Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken & Broccoli Recipe
Introduction
This Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken & Broccoli is a vibrant, flavorful dish that combines tender chicken, bright lemon, and smoky spices with comforting pasta and fresh broccoli. It’s perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner with a zesty twist.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 cups broccoli florets (about 1 lb)
- 12 oz farfalle (bowtie) pasta
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large shallot, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh chives, chopped
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook the farfalle pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Step 2: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Blanch the broccoli florets for 2 to 3 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp. Drain and set aside.
- Step 3: Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sauté the chicken breasts until golden browned, about 4 to 5 minutes per side. Season with black pepper. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Step 4: In the same skillet, add the remaining butter, minced garlic, shallot, chopped parsley, chives, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, and cayenne pepper if using. Stir and simmer the sauce for 5 to 7 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Step 5: Stir fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and the cooked pasta into the sauce. Return the chicken to the pan and spoon the sauce over the top.
- Step 6: Serve the chicken and pasta with the blanched broccoli on the side. Enjoy warm.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken briefly in lemon juice, garlic, and smoked paprika before cooking.
- Swap broccoli with asparagus or green beans for variety.
- Add a splash of white wine to the sauce for depth.
- Use gluten-free pasta if preferred.
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, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce is too thick.
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 works well with this recipe.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
To make it vegetarian, omit the chicken and add more vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini. Increase the butter and herbs to keep it flavorful.
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Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken & Broccoli Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A flavorful one-pan meal combining tender sautéed chicken breasts with al dente bowtie pasta and vibrant broccoli, all tossed in a zesty cowboy butter lemon sauce infused with garlic, shallots, smoked paprika, and fresh herbs. Perfect for a hearty yet fresh dinner with a touch of spice and citrus.
Ingredients
Proteins & Vegetables
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 cups broccoli florets (about 1 lb)
Pasta
- 12 oz farfalle (bowtie) pasta
Sauce & Seasonings
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large shallot, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh chives, chopped
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the bowtie pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Blanch the Broccoli: Bring another large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the broccoli florets and blanch for 2-3 minutes until bright green and slightly tender. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté the Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Season with black pepper while cooking. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: To the same skillet, add the remaining butter, garlic, minced shallot, chopped parsley, chives, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, and cayenne pepper if using. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, and let the sauce simmer for 5-7 minutes until it thickens and the flavors meld.
- Add Lemon and Pasta: Stir in the fresh lemon juice and lemon zest into the sauce, then add the cooked bowtie pasta. Toss well to coat the pasta evenly with the flavorful sauce.
- Combine Chicken and Serve: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the sauce over the top to reheat and integrate the flavors. Serve the chicken and pasta with the blanched broccoli on the side for a complete meal.
Notes
- Make sure not to overcook the broccoli during blanching to keep it crisp and vibrant.
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes and cayenne to control the spiciness to your preference.
- Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the brightest citrus flavor.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute butter with olive oil or a plant-based butter alternative.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Chicken pasta, lemon chicken, bowtie pasta recipe, stovetop chicken dinner, broccoli, cowboy butter sauce, easy weeknight meal
