Lemon Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta with Broccoli – Easy One Pan Dinner
Lemon Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta with Broccoli
Get ready for a flavor explosion that will make weeknight dinners feel like a special occasion! This Lemon Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta combines tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and bowtie pasta in a creamy lemon garlic butter sauce that’s downright addictive. The best part? It all comes together in just one pan in about 30 minutes, making it the perfect solution for busy evenings when you want something delicious without the cleanup hassle.
If you love easy pasta dishes that deliver restaurant-quality flavor, you’ll want to try our popular creamy cowboy butter chicken pasta or this amazing pesto chicken pasta bake for more family-friendly meal inspiration.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 8 oz bowtie pasta (farfalle)
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 3 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon (zest and juice)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the chicken in a large skillet over medium-high heat with 1 tablespoon of butter until golden brown and cooked through (about 6-8 minutes). Remove and set aside.
Step 2: In the same skillet, add the remaining butter and minced garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the chicken broth, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes (if using).
Step 3: Add the bowtie pasta and broccoli florets to the skillet. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and cook for 12-15 minutes until pasta is al dente and broccoli is tender-crisp.
Step 4: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, smoked paprika, and lemon zest. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
Step 5: Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
Expert Tips for Perfect Results
Don’t overcook the broccoli: The broccoli should be tender but still vibrant green with a slight crunch. Overcooking will make it mushy and dull-colored.
Use fresh lemon: The brightness of fresh lemon juice and zest is essential for this recipe. Bottled lemon juice won’t provide the same vibrant citrus flavor.
Adjust creaminess: For a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half for heavy cream. For a richer sauce, add more Parmesan cheese.
Try different pastas: While bowtie pasta works wonderfully, you could also use this same method with chicken linguine or penne for variety.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen broccoli? Yes! Add frozen broccoli directly to the skillet when you add the pasta. It will cook perfectly in the same time.
How do I store leftovers? Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of chicken broth to refresh the sauce.
Can I make this gluten-free? Absolutely! Use your favorite gluten-free pasta and ensure your chicken broth is gluten-free. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
What sides go well with this dish? A light salad pairs perfectly – try our healthy broccoli salad or a simple green salad for a complete meal.
Lemon Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta with Broccoli
Ingredients
Method
- Cook the chicken in a large skillet over medium-high heat with 1 tablespoon of butter until golden brown and cooked through (about 6-8 minutes). Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the remaining butter and minced garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the chicken broth, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Add the bowtie pasta and broccoli florets to the skillet. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and cook for 12-15 minutes until pasta is al dente and broccoli is tender-crisp.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, smoked paprika, and lemon zest. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
