Oh my goodness, let me tell you about this Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli recipe! It’s not just a meal; it’s a flavor explosion that’s super quick to whip up, making it perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something comforting yet zesty. The combination of that rich cowboy butter sauce with the brightness of fresh lemon just elevates the whole dish to another level. Every bite is a delightful mix of savory chicken, tender broccoli, and perfectly al dente bowtie pasta. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become a staple in your home kitchen like it has in mine! I love how versatile it is, and you can have it on the table in just about 35 minutes. Let’s dive into the ingredients and get cooking!
Ingredients List
- 2 cups bowtie pasta: This is the star of the dish! Make sure to pick a good quality pasta for that perfect bite.
- 1 pound chicken breast, cubed: I like to use fresh chicken for the best flavor. Cut it into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
- 2 cups broccoli florets: Fresh broccoli adds a nice crunch and vibrant color. You can also use frozen if that’s what you have on hand.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter: This is where the magic happens! The rich butter is the base for our cowboy butter sauce.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic elevates the flavor profile. Don’t skip this, it’s essential for that aromatic touch!
- 1 lemon, juiced and zested: Fresh lemon juice and zest bring brightness and balance to the dish. Trust me, it makes a world of difference!
- 1 teaspoon paprika: This adds a subtle depth and a hint of smokiness. Feel free to adjust based on your spice preference!
- Salt and pepper to taste: Always season to your liking; this is key for bringing all the flavors together!
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish: A sprinkle of parsley not only adds a pop of color but also a fresh finish to the dish.
How to Prepare Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli
Step 1: Cook the Bowtie Pasta
First things first, let’s get that bowtie pasta cooking! Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and toss in your 2 cups of bowtie pasta. Cook it according to the package instructions, usually around 8-10 minutes, until it’s al dente. You want it to have a little bite to it, so don’t overdo it! Once it’s done, drain it and set it aside, but don’t rinse it—trust me, you want that starch for the sauce later!
Step 2: Sauté Garlic and Chicken
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt your ½ cup of unsalted butter. Oh, the smell of melting butter is just heavenly! Once it’s nice and bubbly, add in the 2 cloves of minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant—don’t let it brown! Next, toss in your cubed chicken breast and cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and cooked through. Timing is key here; you want it juicy, not dry!
Step 3: Incorporate Broccoli
Now, let’s add that beautiful green color! Stir in your 2 cups of broccoli florets and sauté for another 3-4 minutes. You want the broccoli to be vibrant and tender-crisp. Just look for that bright green color and a little tenderness when you poke it with a fork. It’s going to add such a nice crunch to the dish!
Step 4: Create the Cowboy Butter Lemon Sauce
Here comes the fun part! Squeeze in the juice of 1 lemon and add the zest for that zingy freshness. Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of paprika, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Give it all a good stir to combine everything. The sauce should be rich, buttery, and oh-so-flavorful—just what you need to bring this dish together!
Step 5: Combine and Garnish
Finally, it’s time to bring it all together! Add the cooked bowtie pasta into the skillet with the chicken and broccoli. Toss everything gently to combine, ensuring every piece of pasta is coated in that delicious sauce. Once it’s all mixed, garnish with some fresh chopped parsley for that pop of color and fresh flavor. Now serve it up and enjoy the magic of this Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli!
Tips for Success
To really elevate your Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli, don’t hesitate to get creative! For an extra kick, add some crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce—it’ll give it a delightful heat. If you prefer, you can swap out the chicken for shrimp or even tofu for a vegetarian twist. Just keep an eye on cooking times, as shrimp will cook faster than chicken. Also, when you’re sautéing the garlic, be careful not to let it brown; we want that lovely aromatic flavor without bitterness. And remember, fresh lemon juice is key for that zesty brightness—don’t skimp on it!
Nutritional Information
Before we dive into the deliciousness, it’s good to know what you’re munching on! Keep in mind that the nutritional information can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so these are just estimates based on my recipe. Here’s what you can expect per serving:
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
So, go ahead and enjoy this tasty dish, knowing you’re fueling your body with something both satisfying and nutritious!
FAQ Section
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! You can easily make this Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli recipe gluten-free by using gluten-free bowtie pasta. There are some great options available now that taste delicious and hold up nicely in the dish. Just be sure to check the labels on all your ingredients to ensure they’re gluten-free, and you’re all set!
What can I substitute for chicken?
If you’re looking to switch things up, you can substitute the chicken in this recipe with shrimp or tofu. Shrimp cooks quickly and adds a lovely seafood flavor, while tofu is a great vegetarian option that absorbs all those beautiful cowboy butter lemon flavors. If using shrimp, just make sure to adjust the cooking time since it cooks much faster than chicken!
How do I store leftovers?
Leftovers are easy to store! Just place any remaining Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli in an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It should stay fresh for about 3-4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. You’ll want to avoid overheating it to keep that delicious buttery sauce intact!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights
- Rich and flavorful cowboy butter lemon sauce that elevates the dish
- Balanced with healthy ingredients like chicken and broccoli
- Versatile – feel free to swap in shrimp or tofu!
- Deliciously satisfying while being gluten-free friendly
- One-pan meal means easy cleanup—win-win!
- Kid-friendly flavors that even picky eaters will enjoy
- Great for meal prep—leftovers taste just as good!
For more delicious recipes, check out our blog for inspiration!
Learn more about the health benefits of broccoli here.
For tips on cooking chicken perfectly, visit this guide.
Print
Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli Bliss
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A flavorful cowboy butter lemon sauce elevates this bowtie chicken and broccoli dish.
Ingredients
- 2 cups bowtie pasta
- 1 pound chicken breast, cubed
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon, juiced and zested
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Cook bowtie pasta according to package instructions.
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Add chicken and cook until browned.
- Stir in broccoli and sauté until tender.
- Add lemon juice, zest, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Combine the cooked pasta with the chicken and broccoli mixture.
- Garnish with parsley before serving.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add crushed red pepper flakes.
- Use fresh lemon for the best taste.
- Can substitute chicken with shrimp or tofu for variation.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli Recipe