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Lemon Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta with Broccoli

This Lemon Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta brings together tangy citrus flavors with rich garlic butter in a comforting one-pan dinner that's ready in just 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe combines tender chicken breast, al dente bowtie pasta, and fresh broccoli florets in a creamy lemon garlic butter sauce.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 420
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Ingredients
  • 1 lb chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 8 oz bowtie pasta (farfalle)
  • 2 cups broccoli florets
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • Zest and juice of 1 lemon
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Cook the bowtie pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
  2. In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. Add chicken cubes and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Add broccoli florets during the last 3 minutes of cooking to steam them slightly.
  3. Push chicken and broccoli to one side of the skillet. Add remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the empty space. Once melted, add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in chicken broth, lemon juice, and heavy cream. Bring to a simmer.
  4. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet along with lemon zest, Italian seasoning, and Parmesan cheese. Toss everything together until the pasta is well-coated in the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water.
  5. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese if desired.

Notes

Don't overcook the broccoli; add it during the last few minutes of chicken cooking. Use fresh lemon juice for brighter flavor. Reserve pasta water to help create creamy sauce. Add red pepper flakes for spicy kick.