Name: Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 12 ounces pasta (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); 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)

Jump to Recipe

Cowboy butter chicken pasta is a creamy, indulgent dish that merges Italian and cowboy cuisine in a delightful way. I stumbled across this recipe during a busy week when I craved comfort food without spending hours in the kitchen. It brought back memories of family dinners and casual get-togethers, proving to be a perfect blend of rich flavors and straightforward preparation. If you’re looking for an easy weeknight meal that will leave everyone at the table satisfied, this Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta is a go-to that doesn’t disappoint.

Why You’ll Love Making It

This recipe stands out for several reasons. First, it’s a quick dish to prepare, making it ideal for those hectic weeknights when you need something comforting without a lengthy cooking process. With just about 30 minutes from start to finish, you can have a delicious dinner on the table—even on the busiest of days.

Additionally, its creamy texture and rich flavor profile appeal to both kids and adults alike, making it a perfect family dinner choice. Plus, the combination of butter, garlic, and Parmesan creates a savory sauce that’s truly irresistible.

“I made this for my family, and they couldn’t get enough! So creamy, and the flavors meld perfectly. Definitely a new favorite!” – Satisfied Home Cook

Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking It

Get ready to whip up a creamy and flavor-packed pasta dish with ease! This cowboy butter chicken pasta is made in simple steps. You’ll start by cooking your pasta, sautéing the chicken, creating a rich sauce, and then bringing it all together. It’s a straightforward process that yields a mouthwatering dish that will impress anyone!

What You’ll Need

To make this delicious Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta, you’ll need the following ingredients:

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Pasta: 12 ounces of your choice (penne or fettuccine works well)
Chicken Breast: 1 pound, boneless and skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces
Butter: 4 tablespoons (unsalted 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)

Feel free to swap out chicken for shrimp or add some vegetables to amp up the nutrition!

Step-by-Step 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). Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining and set aside.
Sauté Chicken: In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Season the diced chicken with salt and pepper, cooking for about 6-8 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Create the Sauce: In the same skillet, add the remaining butter, then sauté the minced garlic and diced onion until translucent (about 3-4 minutes) for an aromatic base.
Add Cream and Broth: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, mixing well. Add the Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes. Simmer for about 5 minutes until the sauce thickens. Use the reserved pasta water if it becomes too thick.
Combine Pasta and Chicken: Return the cooked chicken and drained pasta to the skillet. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, mixing thoroughly to coat.
Serve: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top and let it melt into the dish. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Enjoy your cowboy butter chicken pasta warm!

Best Way to Serve

This dish shines on its own, but pairing it with a fresh green salad or garlic bread elevates the experience. Consider serving it alongside steamed vegetables or a crisp Caesar salad to balance the richness of the pasta. For a cozy dinner, a glass of white wine complements the flavors beautifully.

Storage Tips

Proper storage is crucial to maintaining the dish’s flavor and texture. You can keep leftover cowboy butter chicken pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you’re looking to save it for later, consider freezing it for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm it on the stovetop, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore its creamy consistency.

Pro Chef Tips

Cook the Chicken in Batches: If your skillet is on the smaller side, cook the chicken in batches to avoid steaming and achieve a better golden-brown color.
Enhance the Flavor: Try adding a splash of white wine to the sauce after sautéing the garlic and onion for an extra layer of flavor.
Keep It Light: Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or coconut milk to lighten the dish without losing its creamy texture.

Creative Twists

Add Veggies: Incorporate sautéed spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for added nutrition and flavor.
Different Proteins: Swap the chicken for shrimp or a plant-based protein for a different taste.
Herbal Burst: Experiment with fresh herbs like basil or thyme to bring a fresh taste to the dish.

Your Questions Answered

What is the prep time for this recipe?

The preparation for cowboy butter chicken pasta takes about 10 minutes, with a cooking time of around 20 minutes, making it a quick meal option.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the sauce and cook the pasta ahead of time. Just combine them when you’re ready to serve.

Could I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! Feel free to use any pasta you love, whether it’s spaghetti, rigatoni, or gluten-free options.

Now, you’re all set to dive into making this Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta! Enjoy every creamy, savory bite!