Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta Recipe

Introduction

Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta is a rich and flavorful dish combining tender chicken with a creamy, garlicky sauce. It’s easy to prepare and perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner that feels a little special.

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 pieces and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Step 3: Reduce the skillet heat to medium and add the butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
4. Step 4: Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
5. Step 5: Stir in the heavy cream and let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes.
6. Step 6: Gradually add the Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until melted and the sauce is smooth.
7. Step 7: Return the chicken to the skillet and toss to combine with the sauce. Add lemon juice and chopped parsley, stirring to mix well.
8. Step 8: Cook the pasta according to package instructions in a separate pot. Drain and add it to the skillet, tossing to coat evenly with the sauce and chicken.
9. Step 9: Cook for another 2-3 minutes to let the pasta absorb flavors and heat through.
10. Step 10: Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan and parsley if desired.

Tips & Variations

• For a smoky twist, try using smoked gouda or cheddar instead of Parmesan.
• Adjust cayenne pepper to control the heat level according to your preference.
• Substitute chicken breasts with thighs for a juicier texture.
• Add sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers for extra vegetables and flavor.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce if it has thickened.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, any pasta you prefer works well. Fettuccine, penne, or even rigatoni are great choices for holding the creamy sauce.

What can I do if I don’t have heavy cream?

You can substitute with half-and-half or whole milk mixed with a bit of butter, but the sauce will be less rich and creamy.

Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 76 reviews

Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta is a rich and creamy dish featuring tender, seasoned chicken pieces simmered in a buttery garlic sauce with smoked paprika and a hint of cayenne, served tossed with perfectly cooked fettuccine and garnished with fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese. This comforting meal combines hearty flavors and creamy textures for a satisfying dinner.

• Author: Amaya
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

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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)

Cooking Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

Sauce

• 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: In a bowl, season the bite-sized chicken pieces with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper to ensure the flavors penetrate the meat.
2. Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned on all sides and fully cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside to keep warm.
3. Sauté Garlic: Lower the skillet’s heat to medium. Add the butter and let it melt completely. Then add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute, being careful not to burn it.
4. Deglaze and Simmer: Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet, which adds depth to the sauce.
5. Add Cream: Stir in the heavy cream and let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes to thicken slightly and meld the flavors.
6. Melt Parmesan: Gradually add the freshly grated Parmesan cheese while stirring continuously until it fully melts and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
7. Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the cooked chicken pieces to the skillet and toss to coat them evenly in the sauce. Add the lemon juice and chopped fresh parsley, stirring well to incorporate.
8. Cook the Pasta: In a separate large pot, cook the fettuccine according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain well.
9. Toss Pasta with Sauce: Add the drained pasta directly into the skillet with the chicken and sauce. Toss everything together over medium heat for 2-3 minutes to ensure the pasta is warmed through and fully coated in the rich sauce.
10. Serve: Plate the pasta immediately, garnishing with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley if desired. Enjoy this creamy, flavorful Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta while hot.

Notes

• Adjust the cayenne pepper quantity to control the spice level according to your preference.
• Using freshly grated Parmesan cheese helps achieve a smoother, creamier sauce.
• If pasta sauce thickens too much, add a splash of pasta water or chicken broth to loosen it.
• For an even richer flavor, substitute half of the chicken broth with white wine.
• This dish pairs well with a side of steamed vegetables or a simple green salad.

Keywords: chicken pasta, creamy chicken pasta, butter chicken pasta, smoked paprika chicken, one pan pasta, quick dinner, creamy pasta recipe