Lemon Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta with Broccoli | Easy Weeknight Dinner Recipe
Lemon Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta with Broccoli
Looking for a delicious, comforting pasta dish that comes together in under 30 minutes? This Lemon Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta with broccoli is your new go-to weeknight dinner! The combination of tender chicken, bowtie pasta, fresh broccoli, and a zesty lemon garlic butter sauce creates the perfect balance of bright citrus flavors and comforting creaminess that the whole family will love.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 8 oz bowtie pasta (farfalle)
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- Juice and zest of 2 lemons
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
- Parmesan cheese for serving
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. During the last 3 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets to blanch them. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and oregano. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Cowboy Butter Sauce
In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add butter and minced garlic. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Add lemon juice, lemon zest, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes. Stir in chicken broth and heavy cream, simmering for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
Step 4: Combine Everything
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add the drained pasta and broccoli. Toss everything together until well coated in the sauce. Cook for another 2 minutes to heat through.
Step 5: Serve
Garnish with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately while hot.
Expert Tips
- Fresh Lemon Zest: Don’t skip the lemon zest – it adds incredible bright citrus flavor that balances the richness of the butter sauce.
- Chicken Timing: Cut chicken into uniform pieces for even cooking and better browning.
- Broccoli Texture: Blanching the broccoli with the pasta ensures it stays vibrant green and perfectly tender-crisp.
- Sauce Consistency: If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of pasta water to thin it out.
- Make-Ahead: You can prep the chicken and vegetables ahead of time for even faster weeknight preparation.
FAQ
Can I use different pasta shapes?
Yes! Penne, rotini, or any short pasta will work well with this recipe.
How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of broth or water.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Absolutely! Omit the chicken and use vegetable broth. You can add mushrooms or extra vegetables for protein.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
The sauce may separate when frozen and reheated. For best results, enjoy fresh or refrigerate leftovers.
Lemon Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta with Broccoli
Ingredients
Method
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. During the last 3 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets to blanch them. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the Chicken: Season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and oregano. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
- Make the Cowboy Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add butter and minced garlic. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Add lemon juice, lemon zest, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes. Stir in chicken broth and heavy cream, simmering for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Combine Everything: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add the drained pasta and broccoli. Toss everything together until well coated in the sauce. Cook for another 2 minutes to heat through.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately while hot.
