Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta Recipe
Introduction
This creamy cowboy butter chicken pasta is a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for weeknight dinners. Tender chicken breasts are cooked in a rich garlic butter cream sauce and tossed with your favorite pasta for a satisfying meal everyone will love.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 8 oz fettuccine or penne pasta
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Step 2: In a skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook the chicken for 6 to 7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and let rest.
- Step 3: In the same skillet, add the remaining butter and minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour in the heavy cream and stir continuously until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Step 4: Slice the rested chicken into bite-sized pieces. Return the chicken and drained pasta to the skillet. Toss gently to coat everything evenly in the creamy sauce.
- Step 5: Serve the pasta hot, garnished with extra Italian seasoning or Parmesan cheese if desired.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- Swap chicken breasts for thighs for a juicier option.
- Use gluten-free pasta if needed to accommodate dietary restrictions.
- Add sautéed mushrooms or spinach for added texture and nutrition.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce if it has thickened too much.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?
It’s best to use fresh chicken breasts. If using frozen, make sure to fully thaw them before cooking to ensure even cooking and safety.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half or whole milk mixed with a bit of melted butter as a lighter alternative, but the sauce will be less rich and creamy.
PrintCreamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta Recipe
Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta is a rich and comforting dish featuring tender, pan-seared chicken breasts tossed in a luscious garlic-infused butter and cream sauce with perfectly cooked pasta. This quick and easy recipe combines bold flavors of Italian seasoning and fresh garlic for a satisfying meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Chicken and Pasta
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 8 oz fettuccine or penne pasta
Sauce
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Garnish
- Extra Italian seasoning or Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente, about 10-12 minutes depending on package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Chicken: While the pasta cooks, melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts evenly with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Place the chicken in the skillet and cook for 6-7 minutes per side until the chicken is golden brown on the outside and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F). Remove chicken from skillet and let it rest to retain juices.
- Make the Creamy Sauce: In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned. Pour in the heavy cream and stir continuously until the sauce thickens slightly, about 3-4 minutes.
- Combine and Serve: Slice the rested chicken into bite-sized pieces. Return the chicken and drained pasta to the skillet with the creamy sauce. Gently toss everything together to ensure the pasta and chicken are well-coated with the sauce.
- Garnish and Enjoy: Serve immediately, optionally garnished with extra Italian seasoning or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for added flavor.
Notes
- Use fresh garlic for best flavor; garlic powder can be a substitute but will alter the sauce flavor.
- Ensure the chicken is cooked through to avoid any risk of undercooking; using a meat thermometer is recommended.
- You can swap out fettuccine or penne with any preferred pasta shape.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half but expect a less thick sauce.
- Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 3 days and can be reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
Keywords: Butter chicken pasta, creamy chicken pasta, Italian chicken pasta, easy chicken pasta recipe, stovetop pasta
