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Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli Bliss

A quick and filling dish featuring lemon butter sauce with tender chicken, bowtie pasta, and broccoli.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups bowtie pasta
  • 1 pound chicken breast, cubed
  • 2 cups broccoli florets
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 unit lemon, juiced and zested
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the bowtie pasta according to package directions for al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain the pasta.
  2. If using frozen broccoli, thaw or steam it briefly so it cooks quickly later. Cut fresh broccoli into small florets.
  3. Pat the cubed chicken dry. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika. Zest and juice the lemon and mince the garlic.
  4. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
  5. Add the chicken to the skillet. Cook 5–7 minutes, stirring, until the chicken is cooked through and lightly browned.
  6. Push the chicken to one side of the pan. Add the garlic and cook 30–60 seconds until it smells fragrant.
  7. Stir the chicken and garlic together. Add the lemon juice and lemon zest. Let the sauce simmer 1–2 minutes.
  8. Add the broccoli and cook 2–3 minutes until it is bright green and tender-crisp.
  9. Add the cooked bowtie pasta to the skillet. Toss well to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to loosen it.
  10. Taste and add more salt, pepper, or lemon if you want. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

Serve hot with a lemon wedge on the side and pair with a green salad or steamed vegetables. Store in the fridge for 3–4 days or freeze for up to 2 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken, pasta, lemon, butter, broccoli