Lemon Chicken Pasta with Cowboy Butter Recipe

If you’re craving something that’s both comforting and bursting with flavor, you need to try this Lemon Chicken Pasta with Cowboy Butter Recipe. I absolutely love how the tangy lemon and rich cowboy butter sauce come together with tender chicken and crisp broccoli over bowtie pasta—trust me, this one’s a crowd-pleaser that’s easy enough for a weeknight but feels downright special.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe thoughtfully balances fresh, bright ingredients with warm, savory spices and buttery goodness. When shopping, look for quality chicken breasts and fresh lemon for the best zing. Bowtie pasta works great because it holds sauce well, but you can swap in your favorite pasta shape.

• Chicken breasts: Boneless and skinless makes them easy to cut and cook evenly.
• Bowtie (farfalle) pasta: Its shape catches the sauce; if unavailable, penne or rotini works too.
• Broccoli florets: Adds a fresh crunch and color contrast that complements the richness.
• Cajun seasoning: Brings just the right amount of smoky spice to the chicken.
• Garlic powder: For that warm background flavor that’s never overpowering.
• Smoked paprika: Adds depth and a mild smokiness that pairs wonderfully with the butter.
• Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing flavors.
• Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): Add if you like a subtle heat kick.
• Dijon mustard: A secret weapon to brighten and give tangy depth to the sauce.
• Juice and zest of lemon: Fresh lemon is key for that vibrant citrus pop.
• Fresh parsley: Adds lovely herbaceous notes and freshness.
• Fresh chives: Mild oniony flavor that enhances the sauce.
• Olive oil: Used to cook the chicken, keeping it juicy and flavorful.
• Unsalted butter: The “cowboy butter” star—rich and silky, creating that luscious sauce.
• Grated Parmesan cheese: For creamy texture and umami punch in the sauce and topping.
• Reserved pasta water: The secret to adjusting your sauce consistency perfectly.

Variations

I love how flexible this Lemon Chicken Pasta with Cowboy Butter Recipe is—you can tweak it to your mood or pantry stocks without losing the magic. Here are a few ways I’ve made it my own over the years.

• Swap the chicken for shrimp: I tried this recently and the shrimp cooks super quickly and soaks up the sauce beautifully.
• Add mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes: These provide extra umami if you want a richer veggie profile.
• Use gluten-free pasta: Makes the dish allergy-friendly without sacrificing taste or texture.
• Turn up the heat: If you love spice, I add more crushed red pepper or even a dash of hot sauce to the butter.

How to Make Lemon Chicken Pasta with Cowboy Butter Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Cook Pasta & Broccoli

Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. I always add salt generously—it’s your one chance to flavor the pasta from the inside. Toss in the bowtie pasta and cook until just al dente, around 10-12 minutes. About 3 minutes before the pasta’s done, throw in the broccoli florets so they cook simultaneously and stay vibrant green with a bite. Reserve about 1/2 cup of that starchy pasta water before draining—it’s liquid gold for loosening the sauce later!

Step 2: Season and Cook the Chicken

While pasta cooks, season your chicken pieces thoroughly with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. I find pressing the seasoning into the chicken ensures even flavor in every bite. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken for 6-7 minutes, flipping here and there until golden and cooked through. Don’t rush this step—you want a nice sear for flavor, so patience pays off. Once done, remove the chicken and set aside.

Step 3: Create the Cowboy Butter Sauce

In that same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. The flavor starts here! Add minced garlic (or garlic powder if you don’t have fresh on hand) and sauté just until fragrant—about 1-2 minutes. Be careful not to burn it. Stir in crushed red pepper flakes for a gentle heat, Dijon mustard for sharpness, then lemon juice and zest for brightness. Finally, toss in chopped parsley and chives, and adjust salt and pepper to taste. The sauce will smell incredible and look silky.

Step 4: Combine Everything and Finish

Add the drained pasta, broccoli, and cooked chicken back to the skillet with your cowboy butter sauce. Toss everything gently to get every nook of pasta coated. If your sauce looks a bit thick, splash in some of that reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach a luscious consistency. Stir in the Parmesan cheese last—that melting cheese brings a creamy, irresistible finish.

Serve it warm with extra Parmesan, a sprinkle of fresh parsley, and if you like, an extra squeeze of lemon juice to brighten up your plate even more.

How to Serve Lemon Chicken Pasta with Cowboy Butter Recipe

Garnishes

I like topping this pasta with extra grated Parmesan for cheesiness and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of green and freshness. Sometimes, a twist of lemon peel or a quick zest right on top brings that extra zing. It’s those little touches that turn a simple dish into something special.

Side Dishes

Because this pasta is so rich and flavorful, I enjoy pairing it with a crisp green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette or some roasted asparagus. Garlic bread also works wonders here if you want to make it a bit more indulgent—perfect for a cozy weekend dinner.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to serve this Lemon Chicken Pasta with Cowboy Butter Recipe in individual wide bowls, garnished with a lemon slice or edible flowers for a pop of elegance. If you’re feeling playful, layer it in a clear glass trifle bowl for buffet-style serving where everyone can see those gorgeous layers of pasta, chicken, and green broccoli peeking through.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and find that the dish keeps well for up to 3 days. The sauce thickens a bit in the fridge, so give it a gentle toss and add a splash of water or broth when reheating to bring it back to life.

Freezing

Freezing works, but I recommend freezing the chicken and pasta separately if you can—it keeps textures better. When reheating from frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge and add a bit more butter or pasta water while warming to preserve that silky sauce.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently and adding reserved pasta water or a splash of broth to loosen the sauce. Microwave works in a pinch, but stirring halfway through helps avoid drying out.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

When I first tried this Lemon Chicken Pasta with Cowboy Butter Recipe, it blew me away how simple ingredients could come together into such a rich, flavorful dish. It’s one of those recipes I keep returning to whenever I want something comforting but with a fresh twist. I really hope you give it a go—it’s the kind of meal that makes your kitchen smell irresistible, your family smile, and your taste buds do a happy dance. So grab your skillet, and let’s make some buttery, lemony magic happen tonight!

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