Go Back
cowboy-butter-lemon-bowtie-chicken-pasta-with-broccoli-for-dinner_feature

Lemon Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta with Broccoli

This Lemon Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta combines tender chicken, bowtie pasta, and broccoli florets in a bright lemon garlic butter sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, it's the perfect weeknight dinner that's both comforting and bursting with fresh flavor.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 520
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Ingredients
  • 1 lb chicken breasts, cubed
  • 8 oz bowtie pasta
  • 2 cups broccoli florets
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup butter
  • Juice of 2 lemons
  • 1 lemon, zested
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Cook the pasta according to package directions. During the last 2 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets to the boiling water. Drain and set aside.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken cubes with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in chicken broth and lemon juice, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
  4. Stir in heavy cream and lemon zest. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce begins to thicken slightly.
  5. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add the pasta and broccoli. Stir to combine and heat through.
  6. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and well combined. Season with additional salt and pepper if needed.
  7. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Notes

For best results, use freshly squeezed lemon juice rather than bottled. Don't skip the lemon zest as it adds essential oils that intensify the citrus flavor. For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.