Are you searching for a weeknight dinner that is not only quick and easy but also bursts with incredible flavor? In that case, look no further. This cowboy butter lemon bowtie chicken recipe is the perfect solution for a meal that feels gourmet yet comes together in under an hour. It combines tender, juicy chicken and perfectly cooked bowtie pasta, all tossed in a zesty, herby, and utterly addictive cowboy butter sauce. Consequently, it has become a go-to favorite in many households across the country. This article will guide you through everything you need to know to master this dish, ensuring a delicious outcome every single time you make it.
What is Cowboy Butter?
Before we dive into the main course, let’s talk about the star of the show: cowboy butter. If you haven’t heard of it, you’re in for a treat. Cowboy butter is essentially a supercharged compound butter, melted into a delectable dipping sauce. It traditionally starts with a base of high-quality butter and is then infused with a powerhouse of flavor. Key ingredients typically include minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and a medley of fresh herbs like parsley and chives. Furthermore, a pinch of red pepper flakes and paprika adds a subtle warmth and a beautiful color.
Originally popularized as a dipping sauce for steak, its versatility is truly remarkable. For example, it pairs wonderfully with shrimp, bread, vegetables, and, as you’ll soon discover, chicken. The sauce’s rich, savory notes are perfectly balanced by the bright acidity of the lemon, creating a complex flavor profile that elevates simple ingredients. In this cowboy butter lemon bowtie chicken recipe, the sauce coats every piece of chicken and pasta, ensuring that each bite is packed with sensational taste.
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Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken Recipe: The 15 Ultimate Steps for Amazing Flavor
Tender chicken and perfectly cooked bowtie pasta tossed in a zesty, garlicky cowboy butter sauce with fresh herbs and bright lemon flavor. A bold, comforting dinner ready in under an hour.
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
12 ounces bowtie (farfalle) pasta
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and black pepper to taste
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
5–6 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon lemon zest
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
2 tablespoons fresh chives, finely chopped
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
1/2 teaspoon paprika
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the bowtie pasta according to package directions until al dente, reserving 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. Pat the cubed chicken dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and black pepper.
3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
4. Add the chicken in a single layer and cook for 5–7 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F.
5. Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
6. Reduce heat to medium-low and add the butter to the same skillet, allowing it to melt while scraping up any browned bits.
7. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30–60 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
8. Whisk in the fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and Dijon mustard, allowing the mixture to simmer briefly.
9. Add parsley, chives, dried thyme, red pepper flakes, and paprika, stirring to combine.
10. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce.
11. Add the drained pasta to the skillet and gently toss everything together.
12. If needed, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce and help it coat the pasta evenly.
13. Let everything cook together for 1–2 minutes until heated through.
14. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes if desired.
15. Serve immediately, garnished with extra fresh herbs if desired.
Notes
Cook the pasta just to al dente since it will continue cooking slightly in the sauce.
Boneless chicken thighs can be substituted for extra juiciness and flavor.
Adjust the red pepper flakes to control the spice level.
Add vegetables like spinach, cherry tomatoes, or broccoli for a complete one-pan meal.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and reheat gently with a splash of liquid to refresh the sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 125mg
Why You’ll Love This Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken Recipe
There are countless reasons why this dish deserves a permanent spot in your recipe rotation. Besides its amazing taste, it offers a level of convenience that is hard to beat for modern, busy families. Here are just a few reasons why you’re sure to fall in love with this cowboy butter lemon bowtie chicken recipe:
- Quick and Easy to Make: From start to finish, you can have this meal on the table in about 40 minutes. Because the steps are straightforward, it’s an ideal choice for a hectic weeknight.
- Packed with Bold Flavors: The combination of savory chicken, zesty lemon, pungent garlic, and fresh herbs creates a truly unforgettable taste experience. It’s a dish that feels special without requiring hours of effort.
- Uses Simple, Accessible Ingredients: You likely have many of the ingredients in your pantry and refrigerator already. Subsequently, a quick trip to the store for some fresh herbs and chicken is all you might need.
- Completely Family-Friendly: This recipe is a certified crowd-pleaser. While it has a little kick, you can easily adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to suit your family’s spice preference, making it perfect for both adults and kids. If you enjoy creating delicious, family-friendly chicken dinners, you might also love this Garlic Parmesan Chicken.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best parts about this recipe is its simple ingredient list. By using fresh, quality components, you guarantee the best possible flavor. Below is a breakdown of what you will need.
For the Lemon Bowtie Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 12 oz bowtie (farfalle) pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Cowboy Butter Sauce:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 5-6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (from about 2 lemons)
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh chives, finely chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (or more, to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
Step-by-Step Instructions
Now, let’s get to the fun part: cooking! Follow these detailed steps to create the perfect cowboy butter lemon bowtie chicken recipe. First, gather all your ingredients and have them ready to go, as the cooking process moves rather quickly.
