Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta
Looking to spice up your dinner routine with a dish that’s both comforting and rich in flavor? Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta is the answer! This creamy pasta dish combines tender chicken with a luscious butter-garlic sauce, making it a satisfying choice for busy weeknights or a special occasion alike. Picture slurping fettuccine drenched in a velvety sauce that’s bursting with flavor—it’s hard to resist!
Why you’ll love this dish
Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta isn’t just another pasta recipe; it’s a flavor festival in a bowl! This dish is incredibly quick to prepare, making it an ideal choice for a busy weekday dinner when you still want something gourmet. It’s budget-friendly too, using simple ingredients you likely have on hand, and it’s a guaranteed hit with kids and adults alike. Plus, the smoky and buttery flavor profile will have your family asking for seconds.
"I made this for dinner, and my kids couldn’t get enough! It’s creamy, spicy, and oh-so-delicious. A new family favorite!” – Happy Home Cook
Preparing Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta
Let’s break down how to create this delightful dish. You’ll first start by seasoning and cooking the chicken, then whip up a creamy sauce that coats the pasta perfectly. Don’t worry; it sounds more complicated than it is. In no time, you’ll have a comforting dinner ready to impress.
What you’ll need
To create this mouthwatering Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta, gather the following ingredients:
- 500 g (1 lb) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for spice preference)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley, plus more for garnish
- 340 g (12 oz) fettuccine or pasta of choice
- Juice of half a lemon
Feel free to swap the chicken with shrimp or use whole grain pasta for a healthier twist.
Step-by-step instructions
- Start by seasoning the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper. Make sure every piece is coated well for maximum flavor.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken pieces and cook until they are browned and cooked through, approximately 6-8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the butter. Once it melts, add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Pour in the chicken broth, bring it to a simmer, and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. This is where flavor magic happens!
- Stir in the heavy cream and let the mixture simmer for another 2-3 minutes to thicken slightly.
- Gradually add the Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until it’s melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to combine with the sauce. Then, add the lemon juice and chopped parsley, stirring to mix everything beautifully.
- In a separate pot, cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Once drained, add it to the skillet, and toss to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce and chicken.
- Cook for another 2-3 minutes to ensure the pasta is well combined and heated through.
- Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan and parsley if desired.
Best ways to enjoy it
When it comes to serving Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta, creativity can go a long way! Plate it in shallow bowls, topping each serving with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and an extra handful of grated Parmesan for that gourmet touch. Pair it with a simple green salad drizzled with vinaigrette to cut through the richness, or crusty garlic bread for those who can’t resist!
Keeping leftovers fresh
Storing leftovers is straightforward. Allow the pasta to cool completely and then transfer it into an airtight container. Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta can be kept in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to freeze it, make sure to do so without the pasta for best results; the sauce can be stored for about a month. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of cream to rehydrate if it thickens.
Extra advice
For a fantastic result, don’t skip the seasoning on the chicken! Letting the chicken marinate in the spices for even a few minutes can elevate its flavor significantly. Also, make sure your skillet is hot enough to properly brown the chicken. Lastly, always grate your Parmesan cheese fresh from the block for a creamier sauce—packaged grated cheese doesn’t melt in the same way.
Creative twists
Feeling adventurous? Switch up the protein with shrimp or a mix of vegetables for a delightful vegetarian twist! You can also try blending in spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for added flavor and nutrition. Feeling like something extra special? Top it off with crispy bacon bits or even a dash of hot sauce for that extra kick.
Common questions
-
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
For a lighter version, you can use half-and-half or whole milk, though the sauce will be less rich. -
How long does it take to prepare?
From start to finish, this dish usually takes about 30-40 minutes. -
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! Any pasta you love will work, whether it’s penne, rigatoni, or even gluten-free pasta.
Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta is the perfect way to impress your family and friends while keeping your meal prep simple and manageable. Enjoy this delightful dish and watch it become a staple in your weekly rotation!
Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 500 g boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces Use shrimp or a mix of vegetables for variations.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 340 g fettuccine or pasta of choice Any pasta you love will work.
Seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper Adjust for spice preference.
Sauce Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream Can substitute with half-and-half or whole milk.
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese Grate fresh from the block for a creamier sauce.
- 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley, plus more for garnish
- Juice of half a lemon
Instructions
Preparation
- Start by seasoning the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper, ensuring every piece is coated well.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken pieces and cook until browned and cooked through, approximately 6-8 minutes. Remove and set aside.
Sauce Preparation
- In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add the butter. Once it melts, add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Pour in chicken broth, bring to a simmer, and scrape up any browned bits from the skillet.
- Stir in heavy cream and let simmer for another 2-3 minutes to thicken.
- Gradually add Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until melted and the sauce is smooth.
Combining Ingredients
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to combine with the sauce. Add lemon juice and chopped parsley.
- In a separate pot, cook the pasta according to package instructions. Once drained, add it to the skillet and toss to coat evenly.
- Cook for another 2-3 minutes to ensure the pasta is well combined and heated through.
Serving
- Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan and parsley if desired.
