Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta Recipe
Introduction
This Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken with a rich, garlicky sauce and perfectly cooked pasta. It’s simple to make and perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
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 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 1-2 minutes. 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 to coat everything evenly in the creamy sauce.
- Step 5: Serve hot, garnished with extra Italian seasoning or Parmesan cheese if desired.
Tips & Variations
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for a richer flavor when serving.
- Swap heavy cream for half-and-half for a lighter sauce, but expect a thinner consistency.
- Add sautéed mushrooms or spinach for extra veggies and texture.
- Marinate the chicken briefly in Italian seasoning and garlic for more intense flavor before cooking.
Storage
Store any 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 cream or milk to loosen the sauce if it thickens too much.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, this recipe works well with most pasta shapes. Penne, fusilli, or even spaghetti are great alternatives to fettuccine.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
Cook the chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and the juices run clear. The meat should be firm but not dry.
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Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta is a comforting and rich dish combining tender pan-seared chicken breasts with a luscious garlic-infused creamy butter sauce, all tossed with perfectly cooked fettuccine or penne pasta. It’s a satisfying meal perfect for weeknight dinners or when you crave a flavorful, hearty pasta dish.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter (for cooking chicken)
Pasta
- 8 oz fettuccine or penne pasta
Sauce
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter (total, 2 tbsp for chicken + 1 tbsp for sauce)
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Additional Italian seasoning or Parmesan cheese for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine or penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Cook the chicken: Season the chicken breasts generously with salt, pepper, and 2 tsp Italian seasoning. Heat 2 tbsp butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side or until golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes.
- Prepare the creamy sauce: In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tbsp butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Pour in the heavy cream and stir frequently until the sauce thickens slightly, around 3-4 minutes. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine chicken and pasta: Slice the rested chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Add the drained pasta and sliced chicken back into the skillet with the creamy sauce. Gently toss everything together until the pasta and chicken are well coated with the sauce.
- Serve: Plate the creamy cowboy butter chicken pasta while hot. Garnish with extra Italian seasoning or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if desired for added flavor.
Notes
- Use freshly minced garlic for the best flavor in the sauce.
- Feel free to swap fettuccine or penne with any pasta of your choice.
- Allow the chicken to rest after cooking to retain juices and tenderness.
- To make it spicier, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing garlic.
- Parmesan cheese garnish is optional but adds a nice salty depth.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: creamy chicken pasta, butter chicken pasta, skillet chicken pasta, comfort food, easy dinner recipe
