Name: Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 12 ounces pasta of your choice (e.g., penne or fettuccine); 1 pound boneless and skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces; 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 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning; 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste); Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Delicious Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta served in a bowl

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Why Make This Recipe

Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta offers a delightful mix of creamy flavor and comforting ingredients. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend meal. This recipe combines tender chicken, pasta, and a rich butter-based sauce that brings everyone to the table. It’s an easy recipe that requires minimal prep and delivers big taste. Plus, it can be on your dinner table in under 30 minutes!

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 tasty dish right from the skillet for a warm and inviting presentation. Pair it with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. If you want to add extra flavor, consider a drizzle of olive oil or a sprinkle of more Parmesan cheese on top.

How to Store Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or on the stove. You may need to add a splash of cream or broth to refresh the sauce.

Tips to Make Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta

Make sure not to overcook the pasta; it should be al dente so it holds up well in the sauce.
For added flavor, marinate the chicken pieces in Italian seasoning and a bit of lemon juice for an hour before cooking.
Adjust the heat by increasing or decreasing the red pepper flakes to meet your taste preference.

Variations (if any)

Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for extra nutrition and flavor. You can also swap out the chicken for shrimp or even a plant-based protein for a different spin on the dish.

FAQs

Can I use different types of pasta?
Yes, you can use any pasta shape you prefer, like penne, fettuccine, or even gluten-free options.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While it’s best when fresh, you can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time and mix it with freshly cooked pasta when you’re ready to serve.

Is Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta spicy?
The level of spiciness depends on how much red pepper flakes you add. Feel free to adjust the amount to fit your taste!