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Lemon Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta with Broccoli - Easy One Pan Dinner

This Lemon Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta combines tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and bowtie pasta in a rich, creamy lemon garlic butter sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, this one-pan wonder delivers restaurant-quality flavors with minimal cleanup, making it perfect for busy families seeking comfort food.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 520
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Ingredients
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
  • 8 oz bowtie pasta (farfalle)
  • 2 cups broccoli florets
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 lemon (zest and juice)
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp dried parsley
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 tbsp olive oil

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Cook the bowtie pasta according to package directions, adding broccoli florets during the last 3 minutes of cooking. Drain and set aside.
  2. While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken cubes with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
  4. Add chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Stir in lemon juice and zest, then add heavy cream, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer.
  5. Return cooked chicken to the skillet, then add the drained pasta and broccoli. Toss everything together until well coated in the sauce. Stir in Parmesan cheese, dried parsley, and red pepper flakes if using.
  6. Cook for 2-3 more minutes until everything is heated through and the sauce has thickened slightly. Season with additional salt and pepper if needed.
  7. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

Cook pasta al dente since it will continue cooking in sauce. Pat chicken dry before cooking for better browning. Adjust sauce consistency with broth or pasta water as needed. Works well with other vegetables like asparagus, peas, or spinach.