Print

Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta

Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta

Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta is a rich and creamy dish combining tender chicken breasts, a luscious buttery sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta. Ready in under 30 minutes, it offers a comforting yet gourmet meal that is simple to prepare and customizable to various dietary preferences.

Ingredients

Scale

Proteins

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Dairy

  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Produce & Herbs

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Pantry Items & Spices

  • 8 oz pasta (penne or fettuccine)
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and paprika. Heat a skillet over medium heat, add a touch of butter or oil, and cook chicken until golden and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side. Remove from pan and let rest before slicing into bite-sized pieces.
  2. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, reserving about half a cup of pasta water to adjust sauce consistency if needed.
  3. Make the Cowboy Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant but not browned. Slowly stir in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Add grated Parmesan cheese, season with salt and pepper, and whisk continuously until sauce thickens to creamy consistency.
  4. Combine and Finish: Add cooked pasta and sliced chicken to the skillet. Toss gently to coat everything in the butter sauce. If sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water one tablespoon at a time until desired silkiness is reached. Finish with chopped fresh parsley and serve.

Notes

  • Let the chicken rest before slicing to keep it juicy and tender.
  • Use real, quality butter for richer flavor and depth.
  • Cook pasta al dente to avoid mushiness and ensure it holds sauce well.
  • Keep sauce at a gentle simmer to prevent curdling.
  • Use fresh garlic for the best aromatic flavor; avoid pre-minced garlic.

Nutrition

Keywords: Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta, creamy chicken pasta, buttery chicken pasta, easy dinner, quick pasta recipe, comfort food, creamy pasta sauce