Why Make This Recipe
Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli Bliss is a delicious and satisfying dish that brings together tender chicken, bright lemon flavors, and vibrant broccoli, all tossed with fun bowtie pasta. This recipe is perfect for a family dinner or a gathering with friends. It’s easy to make and combines hearty ingredients that everyone will love. You get a balance of protein, veggies, and carbs, making it a complete meal in one pot.
How to Make Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli Bliss
Ingredients:
- 2 cups bowtie pasta
- 1 pound chicken breast, cubed
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 unit lemon, juiced and zested
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- to taste Salt and pepper
- optional Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Directions:
- Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the bowtie pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat, add the unsalted butter, and melt it.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the cubed chicken, season with salt, pepper, and paprika, and cook for 6-8 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked.
- Toss in broccoli florets and cook for another 4-5 minutes.
- Squeeze in fresh lemon juice and add lemon zest; stir until flavors meld.
- Add the drained bowtie pasta to the skillet and toss gently to coat in the sauce.
- Adjust seasoning if needed, and garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
How to Serve Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli Bliss
This dish is best served hot right after cooking. You can plate it up with a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top for a bright touch. It pairs well with a simple side salad or some crusty bread to soak up any leftover sauce.
How to Store Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli Bliss
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it up in a skillet or microwave until heated through.
Tips to Make Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli Bliss
- For added flavor, consider marinating the chicken in lemon juice and garlic for about 30 minutes before cooking.
- If you prefer a bit of heat, add red pepper flakes to the dish.
- Use fresh broccoli for the best texture and flavor, but frozen broccoli can work in a pinch.
Variation
You can swap out the chicken for shrimp or tofu to make it a seafood or vegetarian dish. Also, try different pasta shapes if you want a new twist.
FAQs
Can I use other vegetables in this recipe?
Yes! Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, or spinach for extra color and nutrition.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Absolutely! The flavors are mild, and the fun shape of the bowtie pasta makes it appealing to kids.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can prep the ingredients ahead of time, like chopping the chicken and veggies, but it’s best to cook and serve it fresh for the best taste.
Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli Bliss
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
A delicious dish featuring tender chicken, bright lemon flavors, and vibrant broccoli tossed with bowtie pasta, perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
- 2 cups bowtie pasta
- 1 pound chicken breast, cubed
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 unit lemon, juiced and zested
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- to taste salt and pepper
- optional fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the bowtie pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat, add the unsalted butter, and melt it.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the cubed chicken, season with salt, pepper, and paprika, and cook for 6-8 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked.
- Toss in broccoli florets and cook for another 4-5 minutes.
- Squeeze in fresh lemon juice and add lemon zest; stir until flavors meld.
- Add the drained bowtie pasta to the skillet and toss gently to coat in the sauce.
- Adjust seasoning if needed, and garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
For added flavor, consider marinating the chicken in lemon juice and garlic for about 30 minutes before cooking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: bowtie pasta, chicken, broccoli, lemon, comfort food, one pot meal