Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta Recipe
Introduction
This Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta is a comforting and delicious meal that brings together tender chicken and a rich, garlicky sauce. Perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner, it combines simple ingredients for a flavorful dish the whole family will enjoy.
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 breasts 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 tablespoon of butter and minced garlic. Sauté until the garlic is fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Step 4: Pour in the heavy cream and stir continuously until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Step 5: Slice the rested chicken into bite-sized pieces and return it to the skillet along with the drained pasta. Toss everything gently in the creamy sauce until well coated.
- Step 6: Serve the pasta hot, garnished with extra Italian seasoning or Parmesan cheese if desired.
Tips & Variations
- For added flavor, sprinkle some smoked paprika or red pepper flakes into the sauce.
- Swap the chicken for shrimp or sausage to change up the protein.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese in the sauce for a richer taste.
- Try using gluten-free pasta if you prefer a gluten-free option.
Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce if it has thickened.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs can be used for a juicier, more flavorful dish. Adjust cooking time to ensure they are fully cooked.
What pasta works best for this recipe?
Fettuccine and penne both work well because their shapes hold the creamy sauce nicely, but feel free to use your favorite pasta type.
PrintCreamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta Recipe
Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta is a comforting and hearty dish featuring tender, seasoned chicken breasts cooked to golden perfection and tossed with fettuccine or penne pasta in a rich and velvety garlic butter cream sauce. This easy-to-make recipe combines savory flavors of Italian seasoning and fresh garlic to create a satisfying family meal ready in under an hour.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning, divided
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
Pasta
- 8 oz fettuccine or penne pasta
Sauce
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes depending on pasta type. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Place them in the skillet and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from skillet and let rest for a few minutes to retain juices.
- Make the sauce: In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter and the minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes, being careful not to burn the garlic. Pour in the heavy cream and stir continuously until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Combine ingredients: Slice the rested chicken into bite-sized pieces. Return the chicken and drained pasta to the skillet with the creamy sauce. Toss gently to coat evenly and warm through.
- Serve: Plate the creamy chicken pasta hot. Optionally, garnish with extra Italian seasoning or grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor.
Notes
- Use fettuccine or penne based on your preference; both work well with the creamy sauce.
- Resting the chicken after cooking helps keep it juicy and tender.
- Be sure to sauté the garlic gently to avoid a bitter taste.
- For a lighter version, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream but the sauce will be less rich.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or grated Parmesan cheese if desired for extra flavor and presentation.
Keywords: chicken pasta, creamy pasta, butter chicken, Italian seasoning, garlic pasta, easy dinner recipe
