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Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta

Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta
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Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta is a rich, creamy, and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken, a buttery garlic sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta to create a comforting and satisfying meal ideal for busy weeknights or family dinners.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs

Dairy

  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
  • 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Produce & Herbs

  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning or 1 tablespoon fresh mixed herbs (parsley, basil, thyme)
  • Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish, optional)

Pasta & Pantry

  • 8 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or preferred shape)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook in a hot skillet with 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side. Remove from skillet and set aside.
  2. Cook the Pasta: While the chicken cooks, boil pasta in salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, reserving about 1/4 cup pasta water, and set pasta aside.
  3. Make the Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Slowly pour in the heavy cream, stirring continuously. Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly to create a creamy, well-emulsified sauce.
  4. Combine and Simmer: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the sauce. Toss in the drained pasta and stir to combine everything evenly. Cook over low heat for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken. Add reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce to desired consistency.
  5. Final Seasoning and Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Sprinkle with fresh herbs if desired. Serve immediately for a warm, comforting meal.

Notes

  • Use room temperature chicken for even cooking and juicier texture.
  • Don’t overcook pasta; al dente helps sauces cling better.
  • Reserve some pasta water to adjust sauce consistency if it becomes too thick.
  • Always grate Parmesan cheese fresh for best flavor and melting quality.
  • Cook sauce on low to medium heat to prevent breaking or burning.

Nutrition

Keywords: Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta, creamy chicken pasta, quick chicken dinner, buttery chicken pasta, family-friendly pasta dish

Find it online: https://mealsbymary.com/cowboy-butter-chicken-pasta/