that cozy cowboy butter flavor, salt, and pepper. Cook chicken for 4-5 minutes, flipping once until golden and cooked through. Your Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli should start smelling inviting here—hello garlic and paprika!
- Add butter and minced garlic to the skillet. The butter will melt and mingle with garlic for that comforting sauce base. Stir constantly for 1-2 minutes so garlic softens without browning. The smell at this point almost guarantees family “mmm’s.”
- Pour in chicken broth, lemon juice, and zest. Stir everything together to deglaze the pan and bring the flavors home. Allow the sauce to simmer for another 2 minutes until slightly thickened. This creamy lemon chicken pasta feeling is what makes this recipe a family favorite.
- Add your cooked, drained pasta and steamed broccoli to the skillet. Toss gently so the sauce coats everything evenly. At this stage, sprinkle Parmesan cheese and stir again — it melts in and adds that perfect cheesy finish without being heavy.
- Give it a quick taste and add salt or pepper if needed. Your Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli should look glossy, fresh, and packed with vibrant warmth. That’s a dinnertime nutrition win!
In my busy kitchen, this nutritious Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli usually takes about 30 minutes from start to finish, which fits nicely between school pickups and bath time. If you want to switch things up, this recipe reminds me a bit of the Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine from I Am Homesteader — same savory butter sauce love but with a different pasta spin.
Remember, dinnertime nutrition wins come in many shapes and flavors. Next time, try a lemon garlic chicken with creamy pasta recipe for a fresh twist, or our Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet if you love busy family meals that feel homemade but effortless.
How We Love to Eat This!
Our family dives into Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli on those busy weeknights when we need good nutrition fast! The kids adore the bowtie pasta shape, and the lemon butter flavor makes it feel like a treat.
A favorite pairing that boosts nutrition is a simple cucumber tomato salad tossed in olive oil and a splash of vinegar. It adds fresh crunch and extra vitamins without extra fuss. On cooler nights, we sometimes swap broccoli for roasted asparagus based on what’s in season. Seasonal variations keep this easy chicken broccoli dinner feeling fresh.
Leftovers? Absolutely! This Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli reheats well and makes a nourishing lunch the next day. I’ve even packed it cold for school lunches with a side of fresh fruit.
When friends come over, they always ask for this recipe because it hits that perfect balance of comfort and freshness. Some guests love the creamy lemon chicken pasta idea so much they ask for seconds!
If your kids love this wholesome pasta dinner, they’ll go crazy for the Maple Glazed Chicken with Sweet Potatoes, another easy chicken broccoli dinner favorite. For a sweet finish to your family meal, try my Apple Butter Pie with Cinnamon Whipped Cream—healthy indulgence your family will appreciate.
FAQs: Your Questions Answered
Q: Is this Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli nutritious enough for growing kids?
A: Absolutely! This dish blends lean protein from chicken, vitamin-packed broccoli, and energy-boosting pasta. The lemon juice adds immune support, and the balanced meal keeps kiddos fueled for their busy days. My own kids stay satisfied and energized after this meal.
Q: What if my picky eater won’t try this healthy Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli?
A: I get it! Start by serving smaller portions with the sauce separated on the side for dipping. The lemon butter flavor often wins kids over, especially when paired with familiar pasta shapes. Adding a sprinkle of cheese helps too!
Q: Can I meal prep this Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli for busy weeks ahead?
A: Yes, this recipe stores well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave. Just add a splash of water or broth to keep the sauce creamy during reheating.
Q: Can I swap broccoli for other veggies?
A: Definitely! Zucchini, green beans, or spinach work beautifully as alternatives. This keeps your meals varied while still packed with nutrients.
Q: What’s the best way to make the sauce creamy without heavy cream?
A: The combination of butter, chicken broth, lemon juice, and Parmesan cheese creates a naturally creamy sauce without adding heavy cream. It’s lighter but still rich enough to satisfy.
Q: Where can I find inspiration for other quick chicken dinners?
A: For more simple nutrition ideas, check out my Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet and Maple Glazed Chicken with Sweet Potatoes recipes. Both are busy-mom-approved and easy to make.
Q: How can I make this Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli more budget-friendly?
A: Choose frozen broccoli, buy chicken on sale or in bulk, and use store brands for pasta and cheese. These swaps keep nutrition intact without stretching your grocery budget.
Q: Does the lemon butter chicken sauce freeze well?
A: I’ve found it’s best to make this fresh or freeze the components separately. Pastas don’t freeze well mixed in sauce but chicken and sauce alone can freeze for up to a month.
Final Thoughts:
This Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli has become a quiet hero in my family’s nutrition journey. It balances simplicity with flavor and offers a nourishing punch without stress. Every busy mom deserves a recipe that can do that!
My Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli Nutrition Hacks:
- Adding lemon zest boosts vitamin C and brightens the flavor
- Using frozen broccoli saves time and adds convenience without losing nutrients
- Swapping bowtie pasta for whole grain or legume-based versions adds fiber and protein
Our family loves the classic version best, but my husband prefers it with extra smoked paprika, and my toddler enjoys it with the sauce on the side. The beauty is that you can make this nourishing chaos your own.
I hope you find as much love (and sanity-saving nutrition) in Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli as we have. Give it a whirl—it might just become one of your family’s dinnertime favorites, too! Feel free to swing by the Busy Mom Simple Nutrition community for even more quick and wholesome meals made with heart.
And if you want a taste of a creamy lemon chicken pasta with a twist, here’s a lovely lemon garlic chicken with creamy pasta recipe to try out. When you want something familiar with a cowboy butter vibe, the Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine from I Am Homesteader is a great read, too. Or chat with others loving the same recipe in this Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli post.
Happy cooking, fellow moms! Your family’s nutrition is worth every simple step.
Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli
This flavorful Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli combines tender chicken and pasta tossed in a zesty lemon butter sauce, perfectly complemented by fresh broccoli for a hearty and satisfying dinner.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 8 oz bowtie (farfalle) pasta
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 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 chili powder
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the bowtie pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Steam or blanch the broccoli florets until tender-crisp, about 3-4 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- In a small bowl, mix together smoked paprika, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper to create the cowboy seasoning.
- Pat chicken breasts dry and season both sides evenly with the cowboy seasoning.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken breasts and cook for 5-6 minutes per side, or until cooked through and golden brown. Remove from skillet and let rest.
- In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add butter and minced garlic. Sauté garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add lemon zest, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes (if using) to the skillet and stir to combine the lemon butter sauce.
- Slice the cooked chicken into strips and return to the skillet along with the cooked pasta and broccoli. Toss everything gently to coat in the lemon butter sauce.
- Remove from heat and sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
For extra richness, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top before serving, or serve with warm crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.