why make this recipe

Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta is a delightful dish that combines tender chicken, a rich and creamy sauce, and the heartiness of pasta. This recipe is not just easy to prepare, but it also delivers bold flavors that are sure to please everyone at the table. It’s perfect for a family dinner or a cozy night in with friends. The combination of spices, garlic, and creamy Parmesan sauce makes it a comforting meal that you’ll want to make again and again.

how to make Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta

Ingredients:

500 g (1 lb) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for spice preference)
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley, plus more for garnish
340 g (12 oz) fettuccine or pasta of choice
Juice of half a lemon

Directions:

Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken pieces and cook until they are browned and cooked through, approximately 6-8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
Stir in the heavy cream and let the mixture simmer for another 2-3 minutes.
Gradually add the Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until it has melted and the sauce is smooth.
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to combine with the sauce. Add the lemon juice and chopped parsley, stirring to mix.
In a separate pot, cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and add it to the skillet, tossing to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce and chicken.
Cook for another 2-3 minutes to ensure the pasta is well combined and heated through.
Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan and parsley if desired.

how to serve Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta

Serve Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta warm, directly from the skillet. For an extra special touch, sprinkle more grated Parmesan and freshly chopped parsley on top. This dish pairs well with a light salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

how to store Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best to consume the dish within 3-4 days for optimal freshness. To reheat, simply microwave it in short intervals or warm it on the stove, adding a splash of chicken broth if the sauce has thickened.

tips to make Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta

Make sure not to overcook the chicken; you want it tender and juicy.
Using freshly grated Parmesan cheese instead of pre-grated will enhance the flavor of the sauce.
Feel free to adjust the cayenne pepper to suit your spice preference.
For a bit of crunch, consider adding some sautéed mushrooms or spinach.

variation

For a lighter version, you can substitute the heavy cream with a mixture of Greek yogurt or low-fat cream cheese mixed with a bit of chicken broth. You can also swap out the fettuccine for whole-grain or gluten-free pasta.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can use any pasta you like, such as penne, rigatoni, or even spiral noodles.

2. Is there a way to make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, you can replace the chicken with tofu or your favorite vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms.

3. Can I freeze Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta?
While it’s safe to freeze, the cream sauce may change texture upon reheating. You can freeze the chicken and sauce separately from the pasta for better results.

Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta

Print Recipe

A delightful dish combining tender chicken, rich creamy sauce, and hearty pasta, perfect for family dinners.

Prep Time: 15
Cook Time: 20
Total Time: 35
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Instructions

Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken pieces and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add the butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
Stir in the heavy cream and let the mixture simmer for another 2-3 minutes.
Gradually add the Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until melted and smooth.
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to combine with the sauce. Add lemon juice and chopped parsley, stirring to mix.
In a separate pot, cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and add to the skillet, tossing to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce and chicken.
Cook for another 2-3 minutes to ensure the pasta is well combined and heated through.
Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan and parsley if desired.

Notes

For a lighter option, use Greek yogurt or low-fat cream cheese in place of heavy cream.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 500
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 600mg
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 30g
Cholesterol: 90mg

Keywords: pasta, chicken, creamy sauce, dinner, comfort food