Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli
A quick and comforting recipe featuring bowtie pasta, chicken, and broccoli in a buttery lemon sauce, perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 8 oz bowtie pasta (Use good quality pasta.)
- 2 pieces chicken breasts, diced (Cut into even pieces for uniform cooking.)
- 2 cups broccoli florets (Trim into bite-size pieces for easier eating.)
- 1/4 cup butter (Unsalted butter for better salt control.)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (Fresh garlic gives the best flavor.)
- 1 unit lemon, juiced (Fresh juice brightens the dish.)
- 1 tsp lemon zest (Zest before juicing for a fine blend.)
- Salt and pepper to taste (Season in steps for best flavor.)
- Parmesan cheese for serving (optional) (Freshly grated adds a salty finish.)
Instructions
Cooking Pasta
- Cook the bowtie pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Cooking Chicken
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the diced chicken and season with salt and pepper. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-7 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the broccoli florets and cook for 2-3 minutes until tender.
Combining and Serving
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet along with the lemon juice and lemon zest. Toss everything together until well combined.
- Serve hot, topped with Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to revive the sauce.