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Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta

Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta
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Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta is a creamy, savory dish combining tender, seasoned chicken breasts with a rich garlic butter and heavy cream sauce, tossed with perfectly cooked pasta for a quick and comforting weeknight meal that pleases the whole family.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 tablespoon butter (for cooking chicken)

Sauce

  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (divided)
  • 3 garlic cloves, freshly minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Pasta

  • 8 ounces pasta (penne or fusilli preferred)
  • Reserved pasta water, as needed

Garnish

  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • Additional black pepper, for serving

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving about one cup of the pasta cooking water, then set both aside.
  2. Cook the Chicken: While the pasta cooks, heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the pan and let rest before slicing.
  3. Make the Cowboy Butter Sauce: Reduce heat to medium. In the same skillet, add the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter. Stir in the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Slowly pour in the heavy cream while stirring constantly to combine and create a smooth sauce.
  4. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss well to coat the pasta evenly. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water one tablespoon at a time until reaching desired consistency.
  5. Finish with Cheese and Chicken: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta and stir until melted and fully incorporated. Slice the rested chicken into strips and arrange on top or mix into the pasta. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and an extra grind of black pepper before serving.

Notes

  • Use real unsalted butter for the richest, creamiest sauce.
  • Avoid overcooking chicken to keep it juicy and tender.
  • Cooking pasta al dente ensures better sauce adherence and texture.
  • Freshly minced garlic delivers superior flavor compared to pre-minced.
  • Reserve some pasta water to adjust sauce consistency without watering it down.
  • Rest the chicken before slicing to retain juices and prevent dryness.

Nutrition

Keywords: butter chicken pasta, creamy chicken pasta, garlic butter sauce, quick weeknight dinner, comfort food, smoked paprika chicken, easy pasta recipe

Find it online: https://mealsbysarah.com/cowboy-butter-chicken-pasta/