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

Scale

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