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Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta


  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Description

A comforting, hearty pasta dish with tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a rich, creamy sauce infused with garlic and Parmesan.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces pasta of your choice (e.g., penne or fettuccine)
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 1 cup heavy cream (or coconut milk for a lighter option)
  • 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
  • Salt and pepper (to taste)
  • Fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente (about 8-10 minutes). Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, drain, and set aside.
  2. In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the chicken, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook for about 6-8 minutes until golden brown. Remove chicken and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, add the remaining butter, sauté minced garlic and diced onion until translucent (about 3-4 minutes).
  4. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Add Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes. Let simmer for about 5 minutes until it thickens slightly. Adjust consistency with reserved pasta water, if needed.
  5. Return chicken and drained pasta to the skillet, tossing everything together to ensure even coating. Cook for another 2 minutes to meld flavors.
  6. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top and let it melt. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy warm!

Notes

Pair with a side salad or garlic bread. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 500mg
  • Fat: 25g
  • Saturated Fat: 14g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 35g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 33g
  • Cholesterol: 100mg

Keywords: pasta, chicken, creamy sauce, easy dinner, weeknight meal