Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta Recipe
Introduction
Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken breasts with a rich, garlicky cream sauce. This recipe is perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner that’s easy to make and sure to please the whole family.
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 tbsp of butter. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook the chicken for 6-7 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 butter and minced garlic; sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour in the heavy cream and stir until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Step 4: Slice the chicken into bite-sized pieces and return it to the skillet along with the drained pasta. Toss gently in the creamy sauce until everything is well coated.
- Step 5: Serve hot, garnished with extra Italian seasoning or Parmesan cheese if desired.
Tips & Variations
- Use chicken thighs for a juicier, more flavorful option.
- Swap Italian seasoning for Cajun spices to add a bit of heat and a smoky twist.
- Add sautéed mushrooms or spinach for extra vegetables and texture.
- Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce, but reduce cooking time to avoid curdling.
Storage
Store leftover pasta and chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce if needed. Avoid reheating in the microwave for best texture and flavor.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?
Yes, feel free to use your favorite pasta shape such as penne, rigatoni, or even spaghetti. Just adjust the cooking time according to the pasta package instructions.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
You can substitute the butter with olive oil and use coconut cream or a dairy-free cream alternative to keep the sauce creamy without dairy. Keep in mind the flavor will be slightly different.
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Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This creamy cowboy butter chicken pasta combines tender, seasoned chicken breasts with a rich and velvety garlic butter cream sauce. Tossed with your choice of fettuccine or penne pasta, this recipe offers an indulgent and comforting meal perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasonings
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Pasta
- 8 oz fettuccine or penne pasta
Sauce and Cooking
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine or penne pasta and cook until al dente, approximately 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Cook Chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Meanwhile, season the chicken breasts evenly with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Place the chicken in the skillet and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and allow it to rest for a few minutes.
- Prepare Creamy Sauce: In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter and minced garlic. Sauté the garlic until it becomes fragrant, taking care not to burn it. Pour in the heavy cream and stir continuously until the sauce thickens slightly, about 3-5 minutes.
- Combine Ingredients: Slice the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces. Return the chicken and the drained pasta to the skillet with the creamy garlic sauce. Toss gently until all the pasta and chicken are well coated with the sauce.
- Serve: Serve hot, garnished with additional Italian seasoning or freshly grated Parmesan cheese if desired for extra flavor and presentation.
Notes
- Use fresh garlic for best flavor; garlic powder can be substituted in a pinch.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a mixture of milk and cream.
- Parmesan cheese is optional but adds a nice salty finish to the dish.
- The resting time for chicken helps keep it juicy and tender.
- If you prefer more sauce, increase the heavy cream slightly or add a splash of chicken broth.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: creamy chicken pasta, cowboy butter chicken, garlic butter cream sauce, fettuccine recipe, penne pasta chicken, easy chicken pasta dinner
