CREAMY COWBOY CHICKEN PASTA

I still remember the first time I tasted something resembling cowboy butter – it was at a local barbecue joint, slathered on grilled corn, and it completely blew my mind! I knew I had to find a way to incorporate that flavor into everything. That’s where the inspiration for this Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta- Quick & Creamy recipe came from, and let me tell you, it’s a game-changer. Today, I’m sharing all my secrets for the most amazing Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta- Quick & Creamy you’ll ever make!

Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta: Your New Weeknight Hero

Okay, let’s talk about comfort food. Let’s talk about flavor explosions. And let’s talk about something so quick and easy, you can whip it up even on the busiest weeknights. This Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta is all of those things, and more! It’s creamy, savory, slightly spicy, and loaded with so much deliciousness, you’ll be making it again and again. Trust me on this one!

What makes this pasta so special? It’s all about that cowboy butter sauce. We’re talking melted butter infused with garlic, herbs, spices, and a touch of lemon for brightness. It’s seriously addictive, and when you toss it with perfectly cooked chicken and pasta, it’s pure magic. And did I mention it’s quick? From start to finish, you can have this on the table in under 30 minutes. Now, let’s get cooking!

What You’ll Need: The Ingredients

Before we dive into the instructions, let’s gather our ingredients. Don’t worry, you probably have most of these on hand already!

• Pasta: 1 pound of your favorite pasta shape. I love using fettuccine, linguine, or penne for this recipe, but honestly, anything works!
• Chicken: 1.5 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces.
• Butter: 1/2 cup (1 stick) of unsalted butter. This is the base of our amazing sauce.
• Garlic: 4 cloves, minced. Don’t skimp on the garlic!
• Fresh Herbs: 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley, 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh thyme, and 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh rosemary. Fresh herbs are key for that authentic cowboy flavor! If you only have dried, use 1 teaspoon of each.
• Red Pepper Flakes: 1/4 teaspoon (or more, to taste!). For a little kick.
• Smoked Paprika: 1 teaspoon. Adds a smoky depth of flavor.
• Garlic Powder: 1 teaspoon. Because you can never have too much garlic!
• Onion Powder: 1 teaspoon. Adds a subtle sweetness.
• Lemon Juice: 1 tablespoon. Brightens up the sauce and balances the richness.
• Worcestershire Sauce: 1 teaspoon. Adds a savory umami flavor.
• Heavy Cream: 1/2 cup. For that creamy, dreamy texture.
• Parmesan Cheese: 1/2 cup, grated. Adds a salty, nutty flavor.
• Salt and Pepper: To taste.
• Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon. For cooking the chicken.

Let’s Get Cooking: Step-by-Step Instructions

Alright, now for the fun part! Follow these step-by-step instructions, and you’ll have a delicious Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta on the table in no time.

1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining. Don’t forget this step! The starchy pasta water is liquid gold for creating a creamy sauce.
2. Prepare the Chicken: While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and season with salt and pepper. Cook until the chicken is cooked through and lightly browned, about 5-7 minutes. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan, or the chicken will steam instead of brown. If necessary, cook in batches.
3. Make the Cowboy Butter: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the butter to the skillet and let it melt. Add the minced garlic, fresh parsley, fresh thyme, fresh rosemary, red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant. The aroma at this point is simply intoxicating!
4. Add the Wet Ingredients: Stir in the lemon juice and Worcestershire sauce. Cook for another 30 seconds.
5. Create the Creamy Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Cook for about 2-3 minutes, until the sauce has thickened slightly. Stir frequently to prevent the cream from scorching.
6. Add the Cheese: Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
7. Combine Everything: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the chicken and sauce. Toss to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency. This is where you can really customize the dish! Add as much or as little pasta water as you like to achieve the perfect creamy texture.
8. Season to Perfection: Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper, if needed.
9. Serve Immediately: Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley, if desired. Enjoy!

Success Tips for Perfect Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta

Want to guarantee that your Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta is a resounding success? Here are my top tips for making this dish absolutely perfect:

• Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Overcooked chicken is dry and tough. Cook it just until it’s cooked through and no longer pink inside. Using a meat thermometer can be helpful.
• Fresh Herbs are Key: While dried herbs will work in a pinch, fresh herbs really elevate the flavor of this dish. If you can, use fresh parsley, thyme, and rosemary.
• Reserve Pasta Water: As mentioned earlier, the starchy pasta water is crucial for creating a creamy sauce that clings to the pasta. Don’t skip this step!
• Adjust the Spice Level: This recipe has a little bit of a kick from the red pepper flakes, but you can easily adjust the spice level to your liking. Add more red pepper flakes for a spicier dish, or omit them altogether for a milder flavor.
• Don’t Be Afraid to Experiment: This recipe is a great base for experimentation. Feel free to add other vegetables, such as mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach. You can also substitute the chicken with shrimp or sausage.

