Why Make This Recipe
Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli Bliss is a delicious and easy meal that brings together colorful ingredients and rich flavors. This dish is perfect for a busy weeknight dinner or a special occasion. The buttery, lemony chicken pairs perfectly with the tender bowtie pasta and crisp broccoli. It’s a fantastic way to put a smile on your family’s faces while keeping things simple in the kitchen.
How to Make Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli Bliss
Ingredients:
- 2 cups bowtie pasta
- 1 pound chicken breast, cubed
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon, juiced and zested
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Directions:
- Cook bowtie pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Add chicken and cook until browned.
- Stir in broccoli and sauté until tender.
- Add lemon juice, zest, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Combine the cooked pasta with the chicken and broccoli mixture.
- Garnish with parsley before serving.
How to Serve Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli Bliss
Serve the Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken warm on a big plate or bowl. It’s great on its own, but you might also enjoy it with a side salad or some crusty bread. Sprinkle extra parsley on top for a bright, fresh touch!
How to Store Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli Bliss
To store the leftovers, let the dish cool completely. Then, place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay good for up to 3 days. If you want to save it for a longer time, you can freeze it for up to 2 months. Just make sure to thaw it in the fridge before reheating.
Tips to Make Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli Bliss
- Make sure not to overcook the broccoli; it should remain bright green and tender-crisp.
- Adjust the amount of lemon juice and zest according to your taste. If you love lemon flavor, feel free to add more!
- For extra flavor, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat.
Variation
You can easily customize this recipe by adding other vegetables, such as bell peppers or spinach. If you’re looking for a different protein, shrimp or tofu are great substitutes for chicken.
FAQs
What can I serve with Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken?
You can serve it with a simple green salad, garlic bread, or even some roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes, frozen broccoli works well too. Just make sure to thaw and drain any excess water before adding it to the dish.
How do I reheat leftovers?
To reheat, place the leftovers in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. You can also microwave it in short bursts until hot.
Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli Bliss
Ingredients
Pasta and Chicken
- 2 cups bowtie pasta Cook according to package instructions.
- 1 pound chicken breast, cubed Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts.
Vegetables
- 2 cups broccoli florets Fresh or frozen broccoli works.
Sauce
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter Melted in the skillet.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced Adds flavor to the dish.
- 1 unit lemon, juiced and zested Adjust quantity for more lemon flavor.
- 1 teaspoon paprika For color and flavor.
- to taste Salt and pepper Adjust according to preference.
- optional Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish Enhances presentation.
Instructions
Preparation
- Cook bowtie pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Cooking
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Add chicken and cook until browned.
- Stir in broccoli and sauté until tender.
- Add lemon juice, zest, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Combine the cooked pasta with the chicken and broccoli mixture.
- Garnish with parsley before serving.