why make this recipe
Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta is an easy and delicious dish that combines tender chicken and creamy sauce over pasta. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress your family. The dish is rich in flavor but simple to make, making it a great choice for cooks of all skill levels. Plus, who doesn’t love a meal that’s both comforting and satisfying?
how to make Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta
Ingredients:
- Pasta of your choice (e.g., penne or fettuccine) – 12 ounces
- Chicken breast – 1 pound, boneless and skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Butter – 4 tablespoons (unsalted is recommended for better flavor control)
- Garlic – 4 cloves, minced
- Onion – 1 medium, diced
- Heavy cream – 1 cup (or substitute with coconut milk for a lighter option)
- Chicken broth – 1 cup (low-sodium preferred)
- Parmesan cheese – 1 cup, grated
- Italian seasoning – 1 tablespoon
- Red pepper flakes – 1 teaspoon (adjust to taste)
- Salt and pepper – to taste
- Fresh parsley – for garnish (optional)
Directions:
🔵 Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente (typically 8-10 minutes). Once cooked, reserve 1 cup of pasta water, drain it, and set it aside.
🔵 Sauté Chicken
In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the diced chicken pieces and season with salt and pepper. Cook for about 6-8 minutes until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, stirring occasionally. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
🔵 Create the Sauce
In the same skillet, add the remaining butter and sauté the minced garlic and diced onion until translucent (about 3-4 minutes). This step infuses the butter with flavor, making your sauce deliciously aromatic.
🔵 Add Cream and Broth
Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Add the Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes. Let the sauce simmer gently for about 5 minutes until it thickens slightly. If it becomes too thick, use your reserved pasta water to adjust the 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 if needed. Toss everything together to ensure the chicken and pasta are coated in the creamy sauce, and let it cook for another 2 minutes to meld the flavors.
🔵 Serve
Finally, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top and let it melt into the dish. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving to add a pop of color. Enjoy your Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta warm!
how to serve Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta
Serve Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta hot on individual plates or in a large serving bowl. It goes well with a side of garlic bread or a simple salad. You can also top it with extra cheese or red pepper flakes for added flavor.
how to store Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta
To store Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta, let it cool down to room temperature. Then, place it in an airtight container and refrigerate. It can be kept in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or broth to restore the creaminess.
tips to make Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta
- Use fresh ingredients for better flavor.
- If you like it spicier, feel free to add more red pepper flakes.
- Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or broccoli for more nutrition.
- Substitute the heavy cream with a lighter option such as coconut milk for a different taste.
variation
You can switch up the protein in this dish by using shrimp or turkey instead of chicken. If you prefer a vegetarian option, you can omit the chicken and add more vegetables, like bell peppers or zucchini.
FAQs
1. Can I use gluten-free pasta?
Yes, you can use gluten-free pasta if you have dietary restrictions. Just follow the package instructions for cooking times.
2. Is this recipe good for meal prep?
Absolutely! This recipe stores well and reheats nicely, making it great for meal prep.
3. Can I freeze Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta?
While it is best fresh, you can freeze it for up to 2 months. Just keep in mind that the cream sauce may change texture after thawing.
Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 ounces Pasta of your choice (e.g., penne or fettuccine)
Chicken
- 1 pound Chicken breast, boneless and skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces
Butter and Aromatics
- 4 tablespoons Butter (unsalted is recommended)
- 4 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 medium Onion, diced
Sauce Ingredients
- 1 cup Heavy cream (or substitute with coconut milk)
- 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)
Garnish
- Fresh parsley (optional) For garnish
Instructions
Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente (typically 8-10 minutes). Once cooked, reserve 1 cup of pasta water, drain it, and set it aside.
Sauté Chicken
- In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the diced chicken pieces and season with salt and pepper. Cook for about 6-8 minutes until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, stirring occasionally. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Create the Sauce
- In the same skillet, add the remaining butter and sauté the minced garlic and diced onion until translucent (about 3-4 minutes).
Add Cream and Broth
- Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Add the Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes. Let the sauce simmer gently for about 5 minutes until it thickens slightly. If it becomes too thick, use your reserved pasta water to adjust the 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 if needed. Toss everything together and let it cook for another 2 minutes.
Serve
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top and let it melt into the dish. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
