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Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta

Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta for Cozy Nights

This Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta is a comforting weeknight dish that comes together in 30 minutes, featuring tender chicken, garlic, and a rich buttery sauce.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 650
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 12 oz Pasta your favorite shape or gluten-free varieties
For the Sauce
  • 1 lb Chicken Breast can be swapped with plant-based chicken
  • 4 tbsp Butter or olive oil for a lighter variant
  • 4 cloves Garlic fresh garlic is ideal
  • 1 medium Onion or shallots/leeks as substitutes
  • 1 cup Heavy Cream coconut milk or cashew cream for dairy-free
  • 1 cup Chicken Broth vegetable broth is a perfect substitute
  • 1 cup Parmesan Cheese use nutritional yeast as a vegan alternative
  • 1 tbsp Italian Seasoning swap for fresh herbs if desired
  • 1 tsp Red Pepper Flakes omit for milder flavor
  • to taste Salt and Pepper adjust to taste
  • 2 tbsp Fresh Parsley for garnish, basil or chives are substitutes

Equipment

  • large pot
  • large skillet
  • measuring cups
  • measuring spoons
  • colander

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, drain, and set aside.
  2. Sauté Chicken: Melt butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper, add to skillet, and cook for 6-8 minutes until golden brown. Remove and let rest before slicing.
  3. Create Sauce: In the same skillet, add remaining butter and sauté diced onion and minced garlic for 3-4 minutes until translucent. This develops the flavor for the sauce.
  4. Add Cream and Broth: Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, stir in Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes, and let simmer for 5 minutes until slightly thickened. Use reserved pasta water to adjust consistency if needed.
  5. Combine: Return the sliced chicken and cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss to coat with the sauce and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
  6. Serve: Sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top and garnish with parsley. Serve warm.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 650kcalCarbohydrates: 75gProtein: 30gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 15gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 250mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Consider adding fresh herbs like basil or oregano for heightened flavor. Serve with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.

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