Welcome to an adventure of tastes with our Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta! This dish combines the robustness of cowboy butter with tender chicken and perfectly cooked pasta, offering a rich and soulful meal that’s perfect for dinner when you’re in the mood for something heartwarming and savory. Let’s dive into this simple yet delectable recipe that promises to be a family favorite.
Ingredients
Equipments
Before you start cooking, ensure you have these handy kitchen tools: a large skillet, a medium saucepan, a sharp knife, a cutting board, and a wooden spoon.
How to Make Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta – Step By Step
Step 1:
Cook the Pasta
Begin by bringing a pot of salted water to a boil. Add your favorite pasta and cook until al dente, following the package instructions. Drain the pasta, reserving half a cup of the pasta water, and set aside. This water will help loosen the sauce if necessary and add compatibility between the pasta and sauce.
Step 2:
Prepare the Chicken
While the pasta is cooking, slice your chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Season them with salt and pepper for an extra layer of flavor. This step ensures the chicken absorbs the spices, enhancing the dish’s overall taste profile.
Step 3:
Make the Cowboy Butter Sauce
In a large skillet, melt unsalted butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic, lemon juice, and a dash of red pepper flakes. Stir in Dijon mustard and fresh parsley, cooking until the garlic is fragrant and the sauce thickens slightly. This aromatic base sets the tone for the entire dish.
Step 4:
Cook the Chicken
Add the seasoned chicken to the skillet with the cowboy butter sauce. Cook until the chicken is no longer pink in the center. This allows the chicken to soak up the rich flavors of the cowboy butter, making each bite a burst of savory delight.
Step 5:
Combine Ingredients
Once the chicken is cooked through, add the pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta is coated evenly with the sauce. If the mixture seems too thick, gradually add some of the reserved pasta water. Finish by sprinkling grated Parmesan cheese over the top, allowing it to melt into the mix.
How to Serve Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta
Transfer the Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta to a serving dish, and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve immediately for the best flavor experience. Pair it with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Recipe Success Tips & Suggestions
For best results, use fresh chicken and quality butter. You can adjust the spice level by varying the amount of red pepper flakes. To make it creamier, add a splash of heavy cream in the final step.
Power-Packed Protein: Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta
Transform this dish into a high-protein feast by adding sliced grilled sausage and extra chicken breast. The additional meats create an extra hearty meal while maintaining the integrity of the original recipe.
Low Carb Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta: Keeping it Keto
Swap out regular pasta for zoodles or spaghetti squash to keep this dish low-carb. These alternatives complement the flavors perfectly while ensuring the dish remains a keto-friendly delight.
Storage Instructions
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of water or chicken broth before microwaving to keep the pasta moist.
FAQs
- Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes, you can make it a day in advance. Store it in the fridge and reheat when ready to serve.
- What pasta works best? Penne, fusilli, and fettuccine all complement the sauce’s texture well.
- Can I add vegetables? Definitely! Peas, broccoli, or bell peppers are great additions.
- Is it possible to freeze this dish? Yes, but it’s best consumed fresh for optimal texture.
Wrap-Up and Final Thoughts
Our Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta is not only delicious but also versatile and easy to make. Whether high-protein or low-carb, the options are endless. If you’ve enjoyed this recipe, do share your creation on social media and leave a comment below with your thoughts or variations!
Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- chicken breast
- pasta
- unsalted butter
- garlic
- lemon juice
- red pepper flakes
- Dijon mustard
- fresh parsley
- Parmesan cheese
Instructions
Steps
- Cook the pasta until al dente, then drain, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
- Season chicken with salt and pepper and slice into bite-sized pieces.
- Prepare cowboy butter sauce by melting butter and adding garlic, lemon juice, red pepper flakes, mustard, and parsley.
- Add chicken to the sauce, cooking until no longer pink.
- Combine pasta with chicken and sauce, adding Parmesan and pasta water as needed.