Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta

Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta is a delightful dish that blends creamy flavors with a kick of spice, making it an instant favorite in many households. With its rich, buttery sauce and tender chicken tossed in linguine, this pasta dish is perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a weekend family gathering. I first stumbled upon this recipe during a busy week when I needed something hearty yet quick. The combination of garlic, spices, and Parmesan transforms simple ingredients into a comforting meal that everyone loves.

What Makes This Recipe Special

If you’re on the lookout for a sensational, easy-to-make dish that the whole family will enjoy, look no further. Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta checks all the boxes: it’s quick to prepare, budget-friendly, and absolutely bursting with flavor. This recipe is perfect for those busy weeknights when you still want to serve something that feels special.

“This is the best pasta dish I’ve tried! It’s creamy, flavorful, and comes together in no time!” – A satisfied home cook.

Your Easy Cooking Guide

Making Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta is a breeze! You can expect a straightforward approach that leads to a satisfying meal. From cooking your linguine to sautéing chicken in a buttery garlic sauce, each step is simple yet rewarding. In just a matter of minutes, you’ll find yourself savoring a plate of creamy pasta goodness.

Everything You Need for This Recipe

Before diving into the cooking process, gather these essential ingredients:

• 8 ounces linguine
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon chili flakes
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 pound chicken breast, diced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Feel free to swap linguine for another pasta type or use olive oil instead of butter for a lighter option.

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Cook the linguine according to package instructions. Drain it and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic, chili flakes, and smoked paprika; cook until fragrant.
3. Add diced chicken to the skillet, seasoning it with salt and pepper. Cook until the chicken is browned and no longer pink in the center.
4. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring well to combine. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
5. Stir in the cooked linguine and grated Parmesan cheese, mixing until the pasta is well coated in the creamy sauce.
6. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley.

Best Way to Serve

To elevate your dining experience, consider pairing cowboy butter chicken pasta with a crisp side salad or some garlic bread. The freshness of a mixed green salad balances the richness of the creamy pasta, while garlic bread provides that delightful crunch. For a special touch, you can sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese on top before serving.

Storage Tips

If you find yourself with leftovers (though that can be a rarity!), the best way to store Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta is to refrigerate it in an airtight container. It’s safe to keep it for up to three days. For reheating, simply warm it on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or milk if the sauce has thickened too much. You can freeze this dish for up to a month, but take care to ensure it’s in a freezer-safe container to prevent freezer burn.

Pro Chef Tips

To make your cowboy butter chicken pasta even more incredible, try these expert tips:

• For added depth of flavor, let the garlic simmer longer until it becomes golden but not burned.
• If you prefer a spicier kick, increase the chili flakes or add diced jalapeños.
• Experiment with fresh herbs like basil or thyme for an aromatic touch.

Creative Twists

Don’t hesitate to put your spin on this recipe! You can add sautéed vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for extra nutrition. For a sumptuous seafood version, why not swap out the chicken for shrimp? If you’re looking for a lighter alternative, replace the heavy cream with a blend of Greek yogurt and chicken broth.

Questions & Answers

What is the prep time for this dish?

This Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta usually takes about 10 minutes of prep time and around 20 minutes to cook, making it a quick meal option.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the components separately and store them in the fridge. Combine them just before serving for a fresh taste.

Are there any substitutions I can make for dietary restrictions?

Yes! For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free pasta. For a dairy-free version, try coconut milk instead of heavy cream and nutritional yeast for the Parmesan.

Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta is a delightful dish that embodies comfort and satisfaction. With these tips and variations, you’re well on your way to creating a meal that will impress everyone at your table!

Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta

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• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

A delightful dish that blends creamy flavors with a kick of spice, making it an instant favorite. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or weekend family gathering.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 8 ounces linguine
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon chili flakes
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 pound chicken breast, diced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

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Instructions

1. Cook the linguine according to package instructions. Drain it and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic, chili flakes, and smoked paprika; cook until fragrant.
3. Add diced chicken to the skillet, seasoning it with salt and pepper. Cook until the chicken is browned and no longer pink in the center.
4. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring well to combine. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
5. Stir in the cooked linguine and grated Parmesan cheese, mixing until the pasta is well coated in the creamy sauce.
6. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley.

Notes

Pair with a crisp side salad or garlic bread. Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 44g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 80mg

Keywords: pasta, cowboy butter, chicken, creamy, easy dinner