Creamy 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
Scale
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
