Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta Recipe
Introduction
This Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta combines tender, seasoned chicken with a rich, garlicky cream sauce tossed with your favorite pasta. It’s a comforting, flavorful dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or casual gathering.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 8 oz fettuccine or penne pasta
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Step 2: In a skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tbsp of butter. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook the chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and let rest.
- Step 3: In the same skillet, add the remaining butter and minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
- Step 4: Pour the heavy cream into the skillet and stir continuously until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Step 5: Slice the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces and return it to the skillet along with the drained pasta. Toss gently to coat everything evenly in the creamy sauce.
- Step 6: Serve hot, garnished with extra Italian seasoning or Parmesan cheese if desired.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, sprinkle some smoked paprika or chili flakes into the sauce for a mild kick.
- Substitute chicken breasts with thighs for juicier meat.
- Use a mix of Parmesan and mozzarella cheese to add a cheesy twist.
- Add fresh spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for additional color and nutrition.
Storage
Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce if it has thickened.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?
Yes, you can use any pasta you prefer such as penne, rotini, or bowtie. Just adjust cooking time according to the package instructions.
Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use gluten-free pasta and ensure your seasonings do not contain gluten to make it safe for a gluten-free diet.
Print
Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta is a comforting and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken breasts cooked in a rich, garlicky cream sauce tossed with perfectly cooked pasta. This recipe combines simple ingredients like butter, garlic, and Italian seasoning to create a luscious sauce that coats each bite of pasta and chicken, making it a perfect weeknight dinner to satisfy the whole family.
Ingredients
Chicken and Pasta
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 8 oz fettuccine or penne pasta
Sauce and Seasoning
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine or penne pasta and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes depending on pasta type. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Place the chicken in the skillet and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes.
- Make the Creamy Sauce: In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter and the minced garlic. Sauté the garlic until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes, being careful not to burn it. Pour in the heavy cream and stir continuously over medium heat until the sauce thickens slightly, about 3-5 minutes.
- Combine Chicken and Pasta: Slice the rested chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Add the drained pasta and sliced chicken back into the skillet with the creamy sauce. Toss everything gently to ensure the pasta and chicken are well coated with the sauce.
- Serve: Serve the creamy cowboy butter chicken pasta hot. Garnish with extra Italian seasoning or freshly grated Parmesan cheese if desired for added flavor.
Notes
- You can swap fettuccine or penne with any preferred pasta shape.
- To make this dish lighter, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, but the sauce will be less thick.
- Ensure not to overcook the chicken to keep it juicy and tender.
- Feel free to add freshly chopped parsley or basil for a fresh touch.
- For extra flavor, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese over the dish before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Chicken pasta, creamy chicken pasta, cowboy butter chicken, Italian seasoning pasta, quick dinner recipe
