Why Make This Recipe
Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta is a delightful and comforting dish that brings together tender chicken, creamy sauce, and pasta in one bowl. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights because it’s quick to prepare and filled with rich flavors. Plus, the creamy texture and the warmth of the butter make every bite satisfying. It’s a crowd-pleaser that everyone will love!
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 this creamy pasta dish hot, and consider pairing it with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. It’s great for family dinners or casual get-togethers. Make sure to have extra Parmesan cheese available for guests who want a little more flavor!
How to Store Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can last for up to three days. When ready to eat, reheat in the microwave or on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of milk or pasta water to restore creaminess.
Tips to Make Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta
- Make sure to use low-sodium chicken broth to control the saltiness of your dish.
- Adjust the red pepper flakes based on your spice preference. For a milder taste, you can omit them entirely.
- Fresh garlic and onion will provide better flavor than jarred or powdered versions.
- Always reserve some pasta water, as it can help thin out the sauce if it gets too thick.
Variation
For a healthier twist, you can substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or use whole wheat pasta. You can also add vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for added nutrition and flavor.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just make sure to thaw it completely before cooking for even cooking and safety.
2. What if I don’t have chicken broth?
If you don’t have chicken broth, you can use vegetable broth or even water, though the flavor may not be as rich.
3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Cook the pasta fresh when you are ready to serve for the best texture.
Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
Method
- 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.
- 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.
- In the same skillet, add the remaining butter and sauté the minced garlic and diced onion until translucent (about 3-4 minutes) to infuse the butter with flavor.
- 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.
- 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 to meld the flavors.
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top and let it melt into the dish. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy your Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta warm!