Description
Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta is a creamy, savory, and slightly spicy dish featuring tender chicken, a rich butter sauce, and a perfect balance of garlic, herbs, and heat. This comforting pasta is quick to make and packed with bold flavors, making it a perfect weeknight dinner for the whole family!
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 large chicken breasts, sliced into strips
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 8 oz pasta (penne, fusilli, or spaghetti)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for brightness)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
- Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken strips with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and Italian seasoning. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 6-7 minutes, until golden and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the cowboy butter sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant. Stir in the chicken broth and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Finish the sauce: Add the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, and cook for another 2 minutes until the sauce thickens. If it becomes too thick, add a little pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
- Combine the pasta and chicken: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the sauce. Add the cooked pasta and toss everything together to coat evenly. If desired, add a squeeze of lemon juice for extra freshness.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately. Enjoy your Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta!
Notes
- Feel free to use any type of pasta you prefer, such as spaghetti, penne, or fusilli.
- If you want to make it spicier, add more chili flakes or even a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- For a lighter version, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or milk, though the sauce will be a bit less rich.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 600 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 850 mg
- Fat: 35 g
- Saturated Fat: 16 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg