Why Make This Recipe
Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken and Broccoli is a delightful dish that combines the hearty flavors of chicken, pasta, and fresh vegetables with a zesty butter sauce. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or any day you want a simple yet satisfying meal. It’s not only delicious but also quick to prepare, making it ideal for families or anyone looking to whip up a tasty dinner in no time.
How to Make Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken and Broccoli
Ingredients:
- 8 oz bowtie pasta
- 2 chicken breasts, cooked and diced
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 4 tbsp butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon, juiced and zested
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)
Directions:
- Cook the bowtie pasta according to package instructions. Add the broccoli to the pot during the last 2 minutes of cooking. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Stir in the cooked chicken and heat until warmed through.
- Add the drained pasta and broccoli to the skillet. Pour in the lemon juice and zest, and toss everything together. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot, garnished with Parmesan cheese if desired.
How to Serve Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken and Broccoli
This dish is best served warm. You can plate it up in bowls or on flat plates. If you like, sprinkle some extra Parmesan cheese on top for added flavor. It pairs well with a fresh green salad or some crusty bread to soak up any leftover sauce.
How to Store Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken and Broccoli
To store leftovers, let the dish cool completely. Place it in an airtight container and refrigerate. It can last in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, consider freezing it. Just make sure to use a freezer-safe container, and it can last for up to a month.
Tips to Make Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken and Broccoli
- Cook the pasta al dente for the best texture.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or spinach if you want more variety.
- Adjust the level of garlic and lemon to match your taste preferences.
Variation
You can swap the bowtie pasta for any pasta shape you prefer. Additionally, you can replace the chicken with shrimp or keep it vegetarian by using chickpeas instead of meat.
FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen broccoli?
A: Yes, frozen broccoli works well. Just add it in when you would add the fresh broccoli, and it should cook just fine.
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the dish ahead of time. Just reheat it gently in a skillet or microwave before serving.
Q: Is this recipe spicy?
A: No, this recipe is not spicy. It has a bright lemon flavor, but if you want some heat, you can add red pepper flakes to taste.
Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken and Broccoli
Ingredients
Pasta and Vegetables
- 8 oz bowtie pasta Use your preferred pasta shape.
- 2 cups broccoli florets Fresh or frozen broccoli can be used.
Chicken and Sauce
- 2 breasts chicken, cooked and diced Can substitute with shrimp or chickpeas for a vegetarian option.
- 4 tbsp butter For a richer flavor, unsalted butter can be used.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced Adjust according to taste preference.
- 1 lemon, juiced and zested Provides brightness to the dish.
- Salt and pepper to taste Season according to preference.
- Parmesan cheese for serving (optional) Sprinkle on top for added flavor.
Instructions
Cooking Pasta and Broccoli
- Cook the bowtie pasta according to package instructions. Add the broccoli to the pot during the last 2 minutes of cooking. Drain and set aside.
Making the Sauce
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Stir in the cooked chicken and heat until warmed through.
- Add the drained pasta and broccoli to the skillet. Pour in the lemon juice and zest, and toss everything together. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serving
- Serve hot, garnished with Parmesan cheese if desired.