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Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta

A comforting and creamy pasta dish with tender chicken, sautéed garlic, and rich flavors, perfect for weeknights.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 600

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 12 ounces Pasta of your choice (e.g., penne or fettuccine)
  • 1 pound Chicken breast, boneless and skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 4 tablespoons Butter (unsalted recommended) For better flavor control
  • 4 cloves Garlic, minced
  • 1 medium Onion, diced
  • 1 cup Heavy cream Or substitute with coconut milk for a lighter option
  • 1 cup Chicken broth Low-sodium preferred
  • 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon Red pepper flakes Adjust to taste
  • to taste Salt and pepper
  • Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

Method
 

Cooking the Pasta
  1. 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.
Sautéing Chicken
  1. 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, stirring occasionally. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Creating the Sauce
  1. In the same skillet, add the remaining butter and sauté the minced garlic and diced onion until translucent (about 3-4 minutes).
Adding Cream and Broth
  1. 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.
Combining Pasta and Chicken
  1. Return the cooked chicken and drained pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Toss everything together and let it cook for another 2 minutes.
Serving
  1. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top and let it melt into the dish. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy your Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta warm!

Notes

Serve this dish with a side salad or steamed veggies for a complete meal. A warm garlic bread pairs beautifully. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth to restore creaminess.