Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta has become one of my favorite dishes to whip up when I want something hearty and packed with flavor. It’s creamy, rich, and perfectly spiced, making it a sure crowd-pleaser. I love how quickly I can prepare it, especially on busy evenings when time is tight.
Your Ingredients List
- 500 g (1 lb) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for spice preference)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley, plus more for garnish
- 340 g (12 oz) fettuccine or pasta of choice
- Juice of half a lemon
My Go-To Equipment
- Large skillet
- Pot for boiling pasta
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and cutting board
The Simple Steps to Follow
- Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the seasoned chicken pieces and cook until they are browned and cooked through, approximately 6-8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the butter.
- Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
- Stir in the heavy cream and let the mixture simmer for another 2-3 minutes.
- Gradually add the Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until it has melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to combine with the sauce.
- Add the lemon juice and chopped parsley, stirring to mix.
- In a separate pot, cook the pasta according to the package instructions.
- Drain and add it to the skillet, tossing to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce and chicken.
- Cook for another 2-3 minutes to ensure the pasta is well combined and heated through.
- Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan and parsley if desired.
Healthy Twists on a Classic
You can use whole grain pasta or swap out heavy cream for a lighter version, like almond milk or coconut cream, to make this dish healthier. Adding extra veggies like spinach or broccoli can also increase the nutrition without losing any flavor.
Serving Suggestions From My Table
I like to serve Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta with a side salad or garlic bread. A simple green salad with a vinaigrette is refreshing next to the rich pasta. You could also pair it with roasted vegetables for added color and taste.
Getting It Just Right
For the best results, make sure your chicken pieces are cut evenly. This helps them cook at the same rate. Adjust the spices according to your preference, especially the cayenne if you like things spicy. Don’t hesitate to add more cheese to get that rich flavor just right.
How to Store Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce if needed.
Enjoy Every Moment
Cooking is more than just about the food; it’s about creating memories. Whether you’re making this Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta for your family or friends, enjoy the process and savor every bite!
A Few Common Questions
What can I substitute for chicken in Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta?
You can use shrimp, tofu, or even a mix of your favorite vegetables for a vegetarian version. Just adjust the cooking times accordingly based on what you choose.
Can I make Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta ahead of time?
Yes! You can pre-cook the chicken and make the sauce ahead of time. Just store everything separately in the fridge and combine when ready to serve.
How do I make Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta spicy?
To add more heat, increase the cayenne pepper. You could also add some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the dish once it is cooked for an extra kick.
Print
Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A hearty, creamy pasta dish featuring seasoned chicken in a rich sauce, perfect for busy evenings.
Ingredients
- 500 g (1 lb) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for spice preference)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley, plus more for garnish
- 340 g (12 oz) fettuccine or pasta of choice
- Juice of half a lemon
Instructions
- Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the seasoned chicken pieces and cook until browned and cooked through, approximately 6-8 minutes. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the butter.
- Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits.
- Stir in the heavy cream and let simmer for another 2-3 minutes.
- Gradually add the Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until melted and smooth.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to combine.
- Add lemon juice and chopped parsley, stirring to mix.
- In a separate pot, cook the pasta according to package instructions.
- Drain and add to the skillet, tossing to coat evenly.
- Cook for another 2-3 minutes to combine and heat through.
- Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan and parsley if desired.
Notes
For a healthier option, use whole grain pasta and swap heavy cream for almond milk or coconut cream. Adding vegetables like spinach or broccoli can enhance nutrition without sacrificing flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: pasta, chicken, creamy, quick meal, family recipe