Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli is a delightful dish that combines the richness of butter and the zesty flavors of lemon with tender chicken and nutritious broccoli. This recipe is easy to make and perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering. Let’s explore this flavorful dish that’s sure to please your taste buds!
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information
- Calories per serving: 550
- Protein: 39 grams
- Carbohydrates: 45 grams
- Fat: 24 grams
- Fiber: 3 grams
- Sugar: 2 grams
- Sodium: 620 mg
Why Make This Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli
This Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli is not just a meal; it’s an experience. The buttery sauce, combined with the fresh zing of lemon and the savory ranch seasoning, elevates simple ingredients into something extraordinary. The bowtie pasta adds a fun shape that kids and adults alike love, while the broccoli provides a welcome pop of color and health benefits. It’s a balanced dish that is both comforting and refreshing, making it a perfect choice for any occasion.
How to Make Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli
Creating this dish is a straightforward process that doesn’t require advanced cooking skills. Just follow the steps below to bring this delicious recipe to your table with ease!
Ingredients:
- 8 oz bowtie pasta
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast cut into bite-size pieces
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 cloves minced garlic
- 1 tsp ranch seasoning mix
- 1 lemon zested and juiced
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh chives
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Directions:
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Step 1: Preparation
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the bowtie pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
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Step 2: Sautéing the Chicken
Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the bite-size chicken pieces and season them with salt and pepper. Cook the chicken for about 5–7 minutes until it’s golden brown and cooked through.
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Step 3: Mixing in Flavor
Push the cooked chicken to one side of the skillet. Add the butter and let it melt. Stir in the minced garlic and ranch seasoning mix, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
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Step 4: Adding the Veggies and Pasta
Add the broccoli florets, lemon zest, and lemon juice to the skillet. Toss everything to coat and cook until the broccoli is tender-crisp, about 3–4 minutes. Finally, add the cooked pasta and toss all the ingredients together. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, and chives until evenly distributed. Taste and adjust the seasoning with extra salt, pepper, or lemon juice if desired. Serve hot.
How to Serve Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli
Serving this dish is as easy as the preparation! Place the Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli in bowls or plates, and you can garnish with additional parsley or Parmesan cheese for added flair. This dish pairs well with a light salad or crusty bread for a heartier meal.
How to Store Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli
To store leftovers, place the Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water or olive oil to keep it from drying out.
Expert Tips for Perfect Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli
- Quality Chicken: Use high-quality chicken breast for the best flavor.
- Pasta Options: If you don’t have bowtie pasta, any pasta shape will work just fine, such as penne or fusilli.
- Fresh Herbs: For an even more vibrant flavor, make sure to use fresh herbs instead of dried ones.
- Vegetable Additions: Feel free to add other veggies like bell peppers or spinach for varied nutrition and flavor.
Delicious Variations
- Shrimp: Substitute the chicken for shrimp for a seafood twist. Cook them for just a few minutes until pink and cooked through.
- Creamy version: Add a splash of heavy cream at the end for a creamy sauce.
- Spicy: Add red pepper flakes for a kick of heat!
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can I use whole wheat pasta?
Yes! Whole wheat pasta is a great substitute and adds more fiber to the dish. -
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
Swap the bowtie pasta for a gluten-free pasta alternative, and continue with the recipe as usual. -
What type of butter is best for this recipe?
Unsalted butter is ideal as it allows you to control the saltiness of the dish better. -
Can I prepare this meal ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and broccoli mixture ahead of time and combine with pasta when you’re ready to eat. -
What can I serve with this dish?
It pairs wonderfully with a garden salad or some garlic bread to soak up the delicious buttery sauce.
Conclusion
Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli is a fantastic choice for anyone looking to prepare a quick, hearty, and delicious meal. Its bright flavors and comforting textures make it a hit for family dinners or casual gatherings. So why not give it a try? You won’t be disappointed, and you might just find a new favorite recipe to add to your cooking repertoire! Enjoy your culinary adventure!
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Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: None specified
Description
A delightful dish that combines buttery chicken, zesty lemon, and healthy broccoli with bowtie pasta for a comforting weeknight meal.
Ingredients
- 8 oz bowtie pasta
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-size pieces
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 cloves minced garlic
- 1 tsp ranch seasoning mix
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh chives
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add bite-size chicken pieces and season with salt and pepper. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
- Push cooked chicken to one side of the skillet. Add butter and let it melt. Stir in minced garlic and ranch seasoning mix, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add broccoli florets, lemon zest, and lemon juice to the skillet. Toss to coat and cook until broccoli is tender-crisp, about 3-4 minutes. Add cooked pasta and toss all ingredients together. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, and chives until evenly distributed. Adjust seasoning as desired and serve hot.
Notes
Use high-quality chicken for best flavor. Fresh herbs can enhance the taste of the dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 39g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
