Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken & Broccoli Pasta (Print Version)
Creamy cowboy butter sauce coats tender chicken, lemon bowtie pasta, and fresh broccoli. A flavorful, easy weeknight meal with a zesty kick.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 25 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
# Ingredients:
→ Hearty Foundations
01 -
12 oz bowtie pasta (farfalle)
02 -
1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
03 -
4 cups broccoli florets (about 1 lb)
04 -
1 tbsp olive oil
→ The Cowboy Butter Blend
05 -
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
06 -
4 cloves garlic, minced
07 -
1 tsp smoked paprika
08 -
1/2 tsp chili powder
09 -
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
10 -
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
11 -
2 tbsp fresh chives, chopped
→ Creamy Lemon Embrace
12 -
1 1/2 cups heavy cream
13 -
4 oz cream cheese, softened
14 -
1 large lemon, zested (1 tbsp) and juiced (3 tbsp)
15 -
1/2 cup chicken broth
→ Seasoning & Garnish
16 -
1 tsp salt, plus more to taste
17 -
1/2 tsp black pepper, plus more to taste
18 -
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish
# Instructions:
01 -
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 oz bowtie pasta and cook according to package directions. During the last 3 minutes of cooking, add 4 cups broccoli florets to the pot. Drain well and set aside, reserving a little pasta water if desired.
02 -
While pasta cooks, heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, seasoned with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
03 -
In the same skillet, melt 1/2 cup unsalted butter over medium heat. Add 4 cloves minced garlic, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp chili powder, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in 1/4 cup fresh parsley and 2 tbsp fresh chives. This forms the base for your Creamy Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken & Broccoli.
04 -
Whisk in 1 1/2 cups heavy cream, 4 oz softened cream cheese, 1 tbsp lemon zest, 3 tbsp lemon juice, and 1/2 cup chicken broth into the skillet. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, whisking until the cream cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
05 -
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add the drained bowtie pasta and broccoli florets. Toss everything gently to ensure all ingredients are thoroughly coated in the rich, creamy cowboy butter sauce. This brings together the delicious Creamy Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken & Broccoli.
06 -
Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and black pepper if needed. Serve your Creamy Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken & Broccoli immediately, garnished generously with 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese. Enjoy this flavorful and satisfying meal!
# Notes:
01 -
Feel free to swap chicken breast for boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a richer flavor, or add extra vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for more color and nutrients.
02 -
Store any leftover Creamy Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken & Broccoli in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
03 -
For an extra kick, increase the red pepper flakes to 1/2 tsp, or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cowboy butter blend. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving brightens all the flavors.
04 -
This dish is a complete meal on its own, but pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad or some crusty garlic bread to soak up all that delicious creamy sauce.
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
Large pot
02 -
Large skillet or Dutch oven
03 -
Cutting board
04 -
Chef's knife
05 -
Measuring cups
06 -
Measuring spoons
07 -
Grater
08 -
Whisk
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 1210 kcal
Total Fat: 80 g
Total Carbohydrate: 70 g
Protein: 51 g