Irresistible Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken Pasta

Intro and Brief Recap

Have you ever experienced a dish that perfectly balances comfort and sophistication? Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken Pasta with Broccoli is one such creation. This delightful meal combines tender chicken, al dente bowtie pasta, vibrant broccoli, and a zesty cowboy butter sauce. The result is a flavorful explosion that tantalizes your taste buds and warms your heart.

This recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions alike. Picture gathering around the table with family and friends, sharing stories while savoring each bite of this creamy, buttery pasta. As the aroma wafts through the air, anticipation builds for a truly satisfying culinary experience. Get ready to dive into a plateful of joy that feels like home.

Key Ingredients For Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken Pasta with Broccoli

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Bowtie Pasta: This unique shape holds sauces beautifully, giving you bursts of flavor in every bite.
• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Tender and easy to cook, these provide protein without overwhelming the dish.
• Fresh Broccoli: Bright green florets add color, crunch, and essential nutrients to your meal.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves impart rich flavor and aroma, elevating the entire dish.
• Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens the flavors and adds a refreshing zing.

For the Sauce:

• Butter: Use unsalted butter for a rich base; it enhances all other flavors in the recipe.
• Dried Herbs (like parsley and thyme): These add depth and aromatic notes to the sauce.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning; adjust to taste for optimal flavor balance.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Instructions For Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken Pasta with Broccoli

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

First Step: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add bowtie pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve one cup of pasta water before draining.

Second Step: Prepare the Chicken

In a large skillet over medium heat, melt two tablespoons of butter. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper before adding them to the skillet. Cook for about six minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from heat and let rest before slicing.

Third Step: Sauté Garlic and Broccoli

In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about one minute until fragrant. Next, add broccoli florets along with a splash of reserved pasta water. Cover and steam for three to four minutes until broccoli is tender but still bright green.

Fourth Step: Make the Sauce

Reduce heat to low and stir in remaining butter along with lemon juice, dried herbs, salt, and pepper. Mix well until combined into a creamy sauce.

Fifth Step: Combine Everything

Add drained pasta into the skillet along with sliced chicken. Toss everything together gently until well coated in the sauce. Adjust consistency using additional reserved pasta water if necessary.

Transfer to plates and drizzle with sauce for the perfect finishing touch.

Expert Tips

Here are some helpful tips to ensure the best results for your dish:

• Don’t Overcook Pasta: Ensure you cook pasta al dente so it maintains its texture when mixed with sauce.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh garlic and broccoli as they provide superior flavor compared to dried alternatives.
• Taste as You Go: Adjust seasonings throughout cooking; personal preferences vary greatly.

Preparation Steps

To create the delicious Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken Pasta with Broccoli, follow these simple steps:

Begin by cooking the bowtie pasta according to package instructions. While the pasta cooks, heat a skillet over medium heat and add some olive oil. Once hot, add diced chicken breast, seasoning it with salt and pepper. Cook the chicken until it turns golden brown and is fully cooked.

Next, add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about a minute until fragrant. Then, toss in fresh broccoli florets, cooking until they are tender yet still vibrant green. Combine the cooked pasta with the chicken and broccoli in the skillet.

Now it’s time to make the Cowboy Butter sauce! In a separate bowl, melt butter and mix in lemon zest, lemon juice, chopped parsley, and a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat. Pour this sauce over the pasta mixture and toss everything together well to coat.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken Pasta with Broccoli warm for an enjoyable meal. This dish pairs nicely with:

The fresh taste of a crisp garden salad that complements the richness of the pasta.

A glass of chilled white wine enhances the flavors beautifully.

Garlic bread on the side adds a delightful crunch and additional flavor.

Storage Tips

For leftovers of Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken Pasta with Broccoli, store any uneaten portions in an airtight container. Keep it in the refrigerator for up to three days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat in a skillet or microwave. You may want to add a splash of lemon juice or more butter when reheating to revive its flavor.

Variations

You can easily customize Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken Pasta with Broccoli based on your preferences or dietary needs. Consider swapping out bowtie pasta for whole wheat or gluten-free options if desired. For added protein, include shrimp or tofu as alternatives to chicken.

Experiment by adding different vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for extra nutrition and color. If you prefer a creamier sauce, mix some heavy cream into the Cowboy Butter sauce while preparing it.

FAQs

What makes Cowboy Butter unique?

Cowboy Butter stands out as a flavorful sauce combining butter with fresh herbs, garlic, lemon juice, and spices. This concoction adds depth to dishes like our Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken Pasta with Broccoli, making it irresistible. Its versatility allows you to use it not only in pastas but also on grilled meats or vegetables.

Can I prepare Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken Pasta ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare many components ahead of time. Cooked pasta can be stored separately from chicken and broccoli in airtight containers. When ready to serve, simply combine them and reheat along with freshly made Cowboy Butter for best flavor retention.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! The Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken Pasta with Broccoli is ideal for meal prepping due to its balanced ingredients and easy storage. Divide portions into meal prep containers so you can enjoy quick lunches or dinners throughout your week without sacrificing taste!

What can I serve alongside this dish?

To complement your Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken Pasta with Broccoli, consider pairing it with light sides such as roasted asparagus or a simple mixed green salad dressed lightly with vinaigrette. Pairing it with breadsticks or garlic bread also provides an appealing twist that rounds out your meal perfectly!

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Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken Pasta with Broccoli

• Author: Natalia
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4
• Category: Main
• Method: Skillet
• Cuisine: American

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Description

Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken Pasta with Broccoli is a delectable fusion of comfort and elegance. This dish features tender chicken, al dente bowtie pasta, and vibrant broccoli, all enveloped in a zesty cowboy butter sauce that elevates every bite. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special gatherings, this recipe promises a heartwarming experience filled with rich flavors and delightful aromas. Gather around the table to enjoy this creamy, buttery pasta dish that feels like home.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 8 oz bowtie pasta
• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
• 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 tsp dried parsley
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Cook the bowtie pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain.
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tbsp of butter. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper and cook for about 6 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove from heat and slice.
3. In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute. Add broccoli florets along with a splash of reserved pasta water. Cover and steam for 3-4 minutes until tender.
4. Reduce heat to low; stir in remaining butter, lemon juice, dried herbs, salt, and pepper until combined into a creamy sauce.
5. Combine drained pasta with sliced chicken in the skillet; toss gently until coated in sauce. Adjust consistency with reserved pasta water if needed.

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Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 plate (about 400g)
• Calories: 620
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 550mg
• Fat: 27g
• Saturated Fat: 14g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 56g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 36g
• Cholesterol: 105mg

Keywords: For added nutrition, consider incorporating bell peppers or spinach. Substitute bowtie pasta with whole wheat or gluten-free varieties as needed. To make it creamier, mix in heavy cream while preparing the sauce.