A Dish That’ll Make You Swoon
Ever imagine a decadent pasta dish that’s creamy, comforting, and oh-so-delicious? Enter Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta — a one-pan wonder that has everyone raving. This dish is the ultimate combo of tender chicken, rich butter sauce, and pasta that mingles perfectly — perfect for busy weeknights when you want dinner to impress without the fuss!
Why Make This Recipe
You’ll fall head over heels for this creation, and here’s why:
- Easy Cleanup: Who doesn’t love a meal that only dirties one pan? Convenient cooking without the aftermath drama? Sign me up!
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will gobble it up — yes, even the picky eaters (you know who you are 😉).
- Quick and Easy: When time is tight, this recipe fits like a glove. In about 30 minutes, dinner is served, leaving you with more time for Netflix!
Ingredients
You don’t need fancy stuff — just these basics!
- 12 ounces Pasta of your choice (e.g., penne or fettuccine)
- 1 pound Chicken breast, boneless and skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 4 tablespoons Butter (unsalted recommended)
- 4 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 medium Onion, diced
- 1 cup Heavy cream (or substitute with coconut milk)
- 1 cup Chicken broth (low-sodium preferred)
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon Red pepper flakes (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 until al dente (about 8-10 minutes). Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, drain, and set aside.
- Sauté Chicken: In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the diced chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook for about 6-8 minutes until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
- Create the Sauce: Using the same skillet, add the remaining butter and sauté the minced garlic and diced onion until translucent (about 3-4 minutes).
- Add Cream and Broth: Stir in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Toss in the Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes. Let the sauce simmer for about 5 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Combine Pasta and Chicken: Return the cooked chicken and drained pasta to the skillet, adjust seasoning, and toss everything to coat. Let it cook for an extra 2 minutes to meld flavors.
- Serve: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top and garnish with fresh parsley. Enjoy warm!
How to Make Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta (Overview)
Making this dish is practically a walk in the park!
- Start by boiling your pasta until it’s just right; nobody wants mushy noodles, right?
- Next, give your chicken a cozy bath of butter in a skillet until it’s golden and tempting.
- Then, bring those flavors together in a dreamy creamy sauce with garlic and onion — your kitchen will smell heavenly!
- Toss it all together and let them mingle for a bit.
- Top it off with Parmesan and parsley for that finishing touch.
Pro Tip: Don’t skip toasting the garlic — it makes all the difference! Your taste buds will thank you later.
How to Serve Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta
Plate it up and take a moment to appreciate the beautiful creamy sauce glistening on the pasta! This dish looks like a dream with its golden hues and flecks of green from the parsley.
- Pair it with a side salad for some crunch — think of vibrant greens and a tangy dressing that contrast the creaminess.
- Garlic bread on the side adds the perfect texture and aroma. Your dinner table will truly shine! 🌟
How to Store Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta
This luscious pasta keeps well in the fridge for about 3-4 days. Just store it in an airtight container.
Want to make it ahead of time? Go for it! You can even freeze it for up to 3 months, but keep in mind that the texture may change a bit upon reheating. To reheat, simply warm it on low heat in a skillet with a splash of chicken broth for creaminess.
Tips to Make Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta
- Timing: Keep an eye on your pasta! Cooking it al dente means it will soak up the sauce better.
- Substitutions: Coconut milk can amp up the creaminess without the dairy — give it a whirl!
- Texture Tip: If you like a little smoke, a pinch of smoked paprika can work wonders for added depth.
Variation
Feeling adventurous? Here are a few ideas to switch things up:
- Add veggies: Toss in spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms for a veggie boost.
- Make it spicy: Increase the red pepper flakes or add a splash of hot sauce for a kick.
- Go plant-based: Swap chicken with chickpeas or firm tofu, and replace the cream with cashew cream for a vegan option.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken?
Absolutely! Just make sure to cook it thoroughly before proceeding with the recipe.
Can I make this pasta ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the dish and store it in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can reheat it simply on the stove.
What can I use instead of heavy cream?
You can substitute with coconut milk or any plant-based cream for a lighter version.
📌 Pin this recipe for your next cozy dinner night!
Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
Method
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil.
- Add the pasta and cook until al dente (about 8-10 minutes).
- Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, drain, and set aside.
- In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
- Add the diced chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook for about 6-8 minutes until golden brown.
- Remove the chicken and set aside.
- Using the same skillet, add the remaining butter and sauté the minced garlic and diced onion until translucent (about 3-4 minutes).
- Stir in the heavy cream and chicken broth, followed by the Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes.
- Let the sauce simmer for about 5 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Return the cooked chicken and drained pasta to the skillet, adjust seasoning, and toss everything to coat.
- Let it cook for an extra 2 minutes to meld flavors.
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top and garnish with fresh parsley. Enjoy warm!
