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Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta

A creamy and flavorful pasta dish that's perfect for busy weeknights, made with tender chicken, garlic, and a rich sauce that clings to each noodle.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 585
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta Ingredients
  • 12 ounces Pasta of your choice (penne, fettuccine, or any preferred shape) Use fresh or store-bought pasta for quicker cook time.
  • 1 pound Chicken breast, boneless and skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces Boneless, skinless thighs can be used for a richer flavor.
  • 4 tablespoons Unsalted butter Recommended for proper flavor control; try using a mix of olive oil and butter for added flavor.
  • 4 cloves Garlic, minced
  • 1 medium Onion, diced Can be omitted if preferred.
  • 1 cup Heavy cream Coconut milk is a lighter, dairy-free alternative.
  • 1 cup Chicken broth Low-sodium preferred.
  • 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon Red pepper flakes, adjust to taste Can be reduced for a milder flavor.
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

Method
 

Preparation
  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. Before draining, reserve 1 cup of pasta water for later. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
  2. In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the diced chicken and season with salt and pepper. Cook for about 6-8 minutes until golden brown and cooked through, stirring occasionally. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, add the remaining butter and sauté minced garlic and diced onion until translucent, around 3-4 minutes.
  4. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Add Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes. Let the sauce simmer gently for about 5 minutes until it thickens slightly; use the reserved pasta water if necessary to adjust the consistency.
  5. Return the cooked chicken and drained pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Adjust seasoning as needed. Toss to coat everything evenly and let it cook for an additional 2 minutes to meld flavors.
  6. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top, allowing it to melt into the dish. Garnish with fresh parsley for added flavor and color. Enjoy your warm Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta!

Notes

This dish is perfect for busy weeknights and can be made ahead by storing the sauce and chicken in the fridge. For freezing, store cooked pasta and sauce in an airtight container.