Ultimate Lemon Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta with Broccoli – One Pan Weeknight Dinner
Ultimate Lemon Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta with Broccoli
This lemon cowboy butter chicken pasta brings together the bright citrus flavors of lemon with a rich garlic butter sauce that coats tender chicken pieces, bowtie pasta, and fresh broccoli florets. As a one-pan dinner recipe, it’s perfect for busy weeknights when you need something comforting yet easy to prepare. The combination of zesty lemon, savory garlic butter, and creamy sauce creates a dish that both kids and adults will love.
What makes this recipe truly special is how the cowboy butter – a flavorful blend of garlic, herbs, and spices – transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality meal. You’ll appreciate how quickly everything comes together while still delivering complex flavors. This creamy lemon chicken pasta has become a family favorite for its perfect balance of bright citrus notes and comforting pasta goodness.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless chicken breasts, cubed
- 8 oz bowtie pasta
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Zest and juice of 2 lemons
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the pasta according to package directions, adding the broccoli florets during the last 3 minutes of cooking. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: While pasta cooks, season chicken cubes with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook chicken until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
Step 3: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Add lemon zest, oregano, and red pepper flakes, stirring constantly.
Step 4: Pour in chicken broth and lemon juice, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low.
Step 5: Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, whisking until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
Step 6: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, along with the drained pasta and broccoli. Toss everything together until well coated in the sauce. Cook for another 2 minutes to heat through.
Step 7: Garnish with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately while hot.
Expert Tips
For the best results with this lemon cowboy butter chicken pasta, use freshly squeezed lemon juice rather than bottled for the brightest citrus flavor. The lemon zest adds essential oils that enhance the overall taste, so don’t skip it! If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can add an extra tablespoon of Parmesan cheese or let the sauce simmer for an additional minute.
This recipe is incredibly versatile – you can substitute the broccoli with asparagus, peas, or spinach for variation. The cowboy butter sauce also works beautifully with other pasta shapes like penne or fettuccine. For a complete meal, serve this pasta with a fresh bruschetta pasta salad on the side.
If you’re looking for more comforting pasta dishes, try our creamy rotisserie chicken pasta or our chicken penne pasta recipe for equally satisfying weeknight meals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the components separately and combine them when ready to serve. The sauce may thicken when refrigerated, so you’ll need to add a splash of chicken broth when reheating.
What can I use instead of heavy cream?
For a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half or whole milk, though the sauce will be slightly less creamy. Another great option is our creamy chicken potato soup which uses similar techniques for a comforting meal.
How can I make this dish spicier?
Increase the red pepper flakes to 1 teaspoon or add a pinch of cayenne pepper. For more flavor variations, check out our Mexican chicken recipe with creamy cheese sauce.
Ultimate Lemon Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta with Broccoli
Ingredients
Method
- Cook the pasta according to package directions, adding the broccoli florets during the last 3 minutes of cooking. Drain and set aside.
- While pasta cooks, season chicken cubes with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook chicken until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Add lemon zest, oregano, and red pepper flakes, stirring constantly.
- Pour in chicken broth and lemon juice, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low.
- Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, whisking until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, along with the drained pasta and broccoli. Toss everything together until well coated in the sauce. Cook for another 2 minutes to heat through.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately while hot.
