Description
How to make tender bowtie pasta with cowboy butter, juicy chicken and crispy broccoli in just 30 minutes for the ultimate weeknight comfort meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein and Pasta
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 12 oz bowtie pasta
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Cowboy Butter Base
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- 2 tsp Dijon mustard
Seasonings and Herbs
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Prep Everything: Cook bowtie pasta according to package directions until al dente. Meanwhile, cut chicken into bite-sized pieces and prep all ingredients since this moves quickly once you start cooking.
- Make Butter: In a small bowl, mix softened butter with minced garlic, lemon juice, zest, Dijon mustard, paprika, thyme, and red pepper flakes until well combined and aromatic.
- Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper, then cook 5-6 minutes until golden brown and cooked through completely.
- Add Broccoli: Add broccoli florets to the same pan with chicken. Cook 3-4 minutes until bright green and crispy-tender, stirring occasionally to prevent burning or overcooking.
- Combine Everything: Add drained pasta to the skillet along with the cowboy butter mixture. Toss everything together for 2-3 minutes until butter melts and coats everything beautifully.
- Finish Dish: Remove from heat and stir in fresh parsley and half the Parmesan cheese. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed, then serve immediately with remaining cheese sprinkled on top.
Notes
- Don’t overcook the chicken or it becomes tough and dry, aim for just cooked through.
- Reserve some pasta water before draining to thin the sauce if needed.
- Soften butter completely at room temperature for easiest mixing with other ingredients.
- Add fresh herbs at the end to maintain their bright color and flavor.
- Store leftovers in airtight container in refrigerator for up to 3 days maximum.
Allergy Information: Dairy, Gluten
Nutrition
- Calories: 485 calories
- Fat: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Protein: 35g