Description
Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta is a rich and creamy dish combining tender chicken, a luscious buttery sauce, savory spices, and perfectly cooked pasta. Ready in under 30 minutes, this hearty meal is ideal for busy weeknights and customizable to suit various dietary preferences, making it a beloved family favorite.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 1 lb boneless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
Dairy & Fats
- 4 tablespoons butter (room temperature)
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half (room temperature)
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Spices & Herbs
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Pasta
- 8 oz pasta (penne, fusilli, or rotini)
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika to infuse flavor.
- Cook the chicken: Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook 5-7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
- Sauté the garlic: In the same skillet, add more butter if needed. Sauté minced garlic until fragrant and lightly golden, about 1 minute, to build the sauce base.
- Create the buttery sauce: Pour in the heavy cream or half-and-half, stirring to combine with garlic butter. Let simmer gently for 3-4 minutes to slightly thicken.
- Bring it all together: Return cooked chicken to the skillet and add grated Parmesan cheese. Stir well until cheese melts smoothly and coats the chicken evenly.
- Cook and mix the pasta: Prepare pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain thoroughly and add directly to the skillet with sauce and chicken. Toss to coat each pasta piece luxuriously.
- Final touches: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use room temperature butter and cream for a smooth, well-incorporated sauce.
- Do not overcook the chicken to maintain juiciness and tenderness.
- Reserve some pasta water to loosen the sauce if it becomes too thick without losing creaminess.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese to ensure proper melting and flavor.
- Cook pasta al dente to avoid mushy texture when combined with the rich sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 35 g
- Saturated Fat: 20 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg