Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta Recipe: Easy, Creamy and Flavorful Recipe
Introduction
Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta is an easy, creamy, and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken with a rich, buttery sauce. Perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal, this recipe delivers comfort and taste in every bite.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces pasta of your choice (e.g., penne or fettuccine)
- 1 pound chicken breast, boneless and skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 4 tablespoons butter (unsalted recommended)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 cup heavy cream (or coconut milk for a lighter option)
- 1 cup chicken broth (low-sodium preferred)
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8 to 10 minutes. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- Step 2: In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 6 to 8 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Step 3: Add the remaining butter to the same skillet. Sauté the minced garlic and diced onion until translucent, about 3 to 4 minutes, allowing the butter to absorb the flavors.
- Step 4: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Stir in the Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes. Let the sauce simmer gently for about 5 minutes until it thickens slightly. Adjust consistency with reserved pasta water if needed.
- Step 5: Return the cooked chicken and drained pasta to the skillet. Season with additional salt and pepper if needed. Toss everything together to coat well in the sauce, and cook for another 2 minutes to blend the flavors.
- Step 6: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top and let it melt into the dish. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve warm and enjoy your creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta!
Tips & Variations
- For a dairy-free option, substitute heavy cream with coconut milk and use dairy-free Parmesan alternatives.
- Add sautéed mushrooms or spinach for extra veggies and texture.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the red pepper flakes to taste.
- Use fresh herbs like basil or thyme instead of Italian seasoning for a different flavor profile.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or pasta water if the sauce has thickened too much. Avoid microwaving for best texture.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?
Yes, any pasta shape you prefer works well. Penne, fettuccine, or even rotini are great choices as they hold the creamy sauce nicely.
Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?
You can prepare the sauce and cook the chicken in advance, then toss with freshly cooked pasta when ready to serve. This way, the pasta stays firm and the dish tastes fresh.
PrintCowboy Butter Chicken Pasta Recipe: Easy, Creamy and Flavorful Recipe
Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta is an easy and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken breast pieces sautéed in buttery garlic and onion, combined with al dente pasta and enveloped in a creamy sauce made with heavy cream, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, and Parmesan cheese. This hearty and comforting meal delivers a perfect balance of savory, creamy, and slightly spicy notes, making it an ideal dinner for any night of the week.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 ounces pasta of your choice (e.g., penne or fettuccine)
Chicken
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
Butter Sauce
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 cup heavy cream (or coconut milk for a lighter option)
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Once cooked, reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain and set the pasta aside.
- Sauté Chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 6-8 minutes until golden brown and cooked through, stirring occasionally. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Create the Sauce: Using the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Sauté the minced garlic and diced onion until they become translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes, to infuse the butter with flavor.
- Add Cream and Broth: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Stir in the Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes. Let the sauce simmer gently for about 5 minutes until it thickens slightly. If the sauce thickens too much, gradually add reserved pasta water to achieve desired consistency.
- Combine Pasta and Chicken: Return the cooked chicken and drained pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed. Toss everything together so the chicken and pasta are coated evenly with the creamy sauce. Let it cook together for another 2 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Serve: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the dish and allow it to melt into the sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve warm and enjoy your flavorful Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or a lower-fat cream option.
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level.
- Reserve pasta water helps to thin the sauce if it becomes too thick and adds extra starch for better sauce adherence.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breast works best for quick cooking; you can also substitute with chicken thighs if preferred.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and melting quality.
- Fresh parsley garnish adds color and a fresh herbal note but is optional.
Keywords: Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta, creamy pasta with chicken, easy chicken pasta recipe, buttery chicken pasta, one-pan pasta dish, creamy Italian chicken pasta
