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–+ servings
A bowl of Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken Pasta with Broccoli, garnished with parsley.

Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken Pasta with Broccoli

A flavorful pasta dish featuring chicken, broccoli, and a creamy cowboy butter lemon sauce.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 12 oz Bowtie pasta
  • 1 lb Boneless, skinless chicken breasts Cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 cups Broccoli florets
For the Cowboy Butter Sauce
  • 1/2 cup Unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves Garlic Minced
  • 1/4 cup Heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup Grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tbsp Lemon juice Freshly squeezed
  • 1 tsp Smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp Red pepper flakes Optional
  • Salt To taste
  • Black pepper To taste
  • 2 tbsp Fresh parsley Chopped, for garnish

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Large skillet
  • Colander

Method
 

  1. Cook the bowtie pasta according to package directions in a large pot of salted boiling water. Add the broccoli florets during the last 3 minutes of cooking. Drain, reserving about 1 cup of pasta water.
  2. While the pasta cooks, season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Cook the chicken in a large skillet over medium-high heat until browned and cooked through. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
  4. Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook, stirring, until the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened.
  5. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add the drained pasta and broccoli. Toss to coat everything evenly in the sauce.
  6. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency.
  7. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

You can substitute other pasta shapes if desired. For a spicier dish, increase the red pepper flakes.

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