Delicious Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli Recipe

When I first made Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli, I was a bit nervous. I needed a meal that felt comforting but wouldn’t take all night after a long day of school runs, snack battles, and my own endless to-do list. My family had just come home hungry and cranky, and I wanted something that would bring us all back together without too much kitchen chaos. That first time, I followed what I thought was a simple recipe, but it turned into a bit of a learning curve figuring out the perfect balance between the tangy lemon, buttery richness, and the kid-friendly veggies tucked in the bowtie pasta chicken broccoli lemon combo.

What surprised me was how quickly this Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli won over even my picky eater. That buttery sauce—the cowboy butter sauce recipe itself—felt like a cozy hug on a plate. It was creamy enough to satisfy cravings but fresh from the lemon and broccoli that kept it from falling flat. Now, it’s become a staple right alongside our other go-to garlic butter chicken pasta dishes. Every week, this lemon broccoli chicken skillet brightens up our dinners and adds a little sunshine to hectic evenings. Fellow busy moms, if you’re hunting for simple comfort with real taste, this Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli is a triumph that brings my family comfort and sanity on a plate!

• 12 ounces bowtie pasta (farfalle) – I stick to the regular store brand for ease and budget
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (or swap with olive oil for a lighter feel in your Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced – garlic’s a family fave for flavor
• 2 cups fresh broccoli florets – you can always use frozen when fresh isn’t handy
• Zest and juice of 1 large lemon – this brightens up the whole dish
• ½ cup chicken broth – I love that it adds depth without heaviness
• ½ cup heavy cream – for that creamy lemon chicken pasta vibe we all crave
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese – more cheese = more smiles here!
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional but pretty)

Trust me, this Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli ingredient list is simple because busy moms need comfort without complexity! If you don’t have fresh broccoli, frozen works just as well—this dish is forgiving like that. And, if you want to cut down on dairy, swapping heavy cream for half-and-half keeps it creamy but lighter. You can find all these simple ingredients at your regular grocery store, and they’re friendly to budgets tight on dinner money. My family gets extra comfort when I toss in a little more garlic—it gives that cozy garlic butter chicken pasta stir that fills the house with warmth. Little prep hacks? Buy pre-cut broccoli florets or frozen chopped garlic to save time. This Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli proves delicious doesn’t mean expensive or complicated.

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Toss in your bowtie pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. This is the perfect window to prep lunchboxes or set the table. Drain the pasta and set it aside—don’t rinse, because the starch helps the Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli sauce stick.
2. While the pasta cooks, heat butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant—your kitchen will smell incredible! This step is key for the cozy garlic butter chicken pasta vibes that make this dish a family favorite.
3. Add your bite-sized chicken pieces. Season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden and cooked through. Here’s a comfort hack: don’t overcrowd the pan so the chicken browns nicely; it adds flavor without extra effort.
4. Toss in the broccoli florets and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until they’re bright green and tender-crisp. Adding them now keeps their fresh crunch in this lemon broccoli chicken skillet style.
5. Pour in the chicken broth, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Let everything simmer for a couple of minutes so the flavors marry. You’ll notice that fresh lemon scent lifting your spirits already.
6. Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Let it simmer gently until the sauce thickens enough to coat your Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli.
7. Add the cooked bowtie pasta back into the skillet. Toss to combine all those wonderful flavors evenly.
8. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. A little extra salt or pepper can make all the difference.
9. Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

This comforting Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli usually takes under 30 minutes from start to finish! While it simmers, it’s a perfect time to prep tomorrow’s lunch or sneak in a moment to breathe. Don’t worry if it looks a little creamy and rustic—the beauty is in its homemade, unpretentious charm. I once struggled with balancing lemon and butter, but once I learned to add the juice gradually, it became our creamy lemon chicken pasta go-to. Check out this beautiful Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine – I Am Homesteader for another take on cowboy butter sauce in pasta form.

My kids absolutely devour this comforting dish when I serve it alongside a crisp green salad or warm garlic bread. The creamy lemon chicken pasta feels like a hug on a plate, and the bright broccoli sneaks in a pop of green hiding in plain sight—what a win in my book!

We often have this cozy meal on those busy weeknights when time is short but comfort is non-negotiable. It’s perfect for family dinners, and the leftovers make a fantastic lunch the next day. Presentation tip: sprinkle a little extra Parmesan and a lemon wedge on the side to brighten up the plate and make mealtime feel special.

If you’re looking for variety, swapping broccoli for green beans or adding mushrooms can switch things up without losing that creamy lemon chicken pasta soul. Friends who join our dinners often ask for the recipe—and for more simple comfort food ideas for busy families, check out my Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet for another hearty favorite.

Q: Is Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli filling enough for growing kids?
A: Absolutely. The combination of protein-packed chicken, comforting pasta, veggies, and creamy sauce keeps little tummies satisfied. My kids stay full and happy well into snack time.

Q: What if my picky eater won’t try this dish?
A: I’ve been there! Sneak in more sauce if they like creamier meals or chop the broccoli extra small. Sometimes serving it with a favorite side helps ease them into trying the whole dish. You might also want to explore this lemon garlic chicken with creamy pasta recipe for milder flavors.

Q: Can I meal prep this for busy weeks ahead?
A: Yes! Make a big batch, portion it out, and freeze it. Reheat gently on the stove to keep the creamy sauce silky and fresh. It’s a sanity-saving comfort food for rushed days.

Q: Can I substitute heavy cream?
A: Yes. Half-and-half or whole milk works, though the sauce will be lighter and less creamy. A little extra cheese can help keep the richness. This works well in my kitchen for a lighter lemon broccoli chicken skillet.

Q: What’s the cowboy butter sauce recipe base?
A: It’s a buttery garlic sauce with fresh lemon and a touch of cream. Butter and lemon brighten the flavor, while garlic adds comforting richness. It’s what turns regular chicken pasta into this luscious dish.

Q: How do I make this faster on hectic nights?
A: Use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken or frozen chopped broccoli. Cook pasta ahead of time and toss everything together at the last minute. Quick and cozy!

Q: Can I add other veggies?
A: Sure! Bell peppers, mushrooms, or peas work great. Adjust cook time to keep everything tender-crisp and flavorful.

Q: Is this gluten-free?
A: Not in its regular form, but swapping in gluten-free bowtie pasta easily makes it family-friendly for gluten-sensitive members.

For more comfort food favorites that pair well with this dish, try my Maple Glazed Chicken with Sweet Potatoes. It’s another sure dinnertime win in our home!

This Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli fits perfectly into my family’s comfort food goals because it blends simple ingredients into a satisfying, wholesome meal that feels like a treat on busy nights. Comfort hacks include: adding extra lemon zest for brightness, using frozen broccoli to save time without losing flavor, and doubling the garlic for a cozy, savory boost.

For those wanting variety, we’ve tried family-tested versions: swapping heavy cream for coconut milk to lighten it up (my husband loves this twist), adding spicy red pepper flakes for an adult-only version, or turning it into a creamy lemon chicken pasta bake with extra cheese for Sunday dinners. My kids lean toward the classic with broccoli, while my husband appreciates the little heat tweaks.

Make this recipe your own way, friends! Cooking is about what works for your family’s tastes and time. I hope this recipe brings warmth, ease, and delicious moments to your table soon. Cheers to satisfying family meals without the fuss! If your kids love this hearty recipe, they’ll go crazy for my Apple Butter Pie with Cinnamon Whipped Cream—because we all deserve a sweet finish after a good savory.

Remember, you’re not alone in the cozy chaos of family cooking. This Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli is here to bring comfort and keep your kitchen sane, one smile at a time. Enjoy every bite!