Description
Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta is a rich and creamy dish combining tender chicken breast, buttery garlic sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta tossed in a flavorful blend of Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes. This easy-to-make recipe is ideal for a comforting weeknight dinner with a savory kick and a creamy texture enhanced by Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley garnish.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Protein
- 12 ounces pasta of your choice (e.g., penne or fettuccine)
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
Sauce and Seasoning
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 cup heavy cream (or substitute with coconut milk for a lighter option)
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
- Sauté the Chicken: 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 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Create the Sauce: In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Sauté the minced garlic and diced onion until translucent and aromatic, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add Cream and Broth: 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. If it becomes too thick, loosen the sauce with the reserved pasta water to your desired consistency.
- Combine Pasta and Chicken: Return the cooked chicken and drained pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Season with additional salt and pepper as needed. Toss everything together to coat the pasta and chicken evenly with the creamy sauce. Cook for another 2 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Serve: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta and let it melt. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving. Serve warm and enjoy your Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta.
Notes
- Use unsalted butter to better control the salt level of the dish.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with coconut milk.
- Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce thickness and help bind the sauce to the pasta.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to control the spice level according to your preference.
- Fresh parsley adds a bright, fresh garnish but can be omitted if unavailable.
Keywords: Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta, creamy chicken pasta, garlic butter pasta, easy chicken pasta recipe, Italian seasoning pasta, weeknight dinner recipe