Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta
A creamy and flavorful pasta dish combining tender chicken and a luscious butter-garlic sauce, perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions.
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.
Notes
For best results, let the chicken marinate in spices for a few minutes. Ensure skillet is hot enough to brown chicken properly. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Freeze the sauce separately without pasta for best results.