Name: Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
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 Butter (unsalted is recommended); 4 cloves Garlic, minced; 1 medium Onion, diced; 1 cup Heavy cream (or coconut milk for a lighter option); 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)

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Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta is a vibrant and hearty dish that brings a delightful mix of flavors and textures to your table. The creamy sauce, rich with butter and garlic, envelops perfectly cooked chicken and pasta, creating a comforting meal that’s as pleasing to the eyes as it is to the palate. Whether it’s a busy weeknight dinner or a gathering with friends and family, this dish is sure to impress everyone.

The sensory experience of Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta is simply irresistible. Imagine the aroma of garlic sizzling in butter, the creamy sauce clinging to each piece of pasta, and the sprinkle of Parmesan cheese melting into the dish. In this article, you’ll find a comprehensive guide covering ingredients, preparation steps, and tips for serving. Get ready to dive into this exciting culinary adventure!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Fresh Ingredients: Made with wholesome chicken, aromatic garlic, and creamy goodness.
Ease of Preparation: Quick and simple steps make this dish approachable for all cooks.
Nutrition: Packed with protein from chicken and vitamins from fresh ingredients.
Versatility: Can easily adapt to different pasta types and dietary preferences.
Presentation: A vibrant dish that’s as attractive as it is delicious.

This dish is sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation!

Preparation and Cooking Time

Total time: 30 minutes
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Please note that times may vary.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Pasta of your choice (e.g., penne or fettuccine) – 12 ounces
Chicken breast – 1 pound, boneless and skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces
Butter – 4 tablespoons (unsalted is 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)

How To Make Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta Recipe: Easy, Creamy and Flavorful

🔵 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). Once cooked, reserve 1 cup of pasta water, drain it, and set it aside.

🔵 Sauté Chicken
In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the diced chicken pieces and season with salt and pepper. Cook for about 6-8 minutes until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, stirring occasionally. Remove the chicken from the skillet 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). This step infuses the butter with flavor, making your sauce deliciously aromatic.

🔵 Add Cream and Broth
Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Add the Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes. Let the sauce simmer gently for about 5 minutes until it thickens slightly. If it becomes too thick, use your reserved pasta water to adjust the consistency.

🔵 Combine Pasta and Chicken
Return the cooked chicken and drained pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Toss everything together to ensure the chicken and pasta are coated in the creamy sauce, and let it cook for another 2 minutes to meld the flavors.

🔵 Serve
Finally, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top and let it melt into the dish. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving to add a pop of color. Enjoy your Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta warm!

How to Serve

Presentation: Serve in a deep, colorful bowl for an inviting look.
Accompaniments: Pair with a simple salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
Portions: This dish serves about 4, making it great for family dinners.
Beverage Pairing: Enjoy with a glass of white wine or sparkling water.

This dish is sure to impress your guests!

Additional Tips

Enhance flavor by adding herbs like basil or thyme.
Customize with your favorite vegetables such as spinach or sun-dried tomatoes.
Serve with extra Parmesan and a drizzle of olive oil for a gourmet touch.

Recipe Variations

Spicy Version: Add extra red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for heat.
Vegetarian Option: Substitute chicken with roasted vegetables or mushrooms.
Pesto Twist: Mix in a few tablespoons of pesto for an herby flavor boost.

Freezing and Storage

Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing: For best results, freeze in individual portions for up to 2 months. Reheat gently to maintain creaminess.

Special Equipment

Large pot
Skillet
Wooden spoon
Measuring cups and spoons
Colander
Grater

FAQ’s

Can I use frozen chicken instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but thaw it completely before cooking for even cooking.
Is this recipe suitable for gluten-free diets?
Absolutely! You can substitute regular pasta with gluten-free pasta.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce and cook the chicken in advance, then combine with pasta just before serving.
What can I customize in this recipe?
You can vary the protein, adjust spiciness, or add different cheeses based on your taste.
Can I bake this pasta dish?
Yes, after combining, transfer to a baking dish, sprinkle with cheese, and bake until bubbly for a different twist.

Conclusion

Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta is not only easy to prepare but also a flavorful, creamy delight perfect for any occasion. It combines healthy ingredients with a hearty taste that will leave everyone craving more. Try it out for a cozy family meal or an impressive dinner with friends! You’ll find this recipe to be a crowd-pleaser that shines on your dinner table.
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