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Lemon Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta with Broccoli

This vibrant one-pan pasta dish combines tender chicken, bowtie pasta, and fresh broccoli in a creamy lemon garlic butter sauce that's bursting with flavor. Perfect for busy weeknights, this family-friendly meal comes together in under 30 minutes with minimal cleanup.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Ingredients
  • 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 8 oz bowtie pasta (farfalle)
  • 2 cups broccoli florets
  • 4 tbsp butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 lemon (zest and juice)
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley for garnish
  • Parmesan cheese for serving

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Cook the bowtie pasta according to package directions until al dente. Add broccoli florets during the last 3 minutes of cooking. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove chicken from skillet.
  3. Reduce heat to medium and add remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Sauté garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add smoked paprika and red pepper flakes if using.
  4. Pour in chicken broth and lemon juice, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Simmer for 2 minutes.
  5. Stir in heavy cream and lemon zest, then return cooked chicken to the skillet. Add the drained pasta and broccoli, tossing to coat everything in the creamy sauce.
  6. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese before serving.

Notes

For the best flavor, use fresh lemon juice rather than bottled. The zest adds an extra burst of citrus that brightens the entire dish. To make this dish even quicker, use pre-cut broccoli florets and chicken tenders.