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30-Minute Cowboy Chicken Broccoli Butter Lemon Bowtie Pasta Bliss

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A bright, comforting weeknight meal featuring savory, buttery chicken with fresh lemon and broccoli, all in a quick bowtie pasta dish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz bowtie pasta
  • 3 cups broccoli florets
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-size pieces
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 3/4 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 6 tbsp butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
  • 1/4 cup chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cook pasta and broccoli: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook according to package directions. In the last 2 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.
  2. Season the chicken: In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
  3. Sear the chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 4 to 6 minutes, stirring as needed, until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  4. Make the cowboy butter sauce: Lower the heat and melt the butter in the same skillet. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds to 1 minute. Stir in Dijon mustard, lemon juice, crushed red pepper flakes, Italian seasoning, chopped parsley, and chicken broth or reserved pasta water. Simmer for 1 to 2 minutes to meld flavors.
  5. Toss it all together: Add the drained pasta and broccoli back to the skillet along with the cooked chicken. Toss gently until everything is coated in the sauce. Optionally stir in shredded mozzarella until melted for extra creaminess.
  6. Finish and serve: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve with lemon wedges for squeezing over individual plates.

Notes

For a creamier take, stir in shredded mozzarella. Refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 to 4 days. Can freeze portions for up to 2 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: 30-minute meal, cowboy chicken, pasta, quick dinner, weeknight recipe, lemon pasta

Find it online: https://recipehappy.com/30-minute-cowboy-chicken-broccoli-pasta/