Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta Recipe
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.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
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)
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Add Cream: Stir in the heavy cream and let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes to thicken slightly and meld the flavors.
- Melt Parmesan: Gradually add the freshly grated Parmesan cheese while stirring continuously until it fully melts and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
- 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.
- Cook the Pasta: In a separate large pot, cook the fettuccine according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain well.
- 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.
- 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
Find it online: https://amayaharis.com/cowboy-butter-chicken-pasta-recipe/
