Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli Bliss Recipe

Introduction

Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli Bliss is a bright and comforting dish featuring tender chicken, fresh lemon, and buttery goodness all tossed with bowtie pasta and broccoli. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that feels special and satisfying.

Ingredients

• 2 cups bowtie pasta
• 1 pound chicken breast, cubed
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 lemon, juiced and zested
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Optional: fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Instructions

1. Step 1: Cook the bowtie pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. Step 2: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
3. Step 3: Add the minced garlic to the melted butter and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
4. Step 4: Add the cubed chicken to the skillet and cook until browned and cooked through.
5. Step 5: Stir in the broccoli florets and sauté until tender, about 4–5 minutes.
6. Step 6: Add the lemon juice, lemon zest, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
7. Step 7: Add the drained bowtie pasta to the skillet and toss everything together until evenly coated.
8. Step 8: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving, if desired.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic.
• Substitute chicken thighs for a juicier and more flavorful option.
• Use fresh broccoli for the best texture, but frozen works well in a pinch—just thaw before cooking.
• Adding grated Parmesan cheese on top before serving adds a delicious salty finish.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to maintain moisture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different pasta shape?

Yes, any short pasta like penne, rotini, or shells will work well in this recipe.

How do I make this recipe dairy-free?

Replace the unsalted butter with olive oil or a dairy-free butter substitute to keep the dish dairy-free.

Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli Bliss Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 93 reviews

This Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli Bliss is a delightful one-pan meal combining tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and al dente bowtie pasta tossed in a rich lemon butter sauce. The dish balances savory, zesty, and slightly smoky flavors, coming together quickly for a satisfying and wholesome dinner perfect for busy weeknights.

• Author: Viktoria
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein and Vegetables

• 1 pound chicken breast, cubed (boneless, skinless)
• 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)

Pasta

• 2 cups bowtie pasta

Sauce and Seasonings

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted in the skillet)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 unit lemon, juiced and zested
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Instructions

1. Preparation: Gather and prep all ingredients, cube the chicken breasts, mince the garlic, zest and juice the lemon, and chop parsley if using.
2. Cook Pasta: Cook the bowtie pasta in salted boiling water according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. Melt Butter: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter until fully liquid and hot but not browned.
4. Sauté Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the melted butter and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
5. Cook Chicken: Add the cubed chicken breast to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
6. Add Broccoli: Stir in the broccoli florets and continue sautéing until the broccoli is tender yet crisp, approximately 4-5 minutes.
7. Season: Add lemon juice, lemon zest, paprika, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir well to combine all the flavors evenly.
8. Combine Pasta: Add the cooked bowtie pasta to the skillet and toss everything together to coat the pasta with the lemon butter sauce and mix well with chicken and broccoli.
9. Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat, garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired, and serve immediately for best flavor.

Notes

• Use fresh lemon juice and zest for a vibrant citrus flavor.
• Adjust the amount of paprika to your heat preference; smoked paprika adds a nice depth.
• Fresh broccoli gives the best texture, but frozen works well if thawed properly.
• Butter adds richness; for a lighter version, substitute half with olive oil.
• Cook pasta just until al dente to avoid mushiness when tossed with the sauce.
• Garnish with parsley to add color and freshness to the dish.

Keywords: bowtie pasta, chicken dinner, lemon butter sauce, broccoli, quick skillet meal, easy weeknight dinner