Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli

This Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli is a weeknight hero that feels indulgent without a lot of fuss. Tender chicken breasts sear to a golden brown in a garlicky butter sauce, while al dente bowtie pasta and crisp-tender broccoli soak up bright lemon zest and juice for a fresh finish. The dish balances rich and bright flavors, with the butter giving a silky mouthfeel and the lemon cutting through to keep each bite lively. Aromas of garlic and melted butter fill the kitchen as the lemon is added, creating an irresistible scent that invites everyone to the table. It is ideal for busy weeknights, casual dinners with friends, or anytime you want comfort food with a light, citrusy twist.

Ingredients

• 2 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless — main protein, cooks quickly and develops a golden crust in the skillet.
• 8 oz bowtie pasta — aka farfalle, provides a pleasant bite and holds the sauce in its creases.
• 2 cups broccoli florets — adds color, nutrition, and a crisp-tender contrast to the pasta.
• 4 tbsp butter — creates the rich cowboy butter base and helps brown the chicken.
• 4 cloves garlic, minced — gives aromatic depth and savory flavor to the sauce.
• 1 lemon, zested and juiced — brightens the dish with acid and citrus fragrance.
• Salt and pepper to taste — essential seasonings to bring out all flavors.
• Parmesan cheese for garnish (optional) — adds a salty, nutty finish if desired.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the 8 oz bowtie pasta according to package instructions. Add the 2 cups broccoli florets during the last 3 minutes of cooking so they become crisp-tender. Drain the pasta and broccoli together and set aside. Reserve a 1/4 cup of the pasta cooking water in case you want to loosen the sauce later. Tip: Toss the drained pasta briefly with a tiny splash of olive oil if you do not plan to combine it immediately so it does not stick.
2. In a skillet over medium heat, melt the 4 tbsp butter until it foams. Add the 4 cloves minced garlic and sauté for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to let the garlic brown. Watch closely so the garlic becomes soft but not bitter.
3. Season both sides of the 2 chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 6 to 7 minutes per side. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165 F. Tip: If the butter begins to brown too quickly, lower the heat slightly and spoon some butter over the chicken as it cooks.
4. Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. Resting keeps the juices inside so the meat stays moist.
5. Add the lemon zest and juice from the 1 lemon to the skillet, stirring to combine with the garlic butter and scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Those browned bits add savory flavor to the sauce.
6. Toss the cooked pasta and broccoli with the lemon garlic sauce in the skillet. If the sauce seems tight, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it and create a silky coating. Tip: Add the water a tablespoon at a time until you reach the desired consistency.
7. Serve the pasta topped with the sliced chicken and garnish with Parmesan cheese if desired. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Calories: Approximately 400 per serving

Tips, Storage & Variations

• Practical tips: Pat the chicken dry before seasoning to help it brown better. Keep an eye on the garlic so it softens without burning. Use the reserved pasta water gradually to control sauce consistency.
• Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water to revive the sauce.
• Freezing: Cooked chicken and pasta with broccoli can be frozen, but texture may change. Cool completely, pack in freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Flavor variations using existing ingredients only:
  • Make it more lemon-forward by adding extra lemon zest on top when serving.
  • Increase the butter by 1 tablespoon for an even silkier sauce.
  • Stir grated Parmesan into the sauce before adding the pasta for a richer, slightly creamier finish.

FAQ
Q: Can I use other pasta shapes instead of bowties?
A: Yes, any similarly sized short pasta like rotini or penne will work and hold the sauce well.

Q: How do I know when the chicken is done?
A: Use a meat thermometer and cook until the internal temperature reaches 165 F, or cut into the thickest part to ensure no pink remains.

Q: Can I skip the lemon zest and use only juice?
A: You can, but the zest adds concentrated citrus aroma and flavor that brightens the dish.

Q: Is it okay to use frozen broccoli?
A: Yes. Add frozen broccoli during the last few minutes of pasta cooking and drain well to avoid extra water in the sauce.

Q: How can I make the sauce creamier without adding new ingredients?
A: Stir a little more butter into the lemon garlic sauce and use reserved pasta water to emulsify for a creamier texture.

People Also Ask
Q: What is cowboy butter in this recipe?
A: Cowboy butter here refers to a simple garlic and butter sauce with lemon that gives a savory, rustic flavor.

Q: Can I cook the chicken in advance?
A: Yes, you can cook and cool the chicken, then slice and gently reheat when ready to serve.

Q: How long does it take to cook bowtie pasta?
A: Cook times vary by brand but typically range from 9 to 12 minutes; check the package and aim for al dente.

Q: Should I salt the pasta water?
A: Yes, salting the water seasons the pasta from the inside and improves overall flavor.

Q: Can I use less butter if I want a lighter dish?
A: Yes, reduce the butter slightly, but be aware the sauce will be less rich.

Q: What temperature should the pan be for searing chicken?
A: Medium heat is ideal so the butter foams and the chicken browns without burning the garlic.

Conclusion

Give this Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli a try when you want a comforting, bright meal that comes together quickly. If you want a variation or inspiration, you can compare a similar approach on Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli – Umami | Recipe, or see how another cook pairs lemon and broccoli with bowtie pasta at Lemon Chicken with Broccoli & Bow Ties Recipe | Ina Garten. Share your tweaks and photos after you try it, and enjoy a warm, satisfying dinner with family or friends.