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Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta Recipe

4.8 from 58 reviews

This Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta is a quick and easy recipe featuring tender chicken pieces sautéed in butter and combined with a creamy, flavorful sauce made from garlic, onion, heavy cream, chicken broth, and Italian seasonings. Tossed with your choice of pasta and topped with Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley, this comforting dish delivers a rich and satisfying meal perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 12 ounces pasta of your choice (e.g., penne or fettuccine)

Chicken

  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces

Sauce

  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
  • 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

  1. 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 the pasta and set both aside.
  2. Sauté Chicken: In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the diced chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 6-8 minutes until golden brown and cooked through, stirring occasionally. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  3. Create the Sauce: In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Sauté the minced garlic and diced onion until translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
  4. Add Cream and Broth: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, then stir to combine. Add Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes. Simmer gently for about 5 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens. If too thick, adjust consistency with reserved pasta water.
  5. 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 to coat everything evenly in the creamy sauce, and cook for another 2 minutes to meld the flavors.
  6. Serve: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top and let it melt into the dish. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve warm and enjoy your Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta!

Notes

  • Use unsalted butter to better control the salt levels in the dish.
  • Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency as needed.
  • For a lighter alternative, substitute heavy cream with coconut milk.
  • Adjust red pepper flakes to control the heat level to your preference.
  • Fresh parsley adds color and a fresh herbal note but is optional.

Keywords: Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta, creamy chicken pasta, easy chicken pasta recipe, buttery chicken pasta, quick dinner recipes, stovetop pasta dishes