Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta Recipe
Introduction
Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta is a rich and comforting dish that combines tender chicken breasts with a luscious garlic butter cream sauce. This hearty pasta recipe is perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner or whenever you crave something warm and flavorful.
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, about 1-2 minutes. Pour in the heavy cream and stir, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Step 4: Slice the chicken into bite-sized pieces and return it to the skillet along with the drained pasta. Toss gently in the creamy sauce until everything is well coated.
- Step 5: Serve hot, garnished with extra Italian seasoning or Parmesan cheese if desired.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes when sautéing garlic for a mild kick.
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce, but the texture will be less rich.
- Try using different pasta shapes like rigatoni or bowtie for a fun twist.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or basil to add 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 if the sauce has thickened too much.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs work well and add extra juiciness to the dish. Adjust cooking time as needed to ensure they are cooked through.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
The pasta with creamy sauce is best enjoyed fresh, as freezing can change the texture of the cream sauce. You may freeze cooked chicken separately and combine when reheating.
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Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta is a comforting and hearty dish featuring tender skillet-cooked chicken breasts tossed with al dente pasta in a rich, garlic-infused buttery cream sauce with Italian seasoning. This quick and easy recipe combines simple ingredients to create a satisfying meal perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter (divided)
Pasta
- 8 oz fettuccine or penne pasta
- Salt for pasta water
Sauce
- 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 pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions, usually about 9-11 minutes. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Cook the chicken: In a skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of the unsalted butter. Season the chicken breasts generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning on both sides. Place the chicken in the skillet and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest.
- Prepare the sauce: In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter and the minced garlic. Sauté the garlic until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes, being careful not to burn it. Pour in the heavy cream and stir constantly until the sauce thickens slightly, about 3-5 minutes.
- Combine pasta and chicken: Slice the rested chicken into bite-sized pieces. Return the chicken to the skillet with the thickened cream sauce, then add the drained pasta. Toss gently to coat everything evenly in the creamy sauce.
- Serve: Plate the pasta and chicken hot. Optionally, garnish with extra Italian seasoning or grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor.
Notes
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or milk, but the sauce will be less rich and creamy.
- Use any pasta shape you prefer; penne or fettuccine work best to hold the sauce.
- For extra flavor, add chopped fresh parsley or basil as garnish.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
- Make sure not to overcook the chicken to keep it tender and juicy.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Creamy chicken pasta, cowboy butter chicken, garlic cream sauce, quick chicken dinner, easy creamy pasta recipe
