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Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken & Broccoli

Tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and bowtie pasta coated in a citrus-spiked cowboy butter sauce that's ready in 35 minutes.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 520

Ingredients
  

  • 16 oz bowtie pasta (farfalle)
  • 12 oz fresh broccoli florets
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into bite-sized chunks
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 teaspoons garlic minced
  • 1 lemon zest and juice
  • 1 orange zest and juice
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
  • 1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh parsley chopped

Equipment

  • large pot
  • Large non-stick skillet
  • colander
  • mixing bowl
  • Tongs or serving spoons

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook according to package directions, usually 11-13 minutes. During the last 4 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets directly to the pasta water. Drain everything together in a colander and set aside.
  2. While the water comes to a boil, cut chicken breasts into uniform bite-sized chunks, roughly 1-inch pieces. Toss them in a bowl with the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until evenly coated. Heat the olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Add the seasoned chicken in a single layer and sear without moving for 2-3 minutes to develop a golden crust. Flip the pieces and continue cooking for another 3-4 minutes until the chicken reaches 165°F internally. Transfer to a plate.
  3. Using the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add the butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, until the garlic becomes fragrant but not browned.
  4. Stir in the lemon zest, orange zest, lemon juice, and orange juice. The sauce will bubble up as the liquid hits the hot butter. Let it simmer for 1-2 minutes, swirling the pan occasionally, until it reduces slightly and the flavors meld together.
  5. Return the drained pasta and broccoli to the skillet along with the cooked chicken. Using tongs or two spoons, toss everything together thoroughly, making sure each piece gets coated in the citrusy butter sauce.
  6. Remove from heat and sprinkle with shredded Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley. Serve immediately while the butter sauce is still warm and glossy.

Notes

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop with 2-3 tablespoons of water to re-emulsify the butter sauce. Substitutions: Use penne or rotini instead of bowtie pasta. If you don't have an orange, use an additional lemon plus 1 teaspoon honey. Shrimp or Italian sausage work well in place of chicken. Make-ahead: Season chicken chunks up to 24 hours ahead. Measure citrus zest and juice in advance. This cuts active cooking time to about 20 minutes. Pro tip: Save pasta water and add a few tablespoons if the sauce looks dry after tossing. The starchy water helps create a silkier, restaurant-style finish.