Why Make This Recipe

Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta is a fantastic dish that’s both easy to make and delicious. It combines tender chicken with creamy sauce and pasta, creating a filling meal that’s sure to please everyone at the dinner table. The ingredients are simple, and you likely have most of them at home. This recipe is perfect when you want something hearty yet quick to prepare.

How to Make Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta

Ingredients:

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)

Directions:

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. Remove the chicken and set it 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 will make 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. Use your reserved pasta water to adjust the consistency if needed.
Combine Pasta and Chicken: Add 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 coat the chicken and pasta in the creamy sauce, and let it cook for another 2 minutes to blend the flavors.
Serve: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top and let it melt into the dish. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving for a nice finishing touch. Enjoy your Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta warm!

How to Serve Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta

Serve Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta hot, straight from the skillet. You can add extra Parmesan cheese on top if you like. It pairs well with a side salad or some garlic bread for a complete meal.

How to Store Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta

To store leftover Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta, let it cool completely before transferring it into airtight containers. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage. Just make sure to thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Tips to Make Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta

Make Ahead: You can prepare the chicken and sauce in advance and just cook the pasta when you’re ready to eat.
Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Make sure to cook the pasta al dente so it holds its shape and doesn’t get mushy in the sauce.
Adjust Spice Levels: If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of red pepper flakes or leave them out entirely.

Variation

You can add more vegetables to this dish to make it even heartier. Consider adding spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms. For a twist, try using different types of pasta like whole wheat or gluten-free options.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?
Yes, chicken thighs work well for this recipe and can add even more flavor.

What can I use instead of heavy cream?
You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or coconut milk for a lighter option.

How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make it vegetarian, use vegetable broth, replace chicken with sautéed mushrooms or tofu, and keep the recipe the same otherwise.

Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta