Description
A rich and comforting dish featuring bowtie pasta, juicy chicken, and crisp broccoli in a creamy, buttery lemon sauce.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups bowtie pasta
- 1 pound chicken breast, cubed
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 unit lemon, juiced and zested
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a cup of pasta water in case you need to loosen the sauce.
- Sauté the Chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 1/4 cup of unsalted butter. Add the cubed chicken breast to the skillet. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika. Sauté until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Transfer the chicken to a plate and cover it to keep warm.
- Cook the Broccoli: In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of butter if needed. Introduce the broccoli florets and minced garlic. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes, allowing the broccoli to brighten and become tender while keeping its crunch.
- Combine Ingredients: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add the cooked pasta, lemon juice, and zest. Toss everything gently to combine, allowing flavors to meld together. If the sauce feels too thick, add reserved pasta water one tablespoon at a time until desired consistency is reached.
- Final Touches: Stir in the remaining melted butter, taste, and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. For a finishing touch, scatter chopped fresh parsley over the dish.
Notes
Make-Ahead Tips: Prepare the chicken and broccoli earlier in the day. Just toss them with the pasta right before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg