Description
A delicious and creamy chicken pasta dish with a tangy lemon butter sauce.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz bowtie pasta (farfalle)
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley (or 2 teaspoons fresh parsley, chopped)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup reserved pasta water
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the bowtie pasta – Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Before draining, reserve about ¼ cup of the pasta water. This starchy water helps the sauce cling to the pasta later.
- Sauté the chicken – While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and season with salt, pepper, and paprika. Cook for about 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden and cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- Build the cowboy butter sauce – In the same skillet, lower the heat slightly and add the butter. Once melted, stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the lemon zest, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, parsley, and crushed red pepper flakes. Stir everything together to create the flavorful cowboy butter sauce.
- Combine pasta and chicken – Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add the drained bowtie pasta and a splash of the reserved pasta water. Toss everything together so the pasta and chicken are fully coated in the glossy lemon butter sauce.
- Finish with cheese and herbs – Sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese and stir gently. If the sauce feels too thick, add a little more pasta water until it becomes silky. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Finish with fresh parsley on top. Serve the Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken warm while the sauce is creamy and aromatic.
Notes
- This dish can be served with a side salad for a complete meal.
- Make sure not to overcook the pasta for the best texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 120mg