Description
A vibrant and flavorful dish featuring tender cubed chicken breast sautéed in a zesty cowboy butter lemon sauce, combined with bowtie pasta and broccoli florets for a wholesome, satisfying meal perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 2 cups bowtie pasta
Protein
- 1 pound chicken breast, cubed (boneless, skinless)
Vegetables
- 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
Sauce and Seasoning
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted in the skillet)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon, juiced and zested
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Preparation: Gather all ingredients and cube the chicken breasts. Mince the garlic and juice and zest the lemon. Bring a pot of salted water to boil for the pasta.
- Cook Pasta: Cook the bowtie pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, keeping warm.
- Melt Butter: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the 1/2 cup unsalted butter, ensuring it warms evenly without browning.
- Sauté Garlic: Add minced garlic to the melted butter and sauté until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Cook Chicken: Add the cubed chicken breast to the skillet. Cook thoroughly, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and cooked through, approximately 6-8 minutes.
- Add Broccoli: Stir in the broccoli florets and continue to sauté until the broccoli is tender yet crisp, about 4-5 minutes.
- Season: Mix in the lemon juice, lemon zest, paprika, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir well to combine all flavors.
- Combine Pasta: Add the cooked pasta into the skillet with the chicken and broccoli mixture. Toss gently to ensure all components are evenly coated with the lemon butter sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat, garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired, and serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- For a stronger lemon flavor, add more lemon zest or juice according to taste.
- Fresh broccoli is preferred for a crisper texture, but frozen broccoli works well if fresh is unavailable.
- Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts to ensure even cooking and ease of preparation.
- To make it low fat, reduce butter quantity or substitute with a light olive oil.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
