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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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Find it online: https://leofoster.com/cowboy-butter-chicken-pasta-recipe/