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Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta served with herbs and spices

Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta

A quick and comforting dish with tender chicken, a buttery garlic cream sauce, and plenty of Parmesan, perfect for weeknight meals or casual gatherings.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 600

Ingredients
  

Pasta and Chicken
  • 12 ounces pasta of your choice (penne or fettuccine work well)
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
Sauce Ingredients
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 1 cup heavy cream (substitute full-fat coconut milk for a dairy-free option)
  • 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (freshly grated melts best)
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Cook the pasta until al dente, about 8 to 10 minutes. Before draining, scoop out and save 1 cup of the starchy pasta water. Drain and set the pasta aside.
  2. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the diced chicken in a single layer. Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Let it sear without moving for 2 minutes, then stir and cook until golden and cooked through, about 4 to 6 more minutes. Transfer the chicken to a plate.
  3. In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the minced garlic and diced onion. Sauté until the onion is translucent and fragrant, about 3 to 4 minutes.
Cooking
  1. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Stir in the Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and let it reduce and thicken for 4 to 5 minutes.
  2. Return the cooked chicken and drained pasta to the skillet. Toss everything to combine and let it warm together for 1 to 2 minutes so flavors meld. Taste and adjust salt and pepper.
  3. Remove the pan from the heat and sprinkle the grated Parmesan over the pasta. Toss gently so the cheese melts into the sauce and creates a glossy coating. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Nutrition

Serving: 1Calories: 600kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 40gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 15gSodium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2g

Notes

For a lighter version, use half-and-half plus a tablespoon of flour to help thicken. To freeze, store cooked chicken and sauce separately from pasta.

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