Lemon Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta with Broccoli – Easy One Pan Dinner Recipe
Lemon Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta with Broccoli – Easy One Pan Dinner Recipe
Get ready to transform your weeknight dinners with this incredible Lemon Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta featuring tender bowtie pasta and crisp broccoli florets. This ultimate one-pan meal combines the zesty brightness of lemon with rich garlic butter sauce in perfect harmony. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s the perfect solution when you need something delicious, comforting, and incredibly easy to prepare.
If you love quick pasta dinners, you’ll also appreciate this creamy chicken stroganoff recipe that’s equally simple to make.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 8 oz bowtie pasta (farfalle)
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Juice and zest of 1 large lemon
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Cook the bowtie pasta according to package directions until al dente. Add broccoli florets during the last 3 minutes of cooking. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
Season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Cook chicken until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Create the Lemon Cowboy Butter Sauce
In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in chicken broth, lemon juice, and lemon zest, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
Step 4: Combine Everything
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until sauce thickens slightly. Add the cooked pasta and broccoli, tossing gently to coat everything in the delicious lemon garlic butter sauce.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Garnish with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately while hot and creamy!
Expert Tips for Perfect Results
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: Cook chicken in batches if needed to ensure proper browning
- Fresh lemon is key: Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the brightest flavor
- Reserve pasta water: Save a cup of pasta water to thin the sauce if needed
- Crisp-tender broccoli: Don’t overcook the broccoli – it should be bright green with a slight crunch
- Customize your protein: Try this recipe with shrimp or parmesan-crusted chicken for variation
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different pasta shape?
Absolutely! While bowtie pasta works beautifully, you can substitute with penne, rotini, or linguine. Different pasta shapes offer unique textures that can complement this dish.
How long do leftovers last?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of broth or cream to refresh the sauce.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can prep components ahead – cook pasta and broccoli, cut chicken, and measure seasonings. When ready to serve, simply cook everything together for a fresh meal. This cowboy butter chicken pasta is perfect for meal prep Sundays!
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Cream-based sauces can separate when frozen and reheated. For best results, enjoy fresh or refrigerate leftovers rather than freezing.
Lemon Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta with Broccoli
Ingredients
Method
- Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Cook the bowtie pasta according to package directions until al dente. Add broccoli florets during the last 3 minutes of cooking. Drain and set aside.
- Season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Cook chicken until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in chicken broth, lemon juice, and lemon zest, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until sauce thickens slightly. Add the cooked pasta and broccoli, tossing gently to coat everything in the delicious lemon garlic butter sauce.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately while hot and creamy!
