Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli for a Quick Family Dinner
Looking for a quick family dinner packed with flavor? This dish combines tender bowtie pasta, juicy chicken, and vibrant broccoli in a tangy cowboy butter sauce.
The bright lemon notes and savory spices make every bite exciting, perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
Why this recipe shines
- The cowboy butter sauce brings bold flavors with smoky paprika, zesty lemon, and fragrant garlic.
- Perfectly cooked chicken pairs with pasta and broccoli for a satisfying one-pan meal.
- Quick to prepare, making it ideal for busy schedules without sacrificing taste.
Ingredients you’ll need
- 8 oz bowtie pasta
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)
How to make it step by step
Start by cooking the bowtie pasta according to package instructions. During the last three minutes, add the broccoli florets to the boiling water to cook them together.
Drain the pasta and broccoli, then set them aside while you prepare the chicken. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes per side until golden and fully cooked. Remove the chicken and let it rest before slicing.
Lower the skillet heat to medium and add melted butter, garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, Worcestershire sauce, and dried parsley. Stir the sauce and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Add the cooked pasta and broccoli to the skillet, tossing them in the cowboy butter sauce. Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
Serve the pasta and broccoli mixture on plates, topped with sliced chicken and grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Storing and reheating leftovers
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or butter to refresh the sauce.
Ingredient substitutions
Chicken thighs can be used instead of chicken breasts for a richer flavor. If you prefer a gluten-free option, substitute the bowtie pasta with gluten-free pasta.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use frozen broccoli? Yes, simply add it to the boiling water during the last three minutes of pasta cooking.
What if my sauce separates? Stir vigorously or add a splash of water to bring the sauce back together.
Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli for a Quick Family Dinner
Ingredients
Method
- Cook the bowtie pasta according to package instructions. During the last 3 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets to the boiling pasta water. Drain and set aside.
- While the pasta and broccoli are cooking, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
- Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is cooked through and has a nice golden color. Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
- In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add the melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, Worcestershire sauce, and dried parsley. Stir well and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the cooked bowtie pasta and broccoli to the skillet, tossing to coat in the cowboy butter sauce. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve the pasta and broccoli mixture on plates, topped with sliced chicken and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Notes
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