Lemon Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta with Broccoli – Easy One Pan Dinner

Bring the rustic charm of cowboy butter to your weeknight routine with this vibrant one-pan pasta dinner. Juicy chicken tenderloins mingle with bowtie pasta and crisp broccoli florets, all coated in a bright lemon garlic butter sauce that delivers restaurant-quality flavor in about 25 minutes. Perfect for busy families craving comfort food that feels gourmet.

This one-pan chicken pasta combines the best of cowboy butter’s bold seasonings with the fresh zing of citrus. The result is a complete meal that’s hearty enough to satisfy appetites yet light enough for warm evenings.

Ingredients

• 1 lb chicken tenderloins, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 8 oz bowtie pasta
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 3 tbsp butter
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 lemon (juice and zest)
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: In a large skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces and cook until golden brown, about 5-6 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.

Step 2: Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) to the skillet. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer.

Step 3: Add bowtie pasta and broccoli florets to the skillet. Stir to combine, then cover and simmer for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is al dente and broccoli is tender-crisp.

Step 4: Stir in lemon juice, lemon zest, and Parmesan cheese. Cook for another minute until cheese melts and sauce thickens slightly.

Step 5: Garnish with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan if desired. Serve immediately while warm.

Expert Tips

• Pasta Selection: Bowtie pasta holds the creamy sauce beautifully, but feel free to substitute with penne, fusilli, or farfalle.
• Broccoli Texture: For extra crisp-tender broccoli, add it during the last 5 minutes of cooking rather than with the pasta.
• Sauce Consistency: If the sauce seems too thin, let it simmer uncovered for 2-3 minutes longer to thicken. For a creamier version, stir in 2 tablespoons of cream or milk.
• Make it Spicy: Add an extra ¼ tsp red pepper flakes for those who enjoy a kick of heat.

This one-pan pasta method works beautifully with various proteins and vegetables. The technique ensures maximum flavor infusion while minimizing cleanup—a win for busy weeknights.

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli? Yes! Frozen broccoli works perfectly. Add it directly from frozen—no need to thaw—but increase cooking time by 2-3 minutes.

What pasta substitutions work best? Any short pasta shape works well. Try penne, rotini, or shells. For a quick rotisserie chicken pasta, use pre-cooked chicken and reduce cooking time.

How should I store leftovers? Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth to refresh the sauce.

Can I make this dairy-free? Absolutely! Substitute butter with olive oil and omit Parmesan cheese. The lemon garlic sauce will still be flavorful.

Whether you’re craving bold Cajun flavors or classic comfort food, this lemon cowboy butter chicken pasta delivers. It’s the perfect balance of bright citrus, savory chicken, and hearty pasta that brings everyone to the table.

Lemon Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta with Broccoli – Easy One Pan Dinner

Bring the rustic charm of cowboy butter to your weeknight routine with this vibrant one-pan pasta dinner. Juicy chicken tenderloins mingle with bowtie pasta and crisp broccoli florets, all coated in a bright lemon garlic butter sauce that delivers restaurant-quality flavor in about 25 minutes.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Calories: 420

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Ingredients

• 1 lb chicken tenderloins, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 8 oz bowtie pasta
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 3 tbsp butter
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 lemon (juice and zest)
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Method

 

Instructions

1. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces and cook until golden brown, about 5-6 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
2. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) to the skillet. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
3. Add bowtie pasta and broccoli florets to the skillet. Stir to combine, then cover and simmer for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is al dente and broccoli is tender-crisp.
4. Stir in lemon juice, lemon zest, and Parmesan cheese. Cook for another minute until cheese melts and sauce thickens slightly.
5. Garnish with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan if desired. Serve immediately while warm.

Notes

Bowtie pasta holds the creamy sauce beautifully. For extra crisp-tender broccoli, add it during the last 5 minutes of cooking. If sauce seems too thin, simmer uncovered for 2-3 minutes longer to thicken.