Picture the smell of sizzling garlic and buttery goodness wafting through your kitchen. That’s what you get with COWBOY BUTTER CHICKEN PASTA. This dish is trending everywherethanks to its dreamy creaminess, it’s a hit on TikTok and Pinterest. Everyone loves a comforting meal that feels like a warm hug!
This delightful recipe combines tender chicken, rich cowboy butter, and al dente linguine. It’s cozy yet simple, just like that homemade dish you remember, but ready in no time. Pantry-friendly ingredients make it an easy go-to for busy nights. Full details in the blog!
Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta delivers a creamy, flavorful meal ready in about 30 minutes. Enjoy Easy Cowboy Butter Garlic Chicken Pasta or Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine with a zesty and comforting twist. Perfect as a Family Favorite Cowboy Butter Pasta for quick dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta of your choice e.g. penne or fettuccine 12 ounces
Chicken breast 1 pound boneless and skinless cut into bite-sized pieces
Butter 4 tablespoons unsalted is recommended for better flavor control
Garlic 4 cloves minced
Onion 1 medium diced
Heavy cream 1 cup or substitute with coconut milk for a lighter option
Chicken broth 1 cup low-sodium preferred
Parmesan cheese 1 cup grated
Italian seasoning 1 tablespoon
Red pepper flakes 1 teaspoon adjust to taste
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish optional
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package directions until just tender. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining and then set the pasta aside.
Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces seasoned with salt and pepper and cook for 6 to 8 minutes until golden and thoroughly cooked. Remove the chicken from the skillet.
To the same skillet, add the remaining butter and sauté the garlic and onion for 3 to 4 minutes until the onion turns translucent and fragrant.
Stir in the heavy cream, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for about 5 minutes until it thickens; add reserved pasta water if needed to loosen.
Return chicken and cooked pasta to the skillet, toss everything well to coat in the sauce, and cook for an additional 2 minutes to meld the flavors.
Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top and let it melt before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Prep Time:10 minutes
Cook Time:20 minutes
Category:Main Course
Method:Stovetop
Cuisine:American
Nutrition
Serving Size:1 bowl
Calories:600
Fat:25g
Carbohydrates:60g
Fiber:3g
Protein:35g
Why It’s a Family Favorite
This Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta has quickly become a beloved mealtime tradition at my house, and I think it’ll earn a special spot in yours, too. First off, it’s incredibly comfortingimagine rich, creamy goodness that wraps around the noodles like a warm hug. On busy weeknights, it’s fabulous because it comes together in just 30 minutes. Plus, who doesn’t love a one-pan dish that makes clean-up a breeze?
The magic of this dish lies in its simplicity and flavor. With tender chicken, a buttery garlic sauce, and just the right kick from red pepper flakes, it balances nostalgia with that trendy vibe we all crave. And let’s not forget the creamy sauce that’s pure heaven when paired with pasta!
Ingredients Breakdown
Before we dive in, let’s appreciate the straightforward ingredients that pack a punch in flavor and comfort:
Pasta: Any shape will do! Use 12 ounces of your favoritethe options are endless.
Chicken Breast: A pound of boneless, skinless chicken, cut into bite-sized pieces. This keeps it quick and easy!
Butter: Undeniably crucial, 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter will help create that creamy sauce.
Garlic & Onion: These aromatic gems bring depthdon’t skip them!
Heavy Cream: One cup creates the luxurious, creamy texture. Want lighter options? You can swap it with coconut milk.
Chicken Broth: For added flavor, use low-sodium chicken broth to keep things cozy.
Parmesan Cheese: A generous cup, gratedthis is where the magic truly happens!
Seasonings: Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes add just the right amount of zing.
Simple Steps to Make It
Making this Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta is as easy as pie! Follow these simple steps for a delicious dinner:
Cook the Pasta: Bring salted water to a boil, add the pasta, and cook to al dente (about 8-10 minutes). Remember to save a cup of that precious pasta water for the sauce!
Sauté the Chicken: Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a skillet, add the chicken, and season with salt and pepper. Cook until golden brown (about 6-8 minutes). Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Create the Sauce: In that same skillet, add the remaining butter, garlic, and onion. Sauté until golden and fragrantyour kitchen will smell heavenly!
Mix in Cream and Broth: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stir in the Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes, and let it simmer for about 5 minutes until it thickens.
Combine: Add the chicken and pasta back into the skillet. Toss everything together, adding pasta water as needed for that perfect sauce consistency.
Serve: Top it off with grated parmesan and optional parsley. Enjoy while warm!
Easy Customizations
This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Here are a few fun tweaks you can try:
Veggie Boost: Toss in some spinach or broccoli during the sauce cooking step for extra nutrition.
Spice It Up: For heat lovers, double the red pepper flakes or add sliced jalapeños.
Pasta Choices: While linguine is delightful, feel free to use penne, rotini, or any pasta you have on hand!
Serving & Storage Tips
Wondering how to serve or stash the leftovers? Here are some handy tips:
Tip
Details
Serving:
This dish shines when freshly made, but feel free to pair it with a crisp salad or a crusty baguette for a complete meal!
Storage:
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It reheats beautifully in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of extra cream or broth.
Freezing:
For long-term storage, you can freeze it for up to 2 months. Just thaw in the fridge before reheating!
Expert Says
Cowboy butter chicken pasta combines the richness of butter with the zesty notes of garlic and herbs, creating a depth of flavor that complements the protein beautifully. The addition of whole-grain pasta adds fiber, making this dish not only indulgent but also a balanced choice for a satisfying meal.
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The Adventure of Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta
After several attempts that resulted in way too much butter and chicken drowning in sauce, I’ve finally perfected my Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta. Each mishap taught me a little more about balance, and now this dish is the ultimate cozy weeknight meal that my family can’t get enough of.
FAQs ( Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta )
How long does it take to cook this meal?
This recipe can be prepared in just about 30 minutes, making it perfect for a quick and delicious weeknight dinner. You’ll love how fast and easy it is to make while still being packed with flavor.
What type of pasta is best for this dish?
For this meal, linguine or fettuccine work wonderfully as they hold onto the creamy sauce well. You can also use penne or bowtie pasta for a great texture!
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can prepare the sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator for a day or two. Just cook the pasta fresh when you’re ready to serve for the best texture and flavor.
Can I add vegetables to the pasta?
Absolutely! Bell peppers, spinach, or broccoli would be excellent additions to this dish. Just sauté them briefly with the chicken for a nutritious boost.
Conclusion
You’ll love how this Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta comes together in just 30 minutes, filling your kitchen with its tantalizing aroma. Each bite is an absolute hug of creamy, buttery goodness that makes weeknight dinners feel special. No need for gourmet skills heretrust me, it’ll become a comforting staple in your home!
Feel free to indulge your creativity! Toss in your favorite veggies for a pop of color or swap in zoodles for a lighter twist. A sprinkle of lemon zest can really brighten things up! And remember, leftovers are your friends; just warm them gently in a pan with a splash of cream for that irresistible sauce revival!
I’d love to hear how your Cowboy Butter journey goes! Did you grow up with anything similar? Share your cooking stories or pictures with menothing brings me more joy than hearing from you. Don’t forget to save this recipe for your next family gatheringyou’ll want everyone to experience this cozy goodness!
Sharing a handpicked collection of easy, healthy recipes made in our family kitchen. Rachel brings comforting classics, while Emily adds fresh, modern ideas together creating meals that are simple, flavorful, and family-friendly.
