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30-Minute Cowboy Chicken Broccoli Butter Lemon Bowtie Pasta Bliss

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This one-pan pasta dish combines tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and bright lemon in a rich butter sauce, perfect for quick weeknight meals or impressing guests.

  • Author: daniel-kim
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Poultry

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz bowtie (farfalle) pasta
  • 3 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil (for searing)
  • 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-size pieces
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 3/4 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 6 tbsp butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice (plus lemon wedges for serving)
  • 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (more/less to taste)
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
  • 1/4 cup chicken broth (or reserved pasta water)
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cook pasta and broccoli. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 oz bowtie pasta and cook according to package directions. In the last 2 minutes, add 3 cups broccoli florets to the pot. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain pasta and broccoli together.
  2. Season the chicken. In a bowl, toss 1 1/2 lbs bite-size chicken pieces with 1 tsp paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 3/4 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper until evenly coated.
  3. Sear the chicken. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 4 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken to a plate to rest.
  4. Make the cowboy butter sauce. Lower the skillet heat to medium. Add 6 tbsp butter and let it melt. Stir in 4 cloves minced garlic and cook about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add 1 tbsp Dijon mustard, 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes, 1 tsp Italian seasoning, 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, and 1/4 cup chicken broth or the reserved pasta water. Simmer for 1 to 2 minutes to marry the flavors.
  5. Toss it all together. Add the drained pasta and broccoli back into the skillet, then return the cooked chicken. Toss everything until well coated in the butter sauce. If you want it extra creamy and melty, stir in 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella until melted.
  6. Finish and serve. Taste and adjust seasoning with more lemon juice, salt, or crushed red pepper flakes to your preference. Serve with lemon wedges on the side for extra brightness.

Notes

Use reserved pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. This dish can be made dairy-free by omitting butter and mozzarella.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://daytasty.com/30-minute-cowboy-chicken-broccoli-butter-pasta/