why make this recipe
Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli is a delightful and easy dish that brings together flavors of garlic, lemon, and smoked paprika. It is a complete meal that combines protein, pasta, and vegetables in one pot, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Not only is it quick to prepare, but it also offers a tasty way to enjoy healthy ingredients like chicken and broccoli. The buttery lemon sauce adds a rich flavor that everyone will love!
how to make Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli
Ingredients:
- 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 8 oz bowtie (farfalle) pasta
- 1 large head broccoli, cut into florets
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Directions:
- Cook the bowtie pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package directions. Add the broccoli florets during the last 3 minutes of cooking. Drain and set aside.
- While the pasta is cooking, season the diced chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, lower the heat and add the remaining butter. Stir in the garlic, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and crushed red pepper. Cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add the drained pasta and broccoli, tossing everything to coat well in the cowboy butter sauce.
- Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
how to serve Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli
Serve the Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli warm, garnished with chopped fresh parsley. This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or some crusty bread to help soak up the delicious sauce.
how to store Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli
To store leftovers, place the Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave until heated through.
tips to make Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli
- Make sure to not overcook the chicken to keep it tender and juicy.
- Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor.
- Feel free to adjust the amount of crushed red pepper to suit your heat preference.
- You can add other vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for extra nutrition.
variation
For a lighter version, you can substitute the butter with olive oil or use boneless, skinless turkey breast instead of chicken. Vegetarian options can include using chickpeas or tofu and omitting the chicken altogether.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can use any pasta shape you like, such as penne or rotini. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package directions.
2. Is there a substitute for broccoli?
You can replace broccoli with other vegetables like green beans, zucchini, or asparagus, which can be added at the same time as the broccoli.
3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can cook the chicken and pasta ahead of time and store them separately. Combine them just before serving for the best texture.
Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 8 oz bowtie (farfalle) pasta
- 1 large head broccoli, cut into florets
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice Use fresh for best flavor.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes Adjust to taste.
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley For garnish.
Instructions
Cooking Pasta and Broccoli
- Cook the bowtie pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package directions.
- Add the broccoli florets during the last 3 minutes of cooking. Drain and set aside.
Cooking Chicken
- While the pasta is cooking, season the diced chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken and cook until golden and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Making the Sauce
- In the same skillet, lower the heat and add the remaining butter.
- Stir in the garlic, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and crushed red pepper. Cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Combining Ingredients
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet.
- Add the drained pasta and broccoli, tossing everything to coat well in the cowboy butter sauce.
- Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley before serving.