Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta Recipe
Introduction
This Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta is a rich and satisfying meal perfect for any night of the week. Tender chicken breasts are cooked to golden perfection and tossed with pasta in a luscious buttery cream sauce infused with garlic and Italian seasoning.
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 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 butter and minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant, then pour in the heavy cream. Stir until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Step 4: Slice the chicken into bite-sized pieces and return it to the skillet along with the drained pasta. Toss gently to coat everything evenly in the creamy sauce.
- Step 5: Serve immediately, garnished with extra Italian seasoning or Parmesan cheese if desired.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic.
- Substitute chicken thighs for a juicier, more flavorful option.
- Use gluten-free pasta if you need a gluten-free meal.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or basil for a pop of color and freshness.
Storage
Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, 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 a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Yes, any pasta shape like penne, rigatoni, or linguine works well with the creamy sauce. Just adjust cooking times according to the pasta you choose.
How can I make this dish lighter?
To lighten the dish, substitute half-and-half or whole milk for the heavy cream, and use less butter. Keep in mind the sauce will be less rich but still flavorful.
PrintCreamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta Recipe
This Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta combines tender, seasoned chicken breasts with al dente pasta and a luscious garlic butter cream sauce. It’s an easy yet indulgent one-pan dish perfect for comforting weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 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
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter (for cooking chicken)
Pasta
- 8 oz fettuccine or penne pasta
- Salt for pasta water
Sauce
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Optional garnish: extra Italian seasoning or grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine or penne pasta and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes depending on package instructions. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Season the chicken breasts evenly with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Place chicken in the skillet and cook for 6-7 minutes per side or until golden brown and fully cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F). Remove chicken from skillet and let it rest briefly.
- Make the Creamy Sauce: In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes being careful not to burn. Pour in the heavy cream and stir constantly until the sauce slightly thickens, roughly 3-4 minutes.
- Combine Chicken and Pasta: Slice the rested chicken into bite-sized pieces. Return the chicken and drained pasta to the skillet with the creamy garlic sauce. Toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly in the sauce and warm through for 1-2 minutes.
- Serve: Serve the creamy cowboy butter chicken pasta hot. Garnish with additional Italian seasoning or grated Parmesan cheese if desired for extra flavor and presentation.
Notes
- Use chicken breasts of similar size for even cooking.
- For a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.
- If you prefer, you can use different pasta shapes such as penne or linguine.
- Adding a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives can enhance freshness and color.
- Cook pasta just until al dente to avoid sogginess after tossing with sauce.
Keywords: chicken pasta recipe, creamy chicken pasta, garlic butter chicken, easy dinner recipe, one-pan pasta
