Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken Pasta: Quick Delight

Intro and Brief Recap

Have you ever craved a dish that combines comfort and elegance in every bite? Imagine twirling bowtie pasta coated in a creamy, zesty sauce, perfectly paired with tender chicken and vibrant broccoli. This Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken Pasta with Broccoli not only tantalizes your taste buds but also warms your heart, making it the ideal meal for any occasion.

This dish is perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend dinners. With its rich flavors and delightful textures, it’s sure to impress family and friends alike. Each forkful bursts with the freshness of lemon and the savory notes of cowboy butter, creating an unforgettable culinary experience. Get ready to indulge in a plate of pure joy that brings everyone together at the table.

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 pasta shape holds onto the sauce beautifully, ensuring every bite is flavorful. Choose whole wheat or regular options based on your preference.
• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: About 3-4 chicken breasts are ideal for this recipe. Look for fresh cuts for the best texture.
• Fresh Broccoli: Use bright green florets for a crisp texture and vibrant color. Steam or blanch them slightly before adding to the pasta.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves add depth and aroma to the dish. Mince them finely for maximum flavor infusion.
• Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens up the entire dish with its zesty flavor. Avoid bottled versions if possible.

For the Sauce:

• Butter: Use unsalted butter to control the saltiness of the dish while providing richness and creaminess to the sauce.
• Soy Sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce works best here, adding umami without overwhelming saltiness.
• Dried Herbs (like parsley or thyme): These herbs enhance flavor complexity; choose your favorites for a personal touch.

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: Prepare the Ingredients

Begin by gathering all your ingredients. Chop the broccoli into bite-sized florets, mince the garlic, and cut chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces.

Second 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 cooking water before draining.

Third Step: Sauté Chicken

While pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Melt half of the butter and add chicken pieces. Season with salt and pepper, then cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.

Fourth Step: Make the Sauce

In the same skillet, add remaining butter and minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant, then stir in lemon juice and soy sauce, mixing well.

Fifth Step: Combine Everything

Add cooked pasta and broccoli to the skillet with sauce. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water as needed for desired consistency.

Sixth Step: Serve

Transfer to plates or a serving bowl. Garnish with additional herbs or lemon zest if desired for extra freshness.

Expert Tips

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

• Don’t Overcook Pasta: Aim for al dente texture; it will continue cooking when combined with other ingredients.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh garlic and lemon juice to enhance overall flavor significantly.
• Adjust Seasoning Gradually: Taste as you go; adjust saltiness by adding more soy sauce or seasoning as needed.

Cooking Method

To prepare the Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken Pasta with Broccoli, start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add the bowtie pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Meanwhile, heat a skillet over medium heat and add butter. Once melted, add garlic and sauté until fragrant. Incorporate diced chicken breast and cook until golden brown and cooked through.

Next, add broccoli florets to the skillet, allowing them to steam slightly while absorbing flavors. After that, pour in lemon juice and zest for a fresh zing. Combine everything by adding the drained pasta to the skillet, tossing well to coat. Season with salt, pepper, and fresh parsley before serving.

Serving Suggestions

This Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken Pasta with Broccoli is perfect for various occasions. Serve it as a hearty weeknight dinner or impress guests at gatherings. Consider pairing it with:

• A crisp green salad to balance the richness of the dish.
• Crispy garlic bread for an added crunchy texture.
• A glass of chilled white wine that complements the lemony flavors.

Nutritional Information

This Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken Pasta with Broccoli provides essential nutrients while being deliciously satisfying. Each serving is rich in protein from the chicken and offers fiber from the broccoli and pasta. The butter adds richness but can be moderated if desired. This dish delivers a balanced meal that keeps you energized throughout your day.

Storage Tips

For those enjoying leftovers, store Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken Pasta with Broccoli in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to maintain moisture. For longer storage, freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to three months.

FAQs

What makes Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken Pasta with Broccoli special?

Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken Pasta with Broccoli stands out due to its unique combination of flavors and textures. The creamy butter enhances the savory chicken while lemon adds brightness, making each bite refreshing. The addition of broccoli not only contributes nutrition but also vibrant color to this delightful dish.

Can I use different pasta shapes for this recipe?

Absolutely! While bowtie pasta is delightful in Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken Pasta with Broccoli, you can substitute it with any pasta shape you prefer or have on hand. Options like penne or fusilli will work well too; just adjust cooking times according to package directions.

Is there a vegetarian version of Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken Pasta with Broccoli?

Yes! To create a vegetarian version of this dish, simply replace chicken with sautéed mushrooms or chickpeas for protein. You can also use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth if needed. This adaptation allows everyone to enjoy the bright flavors without compromising taste.

How can I make this dish spicier?

If you enjoy heat, consider adding red pepper flakes during cooking or mixing in some diced jalapeños along with the garlic. Adjusting spice levels offers another layer of flavor in Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken Pasta with Broccoli that caters to your palate perfectly!

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Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken Pasta with Broccoli

• Author: christina
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4
• Category: Main
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

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Description

Indulge in the comforting yet sophisticated flavors of Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken Pasta with Broccoli. This delightful dish features al dente bowtie pasta enveloped in a creamy, zesty sauce, tender chicken, and vibrant broccoli. Perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions, it promises to impress with each flavorful bite. Elevate your dining experience and bring everyone together around the table with this culinary masterpiece.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 8 oz bowtie pasta
• 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb), diced
• 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
• 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
• 1 tsp dried herbs (parsley or thyme)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Gather all ingredients; chop broccoli into bite-sized pieces and mince garlic.
2. Boil a large pot of salted water; cook bowtie pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
3. In a skillet over medium heat, melt half the butter; add chicken, season with salt and pepper, and sauté until golden brown (6–8 minutes).
4. Add remaining butter and minced garlic to the skillet; sauté until fragrant. Stir in lemon juice and soy sauce.
5. Toss in cooked pasta and broccoli; use reserved pasta water to achieve desired consistency.
6. Serve warm, garnished with additional herbs or lemon zest if desired.

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Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 300g)
• Calories: 490
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 680mg
• Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 29g
• Cholesterol: 93mg

Keywords: For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken with sautéed mushrooms or chickpeas. Adjust spice by adding red pepper flakes for a kick. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days or freeze for up to three months.