Description

Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta is a rich, creamy, and flavorful dinner combining tender chicken, a luscious butter cream sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta. Ready in under 30 minutes, this comforting and versatile dish uses simple ingredients and fresh herbs to create a satisfying meal that’s quick enough for weeknights yet indulgent enough to be special.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, sliced into bite-sized pieces

Dairy

4 tablespoons unsalted butter (preferably high-quality)
1 cup heavy cream

Vegetables & Herbs

3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons fresh parsley or chives, chopped

Pasta & Grains

8 ounces fettuccine or penne pasta

Spices & Seasonings

1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste

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Instructions

Prepare your ingredients: Slice the chicken into bite-sized pieces and mince the garlic. This preparation ensures even cooking and flavorful integration into the dish.
Cook the pasta: Boil your chosen pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about ½ cup of the pasta water for later use.
Sear the chicken: In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces, seasoning with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Cook until golden brown and fully cooked through, then remove the chicken from the pan.
Make the butter sauce: Lower heat to medium and add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the same skillet. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Pour in the heavy cream, stirring continuously and simmer gently until the sauce thickens slightly, about 3-5 minutes.
Combine and finish: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to coat in the butter sauce. Add the drained pasta and, if needed, splash reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen the sauce to desired consistency. Stir in fresh parsley or chives, adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, and serve immediately.

Notes

Use room temperature chicken to ensure even cooking and juiciness.
Reserve some pasta water; the starch helps the sauce stick to the noodles better.
Simmer the cream gently to prevent curdling and keep the sauce smooth.
Add fresh herbs at the end to preserve their bright flavor.
Use high-quality unsalted butter for the richest taste and best texture.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 550
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 350mg
Fat: 35g
Saturated Fat: 20g
Unsaturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 30g
Cholesterol: 115mg