Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken Pasta with Broccoli

why make this recipe

This dish is quick, bright, and filling. It mixes buttery flavors with lemon and fresh broccoli. It works for a weeknight dinner or a simple weekend meal.

introduction

Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken Pasta with Broccoli is a simple pasta meal. Bowtie pasta holds the sauce. Chicken adds protein and broccoli adds color and crunch. The lemon makes the dish fresh and bright.

how to make Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken Pasta with Broccoli

Follow a few easy steps. Cook the pasta, cook the chicken in cowboy butter, steam the broccoli, then toss with lemon and pasta. Serve with Parmesan.

Ingredients :

• 8 oz bowtie pasta
• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 1/2 cup cowboy butter
• 1 lemon (juiced and zested)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Parmesan cheese (for serving)

Directions :

1. Cook the bowtie pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat the cowboy butter over medium heat.
3. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, and add them to the skillet. Cook until golden and cooked through, about 6-7 minutes per side. Remove the chicken and let it rest for a few minutes, then slice.
4. In the same skillet, add the broccoli and a splash of water. Cover and steam for about 3-4 minutes until tender.
5. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet along with the lemon juice and zest. Toss everything together until well combined.
6. Serve the pasta topped with sliced chicken and grated Parmesan cheese.

how to serve Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken Pasta with Broccoli

Plate the pasta warm. Put sliced chicken on top. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan and extra lemon zest. Add a lemon wedge or chopped parsley if you like.

how to store Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken Pasta with Broccoli

Cool the dish to room temperature. Put it in an airtight container. Store in the fridge for 3–4 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave with a splash of water to keep it moist.

tips to make Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken Pasta with Broccoli

• Don’t overcook the pasta; keep it al dente.
• Let the chicken rest before slicing so it stays juicy.
• Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the best flavor.
• If the sauce feels dry, add a small splash of pasta water to loosen it.

variation (if any)

• Swap chicken for shrimp or sliced sausage.
• Add spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for more color.
• Use whole wheat or gluten-free bowtie pasta if you prefer.

FAQs

Q: Can I use frozen broccoli?
A: Yes. Thaw a bit or add a minute or two to the steaming time.

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: You can cook elements ahead. Store chicken and pasta separately and combine when reheating.

Q: Is cowboy butter spicy?
A: Cowboy butter can be savory and have mild spice. Taste it first and add more if you like heat.

Q: Can I use plain butter instead of cowboy butter?
A: Yes. Plain butter works but the dish will be less flavored. Add extra herbs or garlic.

Q: How do I know chicken is done?
A: Cook until the center reaches 165°F (74°C) or until juices run clear and meat is no longer pink.

Conclusion

For a similar lemon chicken and broccoli bowtie pasta idea, see Lemon Chicken with Broccoli & Bow Ties Recipe | Ina Garten.

Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken Pasta with Broccoli

A quick and bright pasta dish featuring bowtie pasta, chicken, fresh broccoli, and a zesty lemon sauce.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 450

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Pasta and Chicken

• 8 oz bowtie pasta Cook according to package instructions.
• 2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts Season with salt and pepper before cooking.
• 1/2 cup cowboy butter Used for cooking the chicken.

Vegetables and Seasoning

• 2 cups broccoli florets Steamed until tender.
• 1 piece lemon Juiced and zested for freshness.
• to taste Salt and pepper For seasoning.

For Serving

• Parmesan cheese For topping before serving.

Method

 

Cooking Pasta and Chicken

1. Cook the bowtie pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat the cowboy butter over medium heat.
3. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, and add them to the skillet. Cook until golden and cooked through, about 6-7 minutes per side.
4. Remove the chicken and let it rest for a few minutes, then slice.

Steaming Broccoli and Combining Ingredients

1. In the same skillet, add the broccoli and a splash of water. Cover and steam for about 3-4 minutes until tender.
2. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet along with the lemon juice and zest. Toss everything together until well combined.

Serving

1. Serve the pasta topped with sliced chicken and grated Parmesan cheese.

Notes

Tips: Don’t overcook the pasta; keep it al dente. Let the chicken rest before slicing for better juiciness. Use fresh lemon juice and zest for best flavor. If the sauce feels dry, add a splash of pasta water to loosen it.