Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken & Broccoli

Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken & Broccoli is a flavorful and satisfying pasta dish featuring tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and a rich, zesty sauce. This recipe brings together classic comfort food elements with a bright, herbaceous twist that makes it perfect for any weeknight meal.

Recipe Overview

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ingredients

This recipe balances hearty components with bright, fresh flavors. You’ll need a few pantry staples for the pasta and sauce base, plus fresh ingredients for the signature Cowboy Butter and vibrant additions.

• The Hearty Foundation
• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 4 cups broccoli florets (about 1 lb)
• 12 oz farfalle (bowtie) pasta
• Cowboy Butter Infusion
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 large shallot, minced
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 tbsp fresh chives, chopped
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• Zesty Brightness & Binder
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
• 1 tbsp lemon zest
• 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Ingredient Notes

• Chicken breasts can be substituted with boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a richer, more forgiving protein.
• Broccoli florets should be bite-sized for even cooking.
• Farfalle pasta, also known as bowtie pasta, is ideal for its shape, but penne or rotini would also work well.
• Fresh herbs like parsley and chives are key to the fresh flavor profile.
• Smoked paprika adds a subtle smoky depth that is characteristic of “cowboy” flavors.
• Cayenne pepper is optional for those who enjoy a bit more heat.

Ingredient Table

Ingredient Substitutions

• Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are a great alternative for a more tender and juicy result. You could also cube turkey breast.
• Broccoli: Asparagus spears, green beans, or sliced bell peppers can be used instead of or in addition to broccoli.
• Pasta: Any short pasta shape like penne, rotini, or fusilli will work well if farfalle isn’t available.
• Herbs: If fresh chives are unavailable, increase the parsley slightly or use a bit of dried dill.
• Spice: For less heat, omit the red pepper flakes and cayenne pepper entirely.

How to Make It

Step 1: Cook the Pasta and Prepare Ingredients

Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add the 12 oz of farfalle (bowtie) pasta and cook according to the package directions until it reaches al dente. While the pasta is cooking, prepare your other ingredients: cut the 1 lb of boneless, skinless chicken breasts into 1-inch bite-sized pieces, chop the 4 cups of broccoli florets into manageable pieces, mince the 4 cloves of garlic, and finely mince one large shallot.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

In a large skillet or Dutch oven, melt 1 tablespoon of the 1/2 cup of unsalted butter over medium-high heat. Season the cut chicken pieces generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Carefully add the seasoned chicken to the hot skillet, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan (cook in batches if necessary). Sear for 4-6 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.

Step 3: Build the Cowboy Butter Base

Reduce the heat under the skillet to medium. Add the remaining 7 tablespoons of unsalted butter to the skillet. Once melted, add the minced garlic and minced shallot. Sauté these aromatics for 1-2 minutes until they become fragrant and just begin to soften, being careful not to burn the garlic. Stir in the 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes, and 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper (if using). Cook for another 30 seconds, stirring constantly, until the spices are fragrant. This step builds the rich, aromatic foundation for your Cowboy Butter sauce.

Step 4: Deglaze and Simmer the Sauce

Pour the 1/2 cup of low-sodium chicken broth into the skillet, followed by the 1/4 cup of fresh lemon juice and the 1 tablespoon of lemon zest. Increase the heat slightly to bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits (fond) that may have accumulated on the bottom of the pan; these bits are packed with flavor. Stir in 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper and let the sauce simmer gently for about 2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 5: Combine and Finish

Add the prepared 4 cups of broccoli florets to the simmering sauce. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the broccoli is tender-crisp and has turned a vibrant green. Return the cooked chicken pieces to the skillet. By now, your pasta should be cooked and al dente. Drain the 12 oz of farfalle (bowtie) pasta well and add it directly to the skillet with the chicken and broccoli. Toss everything gently to coat thoroughly in the rich, creamy Cowboy Butter sauce. Finally, stir in the 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley and 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh chives. Taste the dish and season with additional salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed. Serve your Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken & Broccoli immediately, garnishing with extra fresh herbs if desired.

