Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta Recipe

Introduction

Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta is a rich and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken with a creamy, garlicky sauce. This comforting meal is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something hearty and satisfying in just one pan.

Ingredients

• 500 g (1 lb) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for spice preference)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley, plus more for garnish
• 340 g (12 oz) fettuccine or pasta of choice
• Juice of half a lemon

Instructions

1. Step 1: Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper.
2. Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the chicken and set aside.
3. Step 3: Reduce heat to medium and add butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
4. Step 4: Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the skillet bottom.
5. Step 5: Stir in heavy cream and simmer for 2-3 minutes.
6. Step 6: Gradually add Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until melted and sauce is smooth.
7. Step 7: Return cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to combine. Add lemon juice and chopped parsley, stirring to mix.
8. Step 8: Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and add to the skillet, tossing to coat with sauce and chicken.
9. Step 9: Cook together for another 2-3 minutes to heat through and combine flavors.
10. Step 10: Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan and parsley if desired.

Tips & Variations

• For a spicier kick, increase the cayenne pepper or add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
• Swap Parmesan with Pecorino Romano for a sharper cheese flavor.
• Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish gluten-free.
• Add sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers for extra veggies and texture.
• Fresh herbs like thyme or basil can be added alongside parsley for more aroma.

Storage

Store leftover Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream if the sauce thickens too much.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta?

Yes, any pasta shape you prefer works well, such as penne, rigatoni, or linguine. Just adjust cooking time according to the package instructions.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

To make it dairy-free, substitute butter with olive oil and use a dairy-free cream alternative. Nutritional yeast can replace Parmesan cheese to add a cheesy flavor.

Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 226 reviews

Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta is a hearty and flavorful dish combining tender, seasoned chicken pieces with a rich, creamy butter sauce infused with garlic, smoked paprika, and Parmesan cheese. Tossed with perfectly cooked fettuccine and finished with fresh parsley and a splash of lemon juice, this recipe offers a comforting and satisfying meal in under 40 minutes.

• Author: Leo
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken and Seasonings

• 500 g (1 lb) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for spice preference)

Sauce

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley, plus more for garnish
• Juice of half a lemon

Pasta

• 340 g (12 oz) fettuccine or pasta of choice

Instructions

1. Season the Chicken: Begin by seasoning the bite-sized chicken pieces with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper for a balanced blend of smoky and spicy flavors.
2. Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6 to 8 minutes. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside to keep warm.
3. Sauté Garlic in Butter: Lower the heat to medium and add unsalted butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, careful not to burn the garlic.
4. Create the Sauce Base: Pour in the chicken broth, bringing it to a simmer while scraping up the flavorful browned bits from the skillet’s bottom to enrich the sauce.
5. Add Cream and Simmer: Stir in the heavy cream and let the sauce simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes to thicken slightly.
6. Incorporate Parmesan Cheese: Gradually add the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until fully melted and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
7. Combine Chicken and Seasonings: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, tossing it in the sauce. Add lemon juice and chopped parsley, stirring to evenly distribute the fresh, bright flavors.
8. Cook Pasta: Meanwhile, cook the fettuccine or your chosen pasta in a large pot according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain well.
9. Toss Pasta with Sauce: Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the chicken and sauce, tossing thoroughly to coat every strand with the delicious creamy mixture.
10. Final Heating and Serve: Cook for another 2 to 3 minutes over low heat to meld the flavors and heat the dish through. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

• Adjust cayenne pepper quantity to control the spiciness of the dish according to your preference.
• For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, noting the sauce will be less rich.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for best melting results and flavor richness.
• Fettuccine is recommended but any long pasta such as linguine or tagliatelle can be used as a substitute.
• Ensure to not overcook the pasta; aim for al dente to prevent mushiness when combined with the sauce.
• Garnish with extra parsley and Parmesan for added flavor and visual appeal.

Keywords: cowboy butter chicken pasta, creamy chicken pasta, smoked paprika chicken, garlic butter chicken, easy chicken pasta recipe, creamy parmesan chicken pasta