Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta Recipe: Easy, Creamy and Flavorful Recipe
Introduction
This Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta is an easy, creamy, and flavorful dish perfect for weeknight dinners. Tender chicken and pasta are tossed in a rich butter-garlic sauce with a hint of spice, making it a comforting meal everyone will love.
Ingredients
- 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 unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 cup heavy cream (or substitute with coconut milk for a lighter option)
- 1 cup chicken broth (low-sodium preferred)
- 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)
Instructions
- Step 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, usually 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining the pasta and set it aside.
- Step 2: In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 6-8 minutes until golden brown and cooked through, stirring occasionally. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- Step 3: In the same skillet, add the remaining butter and sauté the minced garlic and diced onion until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. This will create a flavorful base for the sauce.
- Step 4: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Stir in the Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes. Let the sauce simmer gently for about 5 minutes until it thickens slightly. Use reserved pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency if it becomes too thick.
- Step 5: Return the cooked chicken and drained pasta to the skillet. Season with additional salt and pepper if needed. Toss everything together to coat the pasta and chicken evenly in the creamy sauce, and cook for another 2 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Step 6: Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Tips & Variations
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or half-and-half.
- Add sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers for extra veggies and texture.
- Use boneless skinless thighs instead of breast for juicier chicken.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level or omit for a milder dish.
- If Parmesan is unavailable, Pecorino Romano or Asiago cheeses are great alternatives.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce if it has thickened. Avoid reheating in the microwave for best texture.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?
Yes, any pasta shape you prefer works well. Penne, fettuccine, or even rotini will hold the sauce nicely.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely! Use coconut milk instead of heavy cream and a dairy-free butter substitute. You can also omit Parmesan or use a plant-based cheese alternative.
PrintCowboy Butter Chicken Pasta Recipe: Easy, Creamy and Flavorful Recipe
Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta is a quick and creamy one-pan dish that combines tender chicken breast with a rich garlic butter sauce, Italian herbs, and parmesan cheese, tossed with your favorite pasta. This easy, flavorful recipe is perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner that delivers hearty satisfaction with a touch of spice from red pepper flakes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 ounces pasta of your choice (e.g., penne or fettuccine)
Chicken
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
Sauce
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 cup heavy cream (or substitute with 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 black pepper, to taste
Garnish
- Fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- 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. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining. Set the pasta aside.
- Sauté Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
- Create the Sauce: In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Sauté minced garlic and diced onion until translucent, approximately 3-4 minutes, allowing the butter to become aromatic.
- Add Cream and Broth: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Stir in Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes. Let the sauce simmer gently for about 5 minutes until it thickens slightly. Adjust the consistency using reserved pasta water if necessary.
- Combine Pasta and Chicken: Return the cooked chicken along with the drained pasta to the skillet. Toss well to coat everything in the creamy sauce. Season with additional salt and pepper if needed. Cook for another 2 minutes to meld the flavors.
Notes
- Use unsalted butter to better control the salt levels in the dish.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk.
- Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency without diluting flavor.
- Adjust red pepper flakes quantity according to your preferred spice level.
- Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and fresh flavor as a garnish.
Keywords: chicken pasta, creamy pasta, cowboy butter chicken, easy dinner, Italian seasoning, garlic butter sauce, weeknight meal
