Introduction

This Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken & Broccoli is a vibrant and flavorful one-pan meal perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken breasts are cooked to golden perfection and topped with a zesty, buttery lemon sauce, served alongside tender broccoli and bowtie pasta. It’s a comforting dish with a kick of smoky spice and fresh herbs.

The dish shows a white bowl filled with layers of light creamy farfalle pasta at the bottom, topped with many pieces of golden brown chicken chunks that look cooked with spices. There is a square piece of yellow butter melting on top of the chicken, sprinkled with green herbs and red pepper flakes. Small pieces of bright green broccoli are placed around the chicken, adding color contrast. The white bowl sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts

4 cups broccoli florets (about 1 lb)

12 oz farfalle (bowtie) pasta

1/2 cup unsalted butter

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 large shallot, minced

1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

2 tbsp fresh chives, chopped

1 tsp smoked paprika

1/2 tsp red pepper flakes

1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)

1/2 tsp black pepper

1/4 cup fresh lemon juice

1 tbsp lemon zest

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the farfalle pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Blanch the broccoli florets for 2 to 3 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp. Drain and set aside.

Step 3: Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and sauté until golden brown, about 4 to 5 minutes per side. Season with black pepper during cooking.

Step 4: Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. Add the remaining butter to the pan along with garlic, shallot, parsley, chives, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, and cayenne pepper if using.

Step 5: Let the sauce simmer for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly and becomes fragrant.

Step 6: Stir in the fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and the cooked pasta until everything is well coated in the sauce.

Step 7: Return the chicken breasts to the skillet and spoon the sauce over the top to warm through.

Step 8: Serve the chicken and pasta with the blanched broccoli on the side.

Tips & Variations

For extra creaminess, stir in a splash of heavy cream or grated Parmesan cheese into the sauce before adding the pasta.

If you prefer more heat, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce.

Swap broccoli with asparagus or green beans for a different vegetable option.

Use bone-in chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier and more flavorful result; adjust cooking time accordingly.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta instead of farfalle?

Yes, any short pasta like penne, rotini, or shells will work well as they hold the sauce nicely.

Is it necessary to blanch the broccoli?

Blanching helps the broccoli retain its bright color and crisp-tender texture. If you prefer, you can steam or sauté the broccoli instead, just adjust cooking times accordingly.