Description
A delightful and creamy pasta dish that combines perfectly cooked chicken with a rich butter sauce, ideal for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 ounces pasta of your choice (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 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 pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (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 (about 8-10 minutes). Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain 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, then add to the skillet. Cook for about 6-8 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
- Create the Sauce: In 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: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Add the Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes, letting the sauce simmer for about 5 minutes until it thickens slightly. If too thick, use reserved pasta water to adjust.
- Combine Pasta and Chicken: Return the cooked chicken and drained pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss together until well coated, cooking for an additional 2 minutes to meld flavors.
- Serve: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top and let it melt into the dish. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
For a healthier twist, substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or half-and-half. Add vegetables like spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for extra nutrition.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: cowboy butter, chicken pasta, creamy pasta, easy dinner, weeknight meal