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Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli

A bold and creamy bowtie pasta skillet with chicken, broccoli, and a zesty cowboy butter lemon sauce.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Fusion
Calories: 520
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta & Chicken
  • 12 oz bowtie pasta
  • 2 large chicken breasts diced
  • 2 cups broccoli florets
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • salt and black pepper to taste
Cowboy Butter Sauce
  • 6 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 5 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 0.5 tsp chili flakes
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 lemon juice and zest
  • 0.5 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tbsp parsley fresh chopped
  • 0.33 cup reserved pasta water

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • Pot
  • Strainer
  • Mixing spoon

Method
 

  1. Cook bowtie pasta in salted water until al dente. Add broccoli in the last 2–3 minutes, then drain and reserve pasta water.
  2. Season chicken with salt and pepper, then cook in olive oil until golden and fully cooked.
  3. Melt butter in skillet and sauté garlic until fragrant.
  4. Stir in paprika, chili flakes, onion powder, and Dijon mustard.
  5. Add lemon juice, zest, and pasta water to form a smooth sauce.
  6. Return chicken to skillet and coat with sauce.
  7. Add pasta and broccoli, toss until fully coated.
  8. Finish with parsley and serve warm.

Notes

Adjust spice level by increasing or reducing chili flakes. Fresh lemon juice is key for flavor brightness.