Go Back
cowboy-butter-lemon-bowtie-chicken-pasta-with-broccoli-for-dinner_feature

Lemon Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta with Broccoli

This delicious pasta dish combines tender chicken, bowtie pasta, fresh broccoli, and a zesty lemon garlic butter sauce that comes together in under 30 minutes. The perfect balance of bright citrus flavors and comforting creaminess makes it a family-friendly weeknight dinner favorite.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 550

Ingredients
  

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

Method
 

Instructions
  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.
  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.
  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.
  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.
  5. Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately while hot.

Notes

Fresh lemon zest adds incredible bright citrus flavor that balances the richness of the butter sauce. Cut chicken into uniform pieces for even cooking. Blanch broccoli with pasta for perfect texture. Add pasta water if sauce thickens too much.