Step 1: Cook the Pasta. First of all, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook according to the package directions until it is al dente. Just before draining, be sure to reserve about one cup of the starchy pasta water. Then, drain the pasta and set it aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken. While the pasta is cooking, pat the cubed chicken dry with paper towels. Season it generously with salt and black pepper on all sides. Ensuring the chicken is dry helps it to get a nice golden-brown sear in the pan.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken. Next, heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully add the seasoned chicken cubes in a single layer. Be sure not to overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. According to health experts at the Mayo Clinic, chicken is a great source of lean protein. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
Step 4: Make the Cowboy Butter Sauce. In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the stick of unsalted butter and allow it to melt completely, scraping up any browned bits from the chicken. After that, add the minced garlic and cook for about 30-60 seconds, or until fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic burn.
Step 5: Build the Sauce Flavor. Next, whisk in the fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and Dijon mustard. Let the mixture simmer for about a minute to allow the flavors to meld together. Then, stir in the chopped parsley, chives, dried thyme, red pepper flakes, and paprika. Continue to stir until everything is well combined.
Step 6: Combine Everything. Finally, return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Also, add the drained bowtie pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together gently until the chicken and pasta are thoroughly coated in the glorious cowboy butter sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to thin it out to your desired consistency. The starch in the water helps the sauce cling to the pasta beautifully. Let everything heat through for another minute or two.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy. Your delicious cowboy butter lemon bowtie chicken recipe is now ready! Serve it immediately, garnished with a little extra fresh parsley if desired.
Tips for the Perfect Dish
While this recipe is quite straightforward, a few expert tips can help you achieve perfection every time. Following this advice will ensure your meal is consistently delicious.
Choosing the Best Chicken
For this recipe, boneless, skinless chicken breasts are a fantastic choice because they cook quickly and are a lean source of protein. However, you could also use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for an even more flavorful and moist result. Just be aware that thighs may take a couple of extra minutes to cook through. The key is to cut the chicken into uniform, bite-sized pieces so that they all cook at the same rate.
Cooking Pasta Perfectly
The term ‘al dente’ means “to the tooth” in Italian, and it describes pasta that is cooked through but still has a slight bite. For this recipe, it’s especially important not to overcook the pasta, since it will be added back to the hot skillet with the sauce. Cooking it for a minute less than the package directs is often a good rule of thumb. In addition, always remember to save some of that starchy pasta water. It’s a magical ingredient that helps create a smooth, emulsified sauce.
Customizing Your Cowboy Butter
Feel free to make this cowboy butter sauce your own! If you love heat, for instance, you can add an extra pinch of red pepper flakes or even a dash of hot sauce. On the other hand, if you prefer a milder flavor, you can reduce or omit the pepper flakes entirely. You can also experiment with different herbs; fresh oregano or a little bit of cilantro could add an interesting twist. If you enjoy zesty chicken dishes, you might also like this tangy Lime Chicken with Avocado.
Serving and Storage Suggestions
This dish is hearty enough to be a complete meal on its own, but it also pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Proper storage ensures you can enjoy the leftovers for days to come.
What to Serve With It
To round out your meal, consider serving this cowboy butter lemon bowtie chicken with a simple side salad tossed in a light vinaigrette. Steamed or roasted vegetables, such as broccoli, asparagus, or green beans, also make an excellent and healthy accompaniment. And of course, you can never go wrong with a side of warm, crusty garlic bread to soak up every last drop of that incredible sauce.
How to Store Leftovers
Should you have any leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For reheating, you can use a microwave, but for the best results, gently warm the pasta in a skillet over low heat. You may want to add a splash of water, chicken broth, or milk to loosen up the sauce and bring it back to its original creamy consistency. Proper food storage is crucial, and as WebMD points out, it helps prevent foodborne illnesses.
Conclusion
In conclusion, this cowboy butter lemon bowtie chicken recipe offers an incredible combination of bold flavors and simple preparation. It’s a versatile dish that is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner yet sophisticated enough to serve to guests. The zesty, herby cowboy butter sauce truly transforms ordinary chicken and pasta into an extraordinary meal. By following the steps and tips outlined above, you are well on your way to creating a new family favorite. Ultimately, this cowboy butter lemon bowtie chicken recipe is a must-try for anyone looking to add some excitement to their dinner routine.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While bowtie pasta is a great choice because the sauce gets trapped in its folds, other shapes work just as well. For example, you could use penne, rotini, shells, or fusilli with excellent results.
Is this recipe spicy?
This recipe has a mild kick from the red pepper flakes. However, the spice level is completely customizable. You can reduce the amount for a milder dish or increase it if you prefer more heat.
Can I make the cowboy butter ahead of time?
Yes, you can. You can prepare the cowboy butter sauce and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. When you’re ready to cook, simply melt it in the skillet before adding the chicken and pasta.
Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Of course! This recipe is very adaptable. You could add vegetables like spinach, cherry tomatoes, mushrooms, or steamed broccoli to the skillet along with the pasta to make it an even more complete one-pan meal.
