Welcome to a finger-licking journey with Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta, a dish that promises to be your go-to comfort food. Infused with a rich, buttery sauce and tender chicken pieces, this pasta offers a perfect balance of savory flavors and creamy textures. Whether you’re hosting a rustic dinner or simply craving something indulgent, this recipe is sure to satisfy.
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken breast, cubed
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 8 ounces of fettuccine or pasta of choice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Equipments
- Large skillet or frying pan
- Medium-sized pot for boiling pasta
- Whisk
- Knife and cutting board
How to Make Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta – Step By Step
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Start by cubing the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces on a clean cutting board. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Gather all other ingredients and keep them nearby for easy access during cooking.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
In a medium-sized pot, bring water to a boil and add a pinch of salt. Add the fettuccine and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside, reserving a cup of pasta water for later use.
Step 3: Sauté the Chicken
Heat olive oil in your large skillet over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken cubes and sauté until fully cooked and golden brown on all sides. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
Step 4: Make the Cowboy Butter Sauce
In the same skillet, melt the unsalted butter. Add lemon juice, chicken broth, paprika, and red pepper flakes to the pan. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it reduce for a couple of minutes. Whisk in heavy cream and let the sauce thicken.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the cooked pasta and sautéed chicken back into the skillet with the cowboy butter sauce. Toss everything well to ensure the pasta and chicken are thoroughly coated. If needed, use some reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce to your desired consistency.
How to Serve Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta
To serve, plate the cowboy butter chicken pasta into bowls or plates and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. For added zest, a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese can take the flavors to another level. Serve immediately with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.
Recipe Success Tips & Suggestions
For optimal results, use fresh ingredients and avoid overcooking the chicken to maintain its tenderness. Feel free to adjust the spice level by adding more or less red pepper flakes depending on your preference. This dish pairs well with a crisp white wine that complements the buttery sauce.
High-Protein Delight: Boost Your Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta
If you’re looking to increase the protein content of this dish, consider adding a handful of baby spinach or kale for extra nutrients. Alternatively, toss in some edamame beans or chickpeas for a hearty twist. These additions not only enhance the nutritional value but also add more textures to the comforting pasta.
Pasta-Less Perfection: Low-Carb Cowboy Butter Chicken
Craving this savory delight without the carbs? Swap fettuccine for zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash, which absorb the sauce beautifully while keeping the carb count down. This low-carb version retains all the indulgent flavors of the original recipe, making it a guilt-free indulgence.
Storage Instructions
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or milk to revive the sauce’s creamy texture. This dish isn’t ideal for freezing as the creamy sauce can separate upon thawing.
FAQs
- Can I use any type of pasta?Yes, you can substitute any pasta you prefer, such as penne or rotini.
- Is there a vegetarian version of this dish?Yes, you can replace the chicken with plant-based protein alternatives like tofu or tempeh.
- Can I make this dish dairy-free?Substitute butter and cream with dairy-free alternatives like coconut cream and olive oil.
- What sides pair well with this pasta?This dish pairs well with a green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
Experience Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta Magic!
This Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta truly encapsulates comfort in every bite. Its richness and well-balanced flavors make it a crowd-pleaser at any table. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this recipe invites you to share, comment, and let your culinary skills shine!
Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- chicken breast
- unsalted butter
- olive oil
- garlic powder
- onion powder
- lemon juice
- chicken broth
- heavy cream
- paprika
- red pepper flakes
- fettuccine
- Salt and pepper
- Fresh parsley
Instructions
Steps
- Start by cubing the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces on a clean cutting board. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Gather all other ingredients and keep them nearby for easy access during cooking.
- In a medium-sized pot, bring water to a boil and add a pinch of salt. Add the fettuccine and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside, reserving a cup of pasta water for later use.
- Heat olive oil in your large skillet over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken cubes and sauté until fully cooked and golden brown on all sides. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt the unsalted butter. Add lemon juice, chicken broth, paprika, and red pepper flakes to the pan. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it reduce for a couple of minutes. Whisk in heavy cream and let the sauce thicken.
- Add the cooked pasta and sautéed chicken back into the skillet with the cowboy butter sauce. Toss everything well to ensure the pasta and chicken are thoroughly coated. If needed, use some reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce to your desired consistency.