Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta Recipe
Introduction
Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta is a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for weeknight dinners. Tender chicken breasts are cooked in a rich garlic butter sauce and tossed with pasta for a satisfying meal your family will love.
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 breasts 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 tablespoon of butter and minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Step 4: Pour in the heavy cream and stir continuously until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Step 5: Slice the rested 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 6: Serve hot, garnished with extra Italian seasoning or grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Tips & Variations
- Use smoked paprika or chili flakes to add a subtle smoky or spicy kick to the sauce.
- Swap heavy cream for half-and-half for a lighter sauce, but reduce cooking time to avoid curdling.
- Add sautéed mushrooms or spinach for extra vegetables and texture.
- Let the chicken rest to keep it juicy before slicing.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or milk if the sauce has thickened too much.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, both fettuccine and penne work well, but you can also use other types like rigatoni, linguine, or even spaghetti depending on your preference.
How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?
The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). It should be golden brown on the outside and no longer pink inside when sliced.
PrintCreamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta Recipe
Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta is a rich and comforting dish featuring tender, seasoned chicken breasts cooked in a luscious garlic butter cream sauce, tossed with perfectly al dente fettuccine or penne pasta. This hearty meal balances savory flavors and creamy textures for a delicious, easy-to-make dinner.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
Pasta
- 8 oz fettuccine or penne pasta
Sauce
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- Extra Italian seasoning or Parmesan cheese for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine or penne and cook until al dente, according to package instructions—usually around 9-11 minutes. Drain the pasta well and set aside.
- Cook the chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts evenly with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Place the chicken in the skillet and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes to retain juices.
- Prepare the sauce: In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter and the minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned. Pour in the heavy cream, stirring frequently. Let the mixture simmer gently until it thickens slightly, about 3-5 minutes.
- Combine chicken and pasta: Slice the rested chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Return the sliced chicken and drained pasta to the skillet with the creamy garlic sauce. Toss everything gently to coat the pasta and chicken evenly in the sauce.
- Serve: Plate the creamy cowboy butter chicken pasta hot. Garnish with additional Italian seasoning or freshly grated Parmesan cheese if desired for an extra burst of flavor.
Notes
- Ensure not to overcook the chicken to keep it juicy and tender.
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce, but it won’t be as rich.
- For extra flavor, add sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers when cooking the garlic.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave to prevent the sauce from breaking.
Keywords: chicken pasta, creamy pasta, butter chicken pasta, garlic cream sauce, quick dinner
