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Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta Recipe

4.6 from 93 reviews

Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta is a rich and flavorful dish combining tender, seasoned chicken breasts with al dente pasta tossed in a luscious garlic butter cream sauce, perfect for a comforting and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter (divided: 2 tbsp for cooking chicken, 1 tbsp for sauce)

Pasta

  • 8 oz fettuccine or penne pasta
  • Salt (for pasta water)

Sauce

  • 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • Optional garnish: extra Italian seasoning or Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
  2. Cook Chicken: Heat a skillet over medium heat and melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook the chicken breasts for 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest to retain juices.
  3. Prepare Sauce: In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of butter and minced garlic. Sauté the garlic just until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Pour in the heavy cream and stir continuously until the sauce thickens slightly.
  4. Combine: Slice the rested chicken into bite-sized pieces. Return the chicken and the drained pasta to the skillet with the cream sauce. Toss gently to coat everything evenly in the creamy garlic butter sauce.
  5. Serve: Plate the pasta and chicken mixture while hot. Garnish with additional Italian seasoning or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if desired, and serve immediately for best taste.

Notes

  • Use freshly minced garlic for the best flavor.
  • Ensure not to overcook the chicken to keep it juicy and tender.
  • You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter option, but sauce may be less thick.
  • Parmesan cheese adds a nice savory touch if you like extra flavor.
  • If preferred, swap fettuccine with penne or your favorite pasta shape.

Keywords: chicken pasta, creamy chicken pasta, garlic butter sauce, skillet chicken, comfort food, easy dinner