If you haven’t yet joined the culinary rodeo that is Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta, grab your whisk and saddle up! This delectable dish combines the rich flavors of savory butter, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked pasta for a taste that promises to lasso your heart. With its roots firmly planted in hearty cowboy cuisine, this pasta is both comforting and invigorating, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a gathering with friends and family.
Ingredients
- 500g boneless chicken breast, cut into strips
- 400g pasta of choice
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 lemon, juiced and zested
- 2 tbsp chopped parsley
- 1 tsp chili flakes
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Equipments
- Large pot for pasta
- Skillet or frying pan
- Spatula
- Grater for cheese
How to Make Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta – Step By Step
Step 1 – Cook the Pasta: Begin by bringing a large pot of water to a boil. Add a pinch of salt and cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. This ensures a perfect bite when combined with the rich cowboy butter sauce.
Step 2 – Prepare the Cowboy Butter: In the meantime, melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic, allowing it to sauté until fragrant. Incorporate the lemon juice and zest for a bright, zesty kick that complements the savory butter.
Step 3 – Cook the Chicken: Place the chicken strips into the skillet, seasoned with salt, pepper, and chili flakes. Cook for 6-8 minutes until the chicken is golden and cooked through, ensuring you achieve a lovely caramelization which enhances the dish’s depth of flavor.
Step 4 – Combine and Serve: Drain the pasta and add it to the skillet with the chicken and butter sauce. Toss everything together, letting the pasta soak up all the flavors. Add chopped parsley and Parmesan for a final garnish.
How to Serve Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta
To serve your Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta, consider a rustic presentation that nods to its country roots. Serve it fresh from the skillet or in a large, warm bowl for family-style dining. Pair with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables to round out the meal.
Recipe Success Tips & Suggestions
For an even richer flavor, try using a homemade broth to cook the pasta. If you love your dish with a bit of smokey depth, a pinch of smoked paprika can add an excellent transformation. Experiment with adding vegetables such as spinach or cherry tomatoes for added texture and color.
Indulgent High-Protein Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta
For those looking to increase their protein intake, this Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta can be tweaked with ease. By incorporating chickpea or lentil pasta instead of traditional wheat varieties, you instantly amp up the protein content. Additionally, grilling or broiling your chicken strips before sautéing in butter can enhance the texture and add extra flavor layers.
Low-Carb Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta Delight
In pursuit of a low-carb lifestyle? Swap out the pasta for zoodles or spaghetti squash! These delicious substitutes absorb the buttery sauce splendidly, keeping the essence of the dish intact while skipping the carbs. Adding a bit more protein with a sprinkle of bacon bits can also create a flavor-boosted experience without the carbs.
Storage Instructions
Store any leftover Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave or warm on the stove with a splash of water or broth to keep the pasta from drying out.
FAQs
- Can I use a different type of meat? Absolutely! While chicken is a tender choice, pork or turkey work wonderfully too.
- What can I substitute for butter? For a dairy-free option, use a plant-based butter or coconut oil; expect subtle flavor changes.
- How long does it take to make this dish? From prep to plate, Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta takes about 30 minutes.
- Can I make it spicier? Certainly! Add extra chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
Saddle Up and Dig Into Cowboy Flavors!
This Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta is a true crowd-pleaser, hearty and full of flavor with minimal effort. Perfect for impressing guests or elevating a regular dinner night to something extraordinary. Share this recipe with fellow cowboy cuisine enthusiasts and usher them into the world of delicious discoveries!
Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- boneless chicken breast
- pasta of choice
- unsalted butter
- garlic clove
- lemon
- chopped parsley
- chili flakes
- Salt and pepper
- grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
Steps
- Cook the pasta in a pot of boiling salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat and add garlic, sautéing until fragrant. Stir in lemon juice and zest.
- Add chicken to the skillet and season with salt, pepper, and chili flakes. Cook until chicken is golden and cooked through.
- Combine the cooked pasta and chicken sauce, then garnish with parsley and Parmesan cheese before serving.