Why Make This Recipe
Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta is a delightful dish that combines the heartiness of chicken with a rich and creamy sauce, making it perfect for any dinner occasion. The combination of spices gives it a unique flavor that is both comforting and exciting. Plus, the ease of preparation means you can whip this dish up even on a busy night!
How to Make Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta
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
Directions
- Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken pieces and cook until they are browned and cooked through, approximately 6-8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
- Stir in the heavy cream and let the mixture simmer for another 2-3 minutes.
- Gradually add the Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until it has melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to combine with the sauce. Add the lemon juice and chopped parsley, stirring to mix.
- In a separate pot, cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and add it to the skillet, tossing to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce and chicken.
- Cook for another 2-3 minutes to ensure the pasta is well combined and heated through.
- Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan and parsley if desired.
How to Serve Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta
Serve this creamy pasta warm, topped with extra parsley and Parmesan cheese for an added touch of freshness and flavor. It’s a great main dish for family dinners or casual gatherings.
How to Store Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta
To store leftovers, let the pasta cool completely. Place it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to a month, but the texture might change once thawed.
Tips to Make Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta
- Always taste the sauce before serving. You can adjust the seasoning if needed.
- Use fresh herbs, as they brighten up the dish nicely.
- Feel free to substitute the pasta with your favorite type, like penne or spaghetti, based on your preference.
Variation
You can easily customize this dish by adding vegetables such as spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms. Simply sauté them along with the chicken for added flavor and nutrition.
FAQs
1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce and chicken in advance. Simply store them separately from the pasta and combine them when you are ready to serve.
2. Is there a vegetarian version of Cowboy Butter Pasta?
Yes! You can substitute the chicken with firm tofu or a variety of vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers to make it vegetarian.
3. What can I serve with Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta?
This pasta pairs well with a simple side salad or garlic bread to round out your meal. Enjoy!
Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta
- Total Time: 40
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
A delightful dish that combines the heartiness of chicken with a rich and creamy sauce, perfect for any dinner occasion.
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
- Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken pieces and cook until browned and cooked through, approximately 6-8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add butter. Once melted, add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
- Stir in heavy cream and let the mixture simmer for another 2-3 minutes.
- Gradually add Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Return cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to combine with the sauce. Add lemon juice and chopped parsley, stirring to mix.
- In a separate pot, cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and add to the skillet, tossing to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce and chicken.
- Cook for another 2-3 minutes to ensure the pasta is well combined and heated through.
- Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan and parsley if desired.
Notes
Serve with a simple side salad or garlic bread to round out your meal. Taste the sauce before serving to adjust seasonings if needed.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 25
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 40g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
