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

Bring the rustic charm of cowboy butter to your weeknight routine with this vibrant one-pan pasta dinner. Juicy chicken tenderloins mingle with bowtie pasta and crisp broccoli florets, all coated in a bright lemon garlic butter sauce that delivers restaurant-quality flavor in about 25 minutes.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 420
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Ingredients
  • 1 lb chicken tenderloins, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 8 oz bowtie pasta
  • 2 cups broccoli florets
  • 3 tbsp butter
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 lemon (juice and zest)
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Method
 

Instructions
  1. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces and cook until golden brown, about 5-6 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
  2. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) to the skillet. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
  3. Add bowtie pasta and broccoli florets to the skillet. Stir to combine, then cover and simmer for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is al dente and broccoli is tender-crisp.
  4. Stir in lemon juice, lemon zest, and Parmesan cheese. Cook for another minute until cheese melts and sauce thickens slightly.
  5. Garnish with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan if desired. Serve immediately while warm.

Notes

Bowtie pasta holds the creamy sauce beautifully. For extra crisp-tender broccoli, add it during the last 5 minutes of cooking. If sauce seems too thin, simmer uncovered for 2-3 minutes longer to thicken.