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Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta

Rich, creamy, and bursting with vibrant flavors, Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta combines tender chicken with a luscious sauce and perfectly cooked pasta, making it an indulgent yet straightforward meal for any occasion.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine American, Italian
Servings 4 servings
Calories 610 kcal

Ingredients
  

Pasta and Chicken

  • 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 recommended)

Sauce Components

  • 4 cloves Garlic, minced
  • 1 medium Onion, diced
  • 1 cup Heavy cream (or substitute with coconut milk)
  • 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)

Instructions
 

Cooking 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.

Sautéing the 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.

Creating the Sauce

  • In the same skillet, add the remaining butter and sauté the minced garlic and diced onion until translucent (about 3-4 minutes).
  • 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.

Combining 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.

Serving the Dish

  • 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!

Notes

Leftover Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream if needed.
Keyword Chicken Pasta, Comfort Food, Cowboy Butter, Creamy Pasta, Easy Recipe