There’s something magical about the savory aroma of chicken simmering in a buttery sauce. This COWBOY BUTTER CHICKEN PASTA will fill your kitchen with warmth and cosiness, making it a family favorite that’s trending for all the right reasons!
Picture tender chicken bathed in a luscious cowboy butter sauce, tossed with linguine, and finished off with a sprinkle of fresh parsley. It’s like your grandma’s chicken recipe, but ready in just 20 minutes! Plus, it uses pantry staples, making it incredibly convenient for those busy weeknights.
Started making this dish last summer when the days grew long and my family got hungrier. I swear, the first time I served it, my sister practically cleaned her plate. The secret? A quick sear before mixing it with the pasta keeps the chicken juicy and flavorful. After blogging for nearly a decade, I can confidently say this is a dish that brings everyone together.
Thomas Baker
Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta: Quick and Irresistible
Enjoy a delicious and speedy meal with this Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta. This recipe combines creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine flavors with the ease of a weeknight dinner. Perfect as an Easy Cowboy Butter Garlic Chicken Pasta, this dish delivers comforting tastes in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy evenings or family gatherings.
Pasta of your choice (e.g. penne or fettuccine) – 12 ounces
Chicken breast – 1 pound boneless and skinless cut into bite-sized pieces
Butter – 4 tablespoons unsalted is recommended for better flavor control
Garlic – 4 cloves minced
Onion – 1 medium diced
Heavy cream – 1 cup or substitute with coconut milk for a lighter option
Chicken broth – 1 cup low-sodium preferred
Parmesan cheese – 1 cup grated
Italian seasoning – 1 tablespoon
Red pepper flakes – 1 teaspoon adjust to taste
Salt and pepper – to taste
Fresh parsley – for garnish optional
Method
Fill a large pot with salted water and bring it to a strong boil. Add your chosen pasta and cook until just tender, following the package directions, usually around 8 to 10 minutes. Save a cup of the pasta water before draining and set it aside.
Melt half the butter in a big skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then cook them in the butter for 6 to 8 minutes until golden and fully cooked, stirring now and then. Remove the chicken from the skillet and keep it warm.
Add the remaining butter to the same skillet, then cook the garlic and onions together until they are soft and translucent, which should take about 3 to 4 minutes. This builds a flavorful base for your sauce.
Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring everything well. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes. Let the sauce bubble gently for about 5 minutes so it thickens a bit. If it seems too thick, loosen it with some reserved pasta water.
Put the cooked chicken and pasta back into the skillet with the sauce. Taste and season with extra salt and pepper if needed. Stir everything together thoroughly to coat the pasta and chicken, allowing the flavors to blend for 2 more minutes.
Sprinkle the grated Parmesan over the warm pasta and let it melt into the sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley if you’d like, then serve your Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta hot and enjoy the rich, creamy goodness!
Notes
For a lighter twist, substitute heavy cream with coconut milk. Keep leftover pasta refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth or water to refresh the sauce.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Quick and Easy: Ready in about 30 minutes, this Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta is perfect for those busy weeknights.
Comfort Food Vibes: A creamy, buttery sauce brings a nostalgic feel that’ll remind you of family dinners long ago.
Family-Friendly: With tender chicken and pasta, this dish is sure to please even the pickiest eaters at your table.
One-Pan Wonder: Less mess means you can enjoy more cozy conversations instead of scrubbing pots and pans!
Key Ingredients and Tools
Gather these pantry staples to whip up your Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta:
Pasta: Use your favorite, whether that’s penne or fettuccine, to create the perfect bed for your dish.
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breast ensures simplicity and quick cooking.
Butter: Four tablespoons of unsalted butter add richness and flavor to your sauce.
Fresh Ingredients: Garlic and onion give this dish its aromatic base, while heavy cream and Parmesan lend creaminess.
Ingredient
Purpose
Pasta
Serves as the base for the dish.
Chicken Breast
Provides protein and flavor.
Butter
Adds richness to the sauce.
