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

Scale

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