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Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli

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A bright and comforting weeknight dinner featuring chicken, bowtie pasta, and broccoli in a rich cowboy butter sauce with garlic and lemon.

  • Author: daniel-kim
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz bowtie pasta (farfalle)
  • 3 cups broccoli florets (cut into small bite-sized pieces)
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into 1-inch chunks)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and black pepper (to taste)
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust for heat preference)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (chopped)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh chives (snipped)
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese (freshly grated, for serving)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook according to package directions, typically 10 to 12 minutes for al dente. During the last 3 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets to the pot.
  2. Before draining, scoop out and reserve 1/2 cup of the starchy pasta water. Then drain the pasta and broccoli together in a colander and set aside.
  3. Season the chicken chunks with salt and black pepper on all sides.
  4. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer, leaving space between pieces.
  5. Let the chicken sear undisturbed for 3 minutes until golden. Flip and cook another 3 to 5 minutes until it reaches 165°F. Transfer to a plate.
  6. Wipe the skillet clean, reduce heat to medium, and add the unsalted butter. Let it melt gently.
  7. Add the minced garlic and stir constantly for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  8. Stir in the Dijon mustard, lemon juice, lemon zest, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes. Whisk for about 90 seconds until bubbly.
  9. Return the pasta, broccoli, and chicken to the skillet. Toss thoroughly, adding reserved pasta water as needed.
  10. Remove from heat and stir in the parsley and chives.
  11. Serve immediately topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

Notes

For more flavor variations, consider adding extra lemon zest or increasing the paprika for a smokier profile.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://daytasty.com/cowboy-butter-chicken-lemon-bowtie-broccoli/