Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta for Cozy Nights Recipe
Introduction
This Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta is the perfect dish for cozy nights when you want something comforting yet flavorful. Tender chicken and pasta are enveloped in a rich, buttery cream sauce with just the right hint of spice. It’s an easy-to-make meal that feels like a warm hug in a bowl.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces pasta (gluten-free pasta can be substituted)
- 1 pound chicken breast (plant-based chicken can be used for a vegan option)
- 4 tablespoons butter (use non-dairy butter for a vegan option)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 medium onion (yellow or white)
- 1 cup heavy cream (coconut milk works as a great dairy-free alternative)
- 1 cup chicken broth (vegetable broth for vegetarian offering)
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (nutritional yeast can be used for a vegan option)
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil over high heat. Add your choice of pasta and cook for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside in a colander.
- Step 2: In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the diced chicken breast, seasoning it with salt and pepper. Cook for 6-8 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- Step 3: In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the minced garlic and diced onion, sautéing for 3-4 minutes until the onions are translucent and fragrant.
- Step 4: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Add the Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes. Simmer the sauce gently for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until it thickens slightly.
- Step 5: Return the cooked chicken and drained pasta to the skillet. Toss gently for 2 minutes to coat everything evenly in the creamy sauce.
- Step 6: Serve warm, topped with grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh parsley.
Tips & Variations
- For a vegan version, substitute plant-based chicken, non-dairy butter, coconut milk, vegetable broth, and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper.
- Reserve some pasta water to loosen the sauce if it becomes too thick while tossing.
- For added depth, sauté some mushrooms or bell peppers with the onions.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce if it thickens upon cooling.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta?
Yes, this recipe works well with most pasta types such as penne, fettuccine, or rotini. Just adjust cooking time according to the package instructions.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
You can use full-fat coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative for a lighter or vegan-friendly sauce. Just make sure the substitute is creamy enough to achieve the sauce’s rich texture.
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Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta for Cozy Nights Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A creamy and comforting Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta perfect for cozy nights, featuring tender chicken breast cooked in a rich butter and garlic cream sauce, tossed with al dente pasta and topped with Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley. This versatile recipe offers substitutions for vegan and gluten-free diets.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 ounces pasta (gluten-free pasta can be substituted)
Chicken and Butter
- 1 pound chicken breast (plant-based chicken can be used for a vegan option)
- 4 tablespoons butter (use non-dairy butter for a vegan option)
Vegetables
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 medium onion (yellow or white, diced)
Sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream (coconut milk works as a great dairy-free alternative)
- 1 cup chicken broth (vegetable broth for vegetarian offering)
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (nutritional yeast can be used for a vegan option)
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil over high heat. Add your choice of pasta and cook for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta and set it aside in a colander.
- Cook the chicken: In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the diced chicken breast, seasoning it with salt and pepper. Cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Sauté aromatics: In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Add minced garlic and diced onion, sautéing for 3-4 minutes until onions are translucent and fragrant.
- Prepare the sauce: Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Add Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for about 5 minutes until sauce slightly thickens.
- Combine chicken and pasta: Return the cooked chicken and drained pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss gently for 2 minutes to coat everything evenly.
- Serve: Plate the pasta warm, topping with grated Parmesan cheese and a garnish of fresh chopped parsley.
Notes
- For a vegan version, substitute plant-based chicken, non-dairy butter, coconut milk for heavy cream, vegetable broth, and nutritional yeast for Parmesan cheese.
- Gluten-free pasta can be used to make the dish gluten-free.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level.
- Reserve some pasta water to thin out the sauce if it becomes too thick.
- Use fresh parsley for the best flavor, but dried can be substituted if needed.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Creamy Chicken Pasta, Cowboy Butter Chicken, Comfort Food, Dinner Recipe, Easy Pasta, Creamy Sauce Pasta
