Description

A vibrant and flavorful dish featuring tender pan-seared chicken breasts paired with bowtie pasta and crisp broccoli, all tossed in a zesty cowboy butter lemon sauce infused with garlic, herbs, and smoky spices. This balanced meal is perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner with a refreshing citrus twist.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein & Vegetables

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
4 cups broccoli florets (about 1 lb)

Pasta

12 oz farfalle (bowtie) pasta

Sauce & Seasonings

1/2 cup unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 large shallot, minced
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
2 tbsp fresh chives, chopped
1 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
1 tbsp lemon zest

Instructions

Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the farfalle pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Blanch Broccoli: In the same or a new large pot of boiling salted water, blanch the broccoli florets for 2-3 minutes until crisp-tender. Drain and set aside to keep warm.
Prepare Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with black pepper and sauté until golden brown and cooked through, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
Make Cowboy Butter Sauce: Add the remaining butter to the skillet, then add minced garlic, shallot, chopped parsley, chives, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, and cayenne pepper if using. Cook and stir the mixture, letting it simmer for 5-7 minutes until the sauce thickens and the flavors meld together.
Add Lemon and Pasta: Stir in fresh lemon juice and lemon zest into the sauce, then add the cooked farfalle pasta, tossing gently to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce.
Combine and Serve: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the sauce over the top to keep it moist and flavorful. Serve the chicken and pasta alongside the blanched broccoli for a complete and balanced meal.

Notes

For a spicier dish, do not omit the cayenne pepper; adjust according to heat preference.
Use fresh herbs like parsley and chives for the best flavor; dried herbs can be substituted but use half the quantity.
Blanching broccoli helps retain its vibrant color and crisp texture.
Butter can be substituted with olive oil for a lighter version, though it will alter the flavor.
Ensure chicken breasts are patted dry before cooking to achieve a nice golden crust.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Keywords: cowboy butter, lemon chicken, bowtie pasta, farfalle, broccoli, stovetop chicken, garlic butter sauce, smoky paprika, quick dinner, lemon zest pasta