Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta Recipe
Introduction
This Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta combines tender chicken breasts with a rich, garlicky butter sauce tossed with perfectly cooked pasta. It’s a comforting and flavorful dish that’s simple enough for weeknights but impressive enough for guests.
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 tablespoons 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 fully cooked. Remove from the skillet and let rest.
- Step 3: In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of butter and minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
- Step 4: Pour in the heavy cream and stir continuously until the sauce thickens, about 3-4 minutes.
- Step 5: Slice the rested chicken into bite-sized pieces. Return the chicken and drained pasta to the skillet and gently toss everything in the creamy sauce until well coated.
- Step 6: Serve hot, optionally garnished with extra Italian seasoning or grated Parmesan cheese.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika or red pepper flakes to the chicken seasoning.
- Substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce, but expect a slightly thinner consistency.
- Spinach or sun-dried tomatoes can be stirred into the sauce for added color and nutrition.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce if it thickens too much.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?
Yes, but make sure to fully thaw the chicken before cooking to ensure even cooking and proper browning.
What pasta works best with this creamy sauce?
Fettuccine or penne are ideal as they hold the sauce well, but you can also use other types like rigatoni or linguine depending on your preference.
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Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta is a rich and indulgent dish featuring tender, seasoned chicken breasts cooked to perfection and tossed with al dente pasta in a luscious garlic-infused butter cream sauce. The Italian seasoning adds a fragrant herbaceous note, making it a comforting and satisfying meal perfect for dinner.
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 pasta and cook it until al dente, about 8-10 minutes depending on the pasta type. Drain the pasta thoroughly and set aside.
- Cook the chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Place the chicken in the skillet and cook for 6-7 minutes per side until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F. Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes.
- Prepare the 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, taking care not to burn it. Pour in the heavy cream and stir continuously until the sauce thickens slightly, about 3-4 minutes.
- Combine chicken and pasta: Slice the rested chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Return the chicken and the drained pasta to the skillet with the creamy sauce. Toss gently to coat everything evenly in the sauce.
- Serve: Plate the creamy chicken pasta immediately while hot. Optionally, garnish with extra Italian seasoning or freshly grated Parmesan cheese to elevate the flavor.
Notes
- Use fresh garlic for the most vibrant flavor; garlic powder can be substituted in a pinch.
- For a lighter option, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, but the sauce will be less rich.
- Parmesan cheese makes an excellent garnish, adding a savory depth to the dish.
- Ensure not to overcook the pasta; drain when it is firm to the bite to avoid mushiness.
- Resting the chicken after cooking helps keep it juicy and tender.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Creamy chicken pasta, garlic butter chicken, Italian seasoning pasta, creamy pasta recipe, easy chicken dinner
