why make this recipe

Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta is not just another weeknight meal; it’s a complete package of flavors that promises to delight everyone at the table. The creamy sauce, combined with tender chicken and pasta, creates a comforting dish that is quick and easy to prepare. Perfect for a busy evening or a fun family dinner. Plus, it’s a one-pot dish, meaning less time spent cleaning up!

This recipe is a wonderful blend of ingredients that come together seamlessly. Each component adds its own touch of flavor, making this pasta dish something that’s not only satisfying but also exciting to eat. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta will quickly become a favorite in your household.

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. This pasta water will help in adjusting the sauce later if necessary.
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. Once ready, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
Create the Sauce
In the same skillet, add the remaining butter and sauté the minced garlic and diced onion until they become translucent (about 3-4 minutes). This is an important step because it infuses the butter with delicious flavor, making your sauce aromatic and rich.
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 gets too thick, you can use the reserved pasta water to adjust the consistency to your liking.
Combine Pasta and Chicken
Return the cooked chicken and drained pasta to the skillet with the creamy sauce. Adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed and toss everything together to ensure the chicken and pasta are well coated in the creamy sauce. Let it cook for another 2 minutes to meld the flavors beautifully.
Serve
To finish, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top and let it melt into the dish. You can also garnish with fresh parsley before serving to add a dash of color. Enjoy your Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta warm!

how to serve Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta

Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta is best served fresh. Dish out generous portions and allow everyone to sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese if they like. For a more complete meal, consider pairing it with a simple side salad or garlic bread. A glass of white wine like Chardonnay can elevate the experience, making the creamy flavors of the pasta even more delightful.

how to store Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta

If you find yourself with leftovers, Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta stores well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it into an airtight container. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to three days. When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave. If the pasta appears dry during reheating, stir in a little chicken broth or milk to restore its creamy texture.

tips to make Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta

Choosing Pasta: While penne and fettuccine are great choices, feel free to use any pasta shape you prefer. Spiral shapes or even whole wheat pasta can add a nice touch to this dish.
Cook Chicken Right: Ensure that the chicken is cut into small, uniform pieces so that it cooks evenly. Don’t overcrowd the skillet, as it might make the chicken steam instead of sear.
Adjusting Spice Levels: If you like it spicier, you can increase the amount of red pepper flakes. Alternatively, if you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount or skip it altogether.
Stay Creamy: Always reserve some pasta water. The starchy water helps to bind the sauce to the pasta and maintain a creamy consistency.
Herb Options: If you have fresh herbs on hand, consider adding some fresh basil or thyme to enhance the flavor profile of your dish.

variation

You can easily adapt the Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta to suit your taste or dietary needs. Here are some ideas:

Vegetarian Version: Substitute chicken with sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach for a delicious vegetarian twist. You can also include chickpeas for added protein.
Add Veggies: For a more nutritious meal, toss in some veggies like bell peppers, broccoli, or peas while making the sauce.
Make It Lighter: Use coconut milk instead of heavy cream for a lighter alternative. This not only cuts calories but also adds a different flavor profile.
Change the Cheese: Instead of Parmesan, try using feta for a tangy kick or mozzarella for a gooey, stretchy feel.

FAQs

Can I make Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the ingredients ahead of time. However, it’s best to cook and combine them just before serving to ensure the pasta remains fresh and creamy.
What can I use instead of heavy cream?
You can substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or a mixture of half-and-half if you’re looking for a lighter option. Just keep in mind that it may slightly alter the flavor.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Absolutely! The creamy sauce and tender chicken make it appealing to children. If your kids are sensitive to spice, simply omit the red pepper flakes.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, but it’s best not to freeze pasta dishes with creamy sauces, as the texture can change once thawed and reheated. Instead, store in the fridge for short-term use.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
To make Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta gluten-free, simply use gluten-free pasta and ensure that the chicken broth and any other ingredients you use are certified gluten-free.

With its robust flavor and creamy texture, Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta is a fantastic choice for dinner that will impress everyone. Happy cooking!

Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Author: olivia
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: None

Print Recipe

Description

A creamy, comforting pasta dish featuring tender chicken and a rich sauce, perfect for busy evenings or family dinners.

Ingredients

Scale

12 ounces pasta of your choice (e.g., penne or fettuccine)
1 pound boneless, 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)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Cook the pasta according to package instructions in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 6-8 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside.
In the same skillet, melt the remaining butter and add the garlic and onion. Sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Add the Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes, and let the sauce simmer for 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
Return the chicken and drained pasta to the skillet. Toss to coat in the sauce, adding reserved pasta water as needed for consistency. Cook for another 2 minutes.
Sprinkle with grated Parmesan and garnish with fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy warm!

Notes

Serve fresh with extra Parmesan and consider pairing with a simple side salad or garlic bread. This dish stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Cooking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 550
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 700mg
Fat: 30g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Unsaturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 25g
Cholesterol: 90mg

Cozy Creamy Chicken Recipe