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Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta

Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta
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Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta is a creamy and flavorful dish combining juicy chicken breasts, a rich buttery sauce infused with garlic and spices, and perfectly cooked pasta. This comforting meal offers bold, smoky flavors with a smooth, luscious texture that makes it ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Easy to prepare with simple ingredients, it delights all palates and can be customized with various variations for heat, veggies, or dietary preferences.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Protein

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

Sauce

  • 4 tablespoons butter (divided)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon chili powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Pasta

  • 8 ounces fettuccine, penne, or rigatoni pasta

Garnishes

  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • Extra Parmesan cheese (optional)
  • Cracked black pepper (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Ingredients: Chop the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces, mince the garlic, and grate the Parmesan cheese. Gather and measure all seasonings for an efficient cooking process.
  2. Cook the Pasta: Boil your choice of pasta in salted water according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain thoroughly, reserving about ½ cup of pasta water for later use, and set the pasta aside.
  3. Sauté the Chicken: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the chicken pieces and season with salt, pepper, paprika, and chili powder. Cook until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
  4. Make the Cowboy Butter Sauce: Lower the heat to medium-low and add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet with the cooked chicken. Stir in the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour in the heavy cream and let the sauce simmer gently until it thickens slightly, around 3-5 minutes.
  5. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss thoroughly to coat every piece with the buttery sauce. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, tossing again to combine. Use the reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen the sauce if necessary. Finish by sprinkling chopped fresh parsley on top.

Notes

  • Use fresh garlic and high-quality butter for the best flavor impact.
  • Do not overcook the chicken; cook until no pink remains to keep it juicy.
  • Reserve some pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency without diluting flavors.
  • Adjust seasoning gradually and taste frequently to balance smoky, spicy, and creamy elements.
  • Use freshly grated Parmesan for optimal melting and flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta, creamy chicken pasta, buttery garlic pasta, comfort food, easy chicken pasta recipe, spicy butter chicken, weeknight dinner, family meal

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