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Delicious Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta topped with herbs and spices

Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta

A delightful dish that combines creamy flavors and hearty ingredients, perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian
Calories: 600

Ingredients
  

Pasta
  • 12 ounces Pasta of your choice (e.g., penne or fettuccine) Use your favorite type of pasta.
Chicken
  • 1 pound Chicken breast, boneless and skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces
Sauce Ingredients
  • 4 tablespoons Butter (unsalted recommended)
  • 4 cloves Garlic, minced
  • 1 medium Onion, diced
  • 1 cup Heavy cream (or coconut milk for a lighter option) Substitute with coconut milk for a dairy-free option.
  • 1 cup Chicken broth (low-sodium preferred)
  • 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated May substitute with mozzarella or asiago.
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon Red pepper flakes Adjust to taste for heat.
  • to taste Salt and pepper
  • for garnish Fresh parsley Optional, for garnish.

Method
 

Cooking the Pasta
  1. 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.
Sautéing the Chicken
  1. 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.
Creating the Sauce
  1. In the same skillet, add the remaining butter and sauté the minced garlic and diced onion until translucent (about 3-4 minutes).
  2. 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. Adjust the consistency with reserved pasta water, as needed.
Combining Ingredients
  1. 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.
Serving the Dish
  1. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top and allow it to melt into the dish. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy your Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta warm!

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream if it seems dry. Customize by adding vegetables or using different proteins.