Variations & Add-Ins for Your Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta

One of the best things about this Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta is how versatile it is. You can easily customize it to your liking with different variations and add-ins. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Spicy Cowboy Butter: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the butter sauce for an extra kick.
• Vegetarian Cowboy Butter Pasta: Substitute the chicken with your favorite vegetables, such as mushrooms, zucchini, bell peppers, and onions.
• Creamy Tomato Cowboy Butter Pasta: Add a can of diced tomatoes (drained) to the sauce for a tangy twist.
• Cowboy Butter Shrimp Pasta: Substitute the chicken with shrimp for a seafood-inspired dish.
• Add Some Greens: Stir in a handful of spinach or kale at the end of cooking for a boost of nutrients.

Make It a Meal: Side Dish Suggestions

Looking for the perfect side dish to serve with your Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta? Here are a few of my favorites:

• Garlic Bread: A classic pairing that’s always a hit.
• Side Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts.
• Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled corn on the cob, brushed with butter and sprinkled with salt.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Here’s how to store and reheat your Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta:

• Storage: Store the leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat the pasta in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce. You can also microwave it in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.

While you’re enjoying the creamy goodness of this Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta, you might also want to try some other delicious chicken and pasta recipes. For a taste of Asian-inspired flavors, give BANG BANG CHICKEN BOWLS! a try. If you’re a fan of smoky flavors, you’ll love BBQ CHICKEN MAC HEAVEN. And for a classic combination, you can’t go wrong with CHICKEN BACON PASTA. If you want something simple and quick, try Chicken Pasta. For a garlicky delight, check out Parmesan Garlic Chicken Pasta. And if you’re in the mood for a comforting casserole, Creamy Chicken & Rice Casserole is the perfect choice.

The Recipe: Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta – Quick & Creamy

For easy reference, here’s the complete recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 pound pasta (fettuccine, linguine, or penne)
• 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (or more, to taste)
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until cooked through and lightly browned (5-7 minutes).
3. Reduce heat to medium. Add butter to the skillet and let it melt. Add garlic, parsley, thyme, rosemary, red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant.
4. Stir in lemon juice and Worcestershire sauce. Cook for 30 seconds.
5. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until the sauce has thickened slightly.
6. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
7. Add cooked pasta to the skillet with the chicken and sauce. Toss to coat, adding pasta water as needed to reach desired consistency.
8. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
9. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley, if desired.

Enjoy!

Conclusion: Your Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta Adventure Awaits!

There you have it! My foolproof recipe for Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta- Quick & Creamy. I promise, once you try this, it will become a regular on your weeknight dinner rotation. It’s quick, easy, and bursting with flavor. So, gather your ingredients, put on your favorite music, and get ready to create a culinary masterpiece that your family will rave about. Happy cooking!

Lady Maria

Creamy Cowboy Chicken Pasta

This Creamy Cowboy Chicken Pasta recipe is a quick and easy weeknight meal that’s bursting with flavor. It features a creamy, savory cowboy butter sauce infused with garlic, herbs, and spices, tossed with perfectly cooked chicken and pasta for a comforting and satisfying dish.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 6

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 700

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 pound pasta fettuccine, linguine, or penne
• 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes or more, to taste
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

Equipment

• Large Pot
• Colander
• large skillet
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• Cutting board
• knife
• Garlic press (optional)
• wooden spoon or spatula
• Meat thermometer (optional)

Method

 

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and season with salt and pepper. Cook until the chicken is cooked through and lightly browned, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Reduce the heat to medium. Add the butter to the skillet and let it melt. Add the minced garlic, fresh parsley, fresh thyme, fresh rosemary, red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant.
4. Stir in the lemon juice and Worcestershire sauce. Cook for another 30 seconds.
5. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Cook for about 2-3 minutes, until the sauce has thickened slightly.
6. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
7. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the chicken and sauce. Toss to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
8. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper, if needed.
9. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley, if desired.

Notes

For best results, use fresh herbs. Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. Don’t overcook the chicken. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet with a splash of milk or cream, or microwave in 30-second intervals. For a spicier dish, add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper.