Description
A rich and creamy pasta dish featuring tender chicken and a velvety sauce infused with garlic and butter, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 ounces pasta of your choice (e.g., penne or fettuccine)
- 1 pound chicken breast, boneless and skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a roaring boil. Add your preferred pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente—typically 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining; set it aside for later.
- Sauté Chicken: In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the diced chicken, seasoning it with salt and pepper. Cook for about 6-8 minutes, allowing the chicken to turn golden brown and cook through, stirring occasionally. Once done, remove the chicken and set aside.
- Create the Sauce: In the same skillet, add the remaining butter, allowing it to melt. Sauté the minced garlic and diced onion for about 3-4 minutes until they become translucent and aromatic.
- Add Cream and Broth: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Stir in the Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes. Let this delightful mixture simmer gently for about 5 minutes, thickening slightly. If it becomes too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
- Combine Pasta and Chicken: Return the cooked chicken and drained pasta to the skillet, making sure everything is well-coated in the creamy sauce. Taste and adjust with additional salt and pepper if desired. Allow it to heat through for another 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Serve: Finish by sprinkling grated Parmesan cheese over the top, allowing it to melt into every crevice. Garnish with fresh parsley for a vibrant touch and enjoy your Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta while warm!
Notes
Make-ahead tips: Prepare chicken and sauce ahead of time, storing separately until you’re ready to cook your pasta. For dietary preferences, substitute chicken with turkey, shrimp, or plant-based protein, and consider gluten-free pasta options.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 65g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 90mg