Why Make This Recipe
Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta is an easy and delightful dish that packs a punch of flavor. It’s creamy, rich, and perfect for a weeknight dinner. This recipe allows you to have a satisfying meal on the table in less than 30 minutes—great for busy families or anyone who wants a quick yet delicious meal. With tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a buttery, garlicky sauce, it’s sure to be a hit with everyone at the table!
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, directly from the skillet or plated into bowls. Pair it with a side salad or some garlic bread for a complete meal. It’s perfect for a family dinner or even impressing guests!
How to Store Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta
To store leftovers, let the pasta cool completely. Transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh for 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce if it thickens.
Tips to Make Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta
- Use unsalted butter to better control the saltiness of your dish.
- Feel free to add vegetables like spinach, peas, or bell peppers for extra nutrition and color.
- Adjust the spice level by adding more or less red pepper flakes according to your taste.
Variation
For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with coconut milk. You can also use zoodles or whole-grain pasta for a healthier twist.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just ensure it’s fully thawed before cutting and cooking it.
2. What can I substitute for heavy cream?
Coconut milk works well as a lighter substitute for heavy cream if you’re looking for a dairy-free option.
3. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce and cook the chicken ahead of time. Just combine them with freshly cooked pasta when you’re ready to serve.
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). This step infuses the butter with flavor, making your sauce deliciously aromatic.
- 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 to ensure the chicken and pasta are coated in the creamy sauce, 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 to add a pop of color. Enjoy your Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta warm!