Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta Recipe
Introduction
This Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta is a rich and comforting dish that combines tender chicken breasts with a creamy garlic sauce and your choice of pasta. It’s perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner that feels indulgent yet comes together quickly.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 8 oz fettuccine or penne pasta
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Step 2: In a skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook the chicken for 6 to 7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and let rest.
- Step 3: In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of butter and the minced garlic. Sauté until the garlic is fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour in the heavy cream and stir continuously until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Step 4: Slice the rested chicken into bite-sized pieces. Return the chicken and drained pasta to the skillet with the creamy sauce. Toss gently to coat everything evenly.
- Step 5: Serve the pasta hot, garnished with extra Italian seasoning or Parmesan cheese if desired.
Tips & Variations
- For added flavor, sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes into the sauce for a subtle kick.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese to enhance the creaminess of the dish.
- Swap heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce, but expect it to be less rich.
- Try adding sautéed mushrooms or spinach for extra texture and nutrition.
Storage
Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce if it has thickened.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but be sure to thaw them completely before cooking to ensure even cooking and a tender result.
What pasta works best with this creamy sauce?
Both fettuccine and penne are great choices as they hold the sauce well, but feel free to use any medium-width pasta you prefer.
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Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta is a creamy, flavorful dish combining tender boneless chicken breasts with fettuccine or penne pasta tossed in a rich butter and garlic cream sauce seasoned with Italian herbs. This hearty meal is perfect for quick weeknight dinners and offers comfort with the perfect balance of savory flavors.
Ingredients
Chicken and Pasta
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 8 oz fettuccine or penne pasta
Sauce and Seasoning
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Drain well and set aside.
- Cook the Chicken: In a skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Season the chicken breasts on both sides with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Place the chicken in the skillet and cook for 6 to 7 minutes on each side until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest.
- Make the Cream Sauce: In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter and the minced garlic. Sauté the garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour in the heavy cream and stir the mixture, allowing it to thicken slightly over medium-low heat.
- Combine Ingredients: Slice the rested chicken into bite-sized pieces. Add the chicken and the drained pasta to the skillet with the creamy sauce. Gently toss everything together until the pasta and chicken are well coated with the sauce.
- Serve: Serve the Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta hot, garnished with extra Italian seasoning or grated Parmesan cheese if desired for added flavor.
Notes
- You can substitute fettuccine with penne or any other pasta of choice.
- For extra flavor, sprinkle grated Parmesan or fresh parsley before serving.
- Make sure not to overcook the chicken to keep it juicy.
- If you want a lighter version, consider using half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- This recipe can be doubled easily for larger servings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Chicken pasta, creamy chicken pasta, cowboy butter chicken, quick dinner, fettuccine pasta recipe, easy chicken recipe
