Oh wow, let me tell you about this Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli recipe! It’s an absolute flavor explosion that’s perfect for any night of the week. The buttery lemon sauce just ties everything together beautifully, and the bowtie pasta gives it that fun, playful twist. I remember the first time I made this dish—it was a last-minute decision, and I was blown away by how quickly it came together and how delicious it turned out! The vibrant colors of the broccoli against the creamy sauce make it not only tasty but also a feast for the eyes. Trust me, you’re going to want to dive right in!

Ingredients for Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli Recipe

Gather these ingredients for a deliciously hearty meal! You’ll need 2 cups of bowtie pasta, which is not only fun to eat but holds onto the sauce beautifully. For protein, grab 1 pound of chicken breast, cubed into bite-sized pieces. You can’t forget the vibrant 2 cups of broccoli florets that add both color and nutrition! To create that rich cowboy butter sauce, you’ll use 1/2 cup of unsalted butter and 2 cloves of minced garlic. The star of the show is the juice and zest of 1 lemon, bringing brightness to the dish. Finally, season with 1 teaspoon of paprika, salt, and pepper to taste, and finish off with fresh chopped parsley for garnish. Let’s get cooking!

How to Prepare Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli

Alright, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of making this delicious Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli! First things first, cook the bowtie pasta according to the package instructions—usually around 10-12 minutes—until it’s al dente. While that’s bubbling away, grab a large skillet and melt the 1/2 cup of unsalted butter over medium heat. Ah, that buttery aroma is just heavenly!

Once the butter is melted, toss in the 2 cloves of minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until it’s fragrant—don’t let it burn! Next, add in your cubed chicken breast and cook until it’s nicely browned, about 5-7 minutes. After that, stir in the 2 cups of broccoli florets and sauté for an additional 3-4 minutes until they’re tender but still vibrant green.

Now for the magic! Squeeze in the juice of 1 lemon and sprinkle in the zest, paprika, salt, and pepper. Give everything a good stir to combine those flavors. Lastly, add the cooked bowtie pasta to the skillet and mix it all together until everything is coated in that luscious sauce. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley, and you’re ready to serve up this vibrant dish!

Why You’ll Love This Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli Recipe

Quick and easy to prepare—perfect for busy weeknights!
Flavor-packed with a creamy cowboy butter lemon sauce that’s irresistible.
Colorful and nutritious, thanks to the fresh broccoli and chicken protein.
One-pot meal means less mess and easy cleanup!
Customizable with your favorite veggies or proteins for endless variations.

Tips for Success with Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli

To make sure your Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli turns out perfectly, here are some handy tips! First, always use fresh lemon juice and zest—trust me, it makes a world of difference in flavor. When cooking the chicken, don’t overcrowd the skillet; give those pieces room to brown nicely! If you want a little heat, sprinkle in some crushed red pepper flakes when adding the garlic. And remember to taste as you go! Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to your liking. Lastly, don’t rush the cooking time for the broccoli; you want it tender yet still crisp to keep that vibrant color and texture. Happy cooking!

Variations of Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli

If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to mix things up with this Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli! For a different protein, try swapping in shrimp or even tofu for a delightful vegetarian option. You can also play with veggies—throw in some bell peppers, snap peas, or even spinach for added nutrition and color. If you love a bit of spice, consider adding some diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the buttery sauce. The possibilities are endless, so have fun experimenting and make this dish your own!

Nutritional Information for Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli Recipe

Keep in mind that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. This recipe roughly provides 450 calories per serving, with about 30g of protein and 25g of fat. Always check your ingredients for the most accurate information!

FAQ about Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli

Can I use other types of pasta? Absolutely! While bowtie pasta is super fun, you can easily swap it for penne, fusilli, or even spaghetti if that’s what you have on hand. Just keep an eye on the cooking times!

What if I don’t have fresh lemon? If fresh lemon isn’t available, you can use bottled lemon juice, but I really recommend fresh for that zesty punch. Just use about 2 tablespoons of bottled juice as a substitute.

Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes, you can! Just prepare everything up to the serving step and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, reheat it gently in a skillet, adding a splash of water or extra butter to keep it moist.

Is this recipe gluten-free? Yes, as long as you use gluten-free bowtie pasta, this Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli recipe is perfect for gluten-sensitive diets!

Can I add more vegetables? Definitely! Feel free to sneak in your favorite veggies like zucchini, asparagus, or even corn to make it even more colorful and nutritious!

Storage & Reheating Instructions for Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli

Storing your leftovers is super easy! Just let the Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep in the fridge for about 3-4 days, perfect for meal prep! When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat it gently in a skillet over medium heat. If it seems a bit dry, add a splash of water or more butter to keep that creamy texture. You can also microwave it in short bursts, stirring in between, until heated through. Enjoy every bite again!

For more delicious recipes, check out our all recipes page!

For more information on the health benefits of broccoli, you can visit Healthline.

Looking for more chicken recipes? Try our Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine!

Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli Delight

Author: Lisa
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Dish
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

A flavorful cowboy butter lemon sauce elevates this bowtie chicken and broccoli dish.

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups bowtie pasta
1 pound chicken breast, cubed
2 cups broccoli florets
1/2 cup unsalted butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 lemon, juiced and zested
1 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Instructions

Cook bowtie pasta according to package instructions.
In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
Add garlic and sauté until fragrant.
Add chicken and cook until browned.
Stir in broccoli and sauté until tender.
Add lemon juice, zest, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Combine the cooked pasta with the chicken and broccoli mixture.
Garnish with parsley before serving.

Notes

For extra flavor, add crushed red pepper flakes.
Use fresh lemon for the best taste.
Can substitute chicken with shrimp or tofu for variation.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 450
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 600mg
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 30g
Cholesterol: 100mg

Keywords: Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli Recipe

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