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Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli Recipe

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3.9 from 6 reviews

Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli is a zesty and comforting chicken pasta dish that combines tender chicken breast pieces with bright lemon, rich buttery garlic herb sauce, and bowtie pasta. Crisp broccoli adds a fresh crunch to this flavorful American dinner that can be prepared in under 40 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Pasta and Vegetables

  • 12 ounces bowtie (farfalle) pasta
  • 2 cups broccoli florets

Chicken and Seasoning

  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon paprika

Sauce

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme

Optional

  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cook Pasta and Broccoli: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook according to package instructions. During the last 2–3 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets to the boiling water. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water before draining the pasta and broccoli.
  2. Cook the Chicken: While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the bite-sized chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and paprika. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 6–8 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is golden and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  3. Make the Butter Sauce: Reduce the heat slightly. Add the unsalted butter to the same skillet. Once melted, stir in minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for about 30 seconds or until fragrant.
  4. Add Flavorings: Whisk in Dijon mustard, lemon juice, lemon zest, dried thyme, and chopped fresh parsley into the butter sauce. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 2–3 minutes to meld the flavors.
  5. Combine All Ingredients: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add the drained pasta and broccoli. Toss everything together to coat evenly with the sauce. Add reserved pasta water incrementally as needed to loosen and blend the sauce smoothly with the pasta.
  6. Finish and Serve: If desired, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the dish. Serve the Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken warm for the best flavor and texture.

Notes

  • Substitute chicken thighs instead of breasts for extra juiciness.
  • Add other vegetables like spinach, asparagus, or green beans for more variety and nutrition.
  • For a creamier sauce, stir in a splash of heavy cream or cream cheese.
  • Whole wheat or gluten-free pasta can be used as alternatives to regular bowtie pasta.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to prevent the sauce from drying out.
  • If using frozen broccoli, thaw and drain it well before adding to avoid excess moisture.

Find it online: https://recipesbyliza.com/cowboy-butter-lemon-bowtie-chicken-with-broccoli-recipe/