Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta is an irresistible dish that’s rich, flavorful, and easy to make. With tender chicken, a buttery cream sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta, this meal offers a satisfying experience that combines comfort with sophistication. Whether you’re cooking for your family on a busy weeknight or hosting a special gathering, this dish is sure to impress. Its inviting aroma and vibrant flavors make it a go-to recipe that will quickly become a favorite at the dinner table.
Ingredients
-
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
-
8 oz fettuccine or penne pasta
-
3 tbsp unsalted butter
-
1 cup heavy cream
-
4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
-
2 tsp Italian seasoning
-
Salt and pepper to taste
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
-
Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
-
Sauté the Chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook each breast for about 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside to rest.
-
Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter and minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute, until the garlic becomes fragrant. Add the heavy cream and stir, letting it thicken slightly.
-
Combine Everything: Slice the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces and return it to the skillet. Add the cooked pasta and gently toss everything together in the creamy sauce until well coated.
-
Serve: Plate the pasta, garnishing with extra Italian seasoning or freshly grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Servings and Timing
-
Servings: 4
-
Prep Time: 15 minutes
-
Cook Time: 25 minutes
-
Total Time: 40 minutes
Variations
-
Add Vegetables: Incorporate vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes for added color and flavor.
-
Spicy Version: For a spicy kick, add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce.
-
Cheese Lovers: Mix in some shredded mozzarella, cheddar, or Parmesan cheese for extra creaminess and flavor.
-
Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish suitable for those with dietary restrictions.
Storage/Reheating
-
Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
-
Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of milk or cream if the sauce has thickened too much.
FAQs
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used as an alternative. They are slightly more flavorful and tender, but will require similar cooking times.
2. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! You can substitute fettuccine or penne with any pasta you prefer, such as spaghetti, rigatoni, or farfalle.
3. How can I make this dish dairy-free?
To make it dairy-free, swap the butter and heavy cream for dairy-free alternatives like olive oil and coconut cream or a dairy-free heavy cream substitute.
4. Can I prepare this ahead of time?
You can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time, then combine everything with freshly cooked pasta when ready to serve.
5. How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C). You can use a meat thermometer to ensure it’s fully cooked.
6. Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
Yes, but if using frozen chicken, thaw it completely before cooking to ensure it cooks evenly.
7. How can I thicken the sauce if it’s too thin?
If the sauce is too thin, let it simmer a bit longer to reduce and thicken. You can also add a small amount of grated Parmesan cheese to help thicken it.
8. Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes, using rotisserie chicken or pre-cooked chicken will cut down on cooking time. Just warm it through with the sauce.
9. Can I add more garlic?
If you love garlic, feel free to increase the amount used. You can add up to 6 cloves if you want a more garlicky flavor.
10. What can I serve this dish with?
This dish pairs wonderfully with a side salad, steamed vegetables, or garlic bread for a complete meal.
Conclusion
Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta is a comforting and delicious dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its rich, creamy sauce and tender chicken, it’s sure to become a family favorite. The recipe is simple to make, with straightforward ingredients, and the result is a satisfying meal that will leave everyone asking for seconds. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or entertaining guests, this dish guarantees a flavorful and memorable dining experience.
Print
Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Indulge in this creamy and flavorful Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta, featuring tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a rich buttercream sauce. This easy-to-make, mouthwatering dish is perfect for any weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
8 oz fettuccine or penne pasta
3 tbsp unsalted butter
1 cup heavy cream
4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
2 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Cook the Pasta: Boil salted water in a large pot. Add the pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Sauté the Chicken: In a skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tbsp of butter. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook each breast for about 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from skillet and let rest.
Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, add remaining 1 tbsp of butter and minced garlic; sauté for one minute until fragrant. Pour in heavy cream and stir until thickened.
Combine Everything: Slice the chicken into bite-sized pieces and return to the skillet with drained pasta. Toss gently in the creamy sauce until well coated.
Serve: Plate the pasta generously, garnishing with extra Italian seasoning or freshly grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
For extra flavor, add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
Chicken can be substituted with shrimp or turkey breast for variety.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