Garlic & Onion
Contribute aromatic depth.
Heavy Cream & Parmesan
Create a creamy, tangy sauce.
How It Works: Step-by-Step
Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your chosen pasta and cook until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Remember to reserve a cup of that starchy pasta water for later!
Sauté Chicken: In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Cook your bite-sized pieces of chicken for 6-8 minutes until golden brown, then set aside.
Create the Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the remaining butter and sauté garlic and onion for about 3-4 minutes until they soften and become fragrant.
Add Cream and Broth: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth while stirring gently. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes until it thickens nicely.
Combine Pasta and Chicken: Toss the chicken and drained pasta into the sauce, making sure everything is well coated. Adjust the salt and pepper to your taste, cooking it all together for another 2 minutes.
Serve: Sprinkle Parmesan over the top and watch it melt into the creamy goodness. Don’t forget to add freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color!
Troubleshooting Tips
Too Thick Sauce? Add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen things up.
Need More Flavor? Feel free to increase the Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes to your liking.
Creamy Consistency: Ensure you simmer the sauce gently; boiling too vigorously can curdle the cream.
Tweaks and Optional Additions
Make it Guilt-Free: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk if you’re seeking a lighter option without sacrificing flavor.
Extra Veggies: Consider adding spinach or cherry tomatoes for added color and nutrition.
Change the Pasta: Feel free to swap in whole-wheat or gluten-free pasta based on your dietary preferences!
Serving and Storage Tips
Perfect Pairing: Serve this dish with a simple side salad or some crusty bread to soak up that delicious butter sauce.
Leftovers: Store any extra in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of chicken broth to restore the sauce’s creaminess.
Storage Method
Duration
Tips
Refrigerator
3 days
Reheat with a little broth for best results.
Freezer
2 months
Cool completely before freezing; thaw in the fridge overnight.
Expert Says
Cowboy butter chicken pasta combines rich flavors with comforting textures. The key to success lies in letting the chicken marinate; this enhances tenderness and infuses the dish with spices. Additionally, using whole grain pasta adds fiber, making this meal not just delicious but also more nutritious.
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The Story Behind Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta
This Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta took me quite a while to perfect. I remember the first attempt, where I accidentally added way too much garliclet’s just say it was a strong flavor explosion! After several rounds of tweaking, I’ve finally balanced the richness and warmth, making it a cozy meal your family will adore.
FAQs ( Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta )
How long does it take to cook this meal?
This recipe can be prepared in just about 30 minutes, making it perfect for a quick and delicious weeknight dinner. You’ll love how fast and easy it is to make while still being packed with flavor.
What type of pasta is best for this dish?
For this meal, linguine or fettuccine work wonderfully as they hold onto the creamy sauce well. You can also use penne or bowtie pasta for a great texture!
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can prepare the sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator for a day or two. Just cook the pasta fresh when you’re ready to serve for the best texture and flavor.
Can I add vegetables to the pasta?
Absolutely! Bell peppers, spinach, or broccoli would be excellent additions to this dish. Just sauté them briefly with the chicken for a nutritious boost.
Conclusion
You’ll love how this COWBOY BUTTER CHICKEN PASTA transforms a busy weeknight into a cozy dinner moment! With just 30 minutes of your time, you’ll create a luscious, creamy dish that’s rich in flavor and comfort.
Feel free to sprinkle in some fresh spinach or toss in a handful of cherry tomatoes for a pop of color. And remember, leftovers can be gently reheated with a splash of broth to keep that creamy goodness alive. It’s a little trick I picked up from my aunt’s kitchen over the years!
Have you made something like this before? I’d love to hear about your family’s favorite cozy dishes! Don’t forget to share your photos or save this recipe to make for your loved ones. Happy cooking!
With a passion for wholesome cooking inspired by family traditions, I create healthy, simple recipes focused on sourdough, shrimp, chicken, and balanced meals for everyday wellness.
Every recipe here is tested in my kitchen using U.S. measurements and easy-to-find ingredients, so you can cook confidently.
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