Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken
Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken is an easy chicken pasta dinner.Bowtie pasta is tossed with buttery garlic, lemon, herbs, and paprika.Juicy chicken and Parmesan complete this flavorful stovetop meal.
Ingredients
- 1 lb bowtie pasta
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Additional fresh parsley optional
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the bowtie pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Pat the chicken breasts dry, then season both sides with salt and black pepper.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 6–7 minutes per side, depending on thickness, until golden and the thickest part reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and allow it to rest for several minutes before slicing.
- Meanwhile, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, parsley, smoked paprika, and optional red pepper flakes in a bowl. Mix until evenly combined.
- Return the skillet to medium-low heat. Add the drained bowtie pasta followed by the cowboy butter mixture. Toss gently until the butter melts and evenly coats the pasta.
- Slice the rested chicken into strips and add it to the skillet. Gently toss the Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken until everything is warmed through and coated in the buttery lemon-garlic sauce.
- Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and additional fresh parsley, if desired. Serve immediately while warm.
Notes
Farfalle and bowtie pasta are the same pasta shape, so either name may appear on the package. Penne, rotini, or another short pasta can also work if bowties are unavailable.
For additional vegetables, try serving the pasta with roasted broccoli, asparagus, green beans, or a simple green salad.
If you want extra citrus flavor, serve each portion with a fresh lemon wedge. For a richer cowboy butter pasta, add a little extra butter sauce before serving.
When strict halal compliance is important, choose halal-certified chicken and verify that the Parmesan or Parmesan-style cheese is made with halal-suitable or microbial/vegetarian rennet.