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Creamy chicken pasta dish served in a bowl with herbs and parmesan cheese

Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta

A creamy and savory pasta dish that brings the flavors of the Wild West to your dinner table, combining chicken, garlic, and butter in a delightful sauce.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 600

Ingredients
  

Pasta and Chicken
  • 12 ounces Pasta of your choice (e.g., penne or fettuccine) Cook according to package instructions.
  • 1 pound Chicken breast, boneless and skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces Ensure pieces are uniform for even cooking.
Sauce Ingredients
  • 4 tablespoons Butter Unsalted is recommended for better flavor control.
  • 4 cloves Garlic, minced
  • 1 medium Onion, diced
  • 1 cup Heavy cream or coconut milk 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
  • for garnish Fresh parsley Optional.

Method
 

Cook 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.
Sauté 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.
Create 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).
Add 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. If it becomes too thick, use your reserved pasta water to adjust the consistency.
Combine 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 to ensure the chicken and pasta are coated in the creamy sauce, and let it cook for another 2 minutes to meld the flavors.
Serve
  1. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top and let it melt into the dish. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

If storing leftovers, keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of chicken broth or water to maintain creaminess. Optional variations include using shrimp or vegetables instead of chicken.