Tips for Success

• Don’t overcook the pasta; it will finish cooking slightly in the sauce.
• Ensure your skillet is large enough to hold all the ingredients comfortably for easy tossing.
• For the most vibrant green and tender-crisp texture, add broccoli in the final stages of sauce cooking.
• Mince the garlic and shallot finely so they distribute evenly in the sauce and don’t overpower individual bites.
• Taste and adjust seasoning at the very end, as broth and butter can add saltiness.
• If the sauce seems too thick, add an extra splash of chicken broth while tossing the pasta.

Variations

• Spicy Kick: Increase the red pepper flakes and cayenne pepper for a truly spicy cowboy butter experience.
• Creamy Addition: Stir in a couple of tablespoons of sour cream or a splash of heavy cream at the end for extra richness.
• Cheesy Delight: A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese over the finished dish adds a wonderful salty, nutty flavor.
• Vegetable Swap: Use asparagus, snap peas, bell peppers, or even spinach instead of some or all of the broccoli.
• Lemon Herb Boost: Add other fresh herbs like dill or a pinch of dried oregano to the sauce.

Serving Suggestions

• This is a complete meal on its own, but a simple side salad with a light vinaigrette complements it beautifully.
• Crusty bread is perfect for soaking up any extra delicious sauce.
• A sprinkle of red pepper flakes on top can add a touch of heat and color for those who like it.
• Garnish with extra fresh parsley and chives for a restaurant-quality presentation.

Storage & Reheating

• Storage: Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Gently reheat leftovers on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. You may need to add a tablespoon or two of chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce. Alternatively, reheat in the microwave in 30-second intervals until heated through.

FAQs

• Q: Can I use pre-minced garlic?
  A: Yes, you can use pre-minced garlic, but fresh garlic generally offers a more robust flavor.
• Q: My sauce is too thin, what do I do?
  A: Simmer the sauce a little longer with the broccoli (before adding pasta) to help it reduce and thicken. You can also toss the pasta and chicken with a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with a little water before adding to the sauce.
• Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
  A: While best served fresh, you can cook the chicken and pasta ahead of time and reheat and finish the sauce just before serving with the fresh broccoli.
• Q: What kind of pan is best for this recipe?
  A: A large skillet or a Dutch oven with high sides is ideal to contain the sauce and allow for easy tossing of all ingredients.

Final Thoughts

This Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken & Broccoli recipe is a true winner, delivering a symphony of flavors and textures that will have everyone asking for seconds. It’s a wonderfully balanced dish that’s both comforting and bright, proving that a simple ingredient list can create something truly spectacular. Enjoy every delicious bite of this family-pleasing meal!

Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken & Broccoli

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A zesty American pasta dish combining tender lemon-garlic chicken, vibrant broccoli, and a rich, herbaceous cowboy butter sauce over bowtie pasta. Perfect for quick weeknight meals with a gourmet touch.

• Author: Clarice
• Prep Time: 20
• Cook Time: 25
• Total Time: 45
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Easy Dinner
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Non-Alcoholic

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
4 cups broccoli florets (about 1 lb)
12 oz farfalle (bowtie) pasta
1/2 cup unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 large shallot, minced
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
2 tbsp fresh chives, chopped
1 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
1 tbsp lemon zest

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Instructions

Cook pasta according to package instructions, drain, and set aside
Bring large pot of salted water to boil for broccoli florets
Blanch broccoli for 2-3 minutes, drain, and set aside
Heat 2 tbsp butter in skillet over medium-high heat
Sauté chicken until golden browned (4-5 mins per side), season with black pepper
Remove chicken, add remaining butter, garlic, shallot, parsley, chives, paprika, red pepper flakes, and cayenne (if using) to pan
Simmer sauce for 5-7 minutes until thickened
Stir in lemon juice, lemon zest, and cooked pasta
Return chicken to pan, spoon sauce over top
Serve with broccoli on the side

Notes

Use olive oil instead of butter for vegan alternative
Add 1/2 cup milk/milk alternative to loosen sauce if needed
Store leftovers in airtight container for 3-4 days