Have you ever craved a dish that’s the perfect harmony of creamy, zesty, and savory flavors? Look no further because our Cowboy Butter Lemon Chicken Pasta delivers all that and more! This delightful recipe combines the comforting texture of pasta with the tangy flavor of fresh lemons and the robust taste of cowboy butter. Prepare your taste buds for a culinary adventure that’s both quick and satisfying.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs chicken breast, thinly sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 lemons, juiced and zested
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 cup parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 12 oz. cooked pasta of choice
Equipments
- Large skillet
- Medium saucepan
- Zester
- Juicer
- Knife
- Cutting board
How to Make Cowboy Butter Lemon Chicken Pasta – Step By Step
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Begin by slicing your chicken breasts into thin strips, which will help them cook more evenly. Season the slices with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. These spices will infuse the meat with a delightful warmth, elevating the overall flavor profile of the dish.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and melt half of the butter. Add the seasoned chicken slices and sauté until they’re golden brown and cooked through, which should take about 6-8 minutes. This process allows the natural juices to seal in, ensuring a tender bite each time.
Step 3: Prepare the Lemon Butter Sauce
In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt the remaining butter. Add minced garlic and let it sauté until fragrant. Stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, and heavy cream, whisking until everything is well combined. Allow this to simmer gently for about 2 minutes, ensuring the flavors meld together beautifully.
Step 4: Combine Ingredients
Once the sauce is ready, carefully transfer your cooked chicken into the saucepan, letting it mingle with the citrusy butter sauce. Make sure all the chicken slices are well coated. Add the chopped parsley for an aromatic finish.
Step 5: Final Assembly
Toss the prepared pasta into the lemony chicken concoction. Gently mix until the pasta is thoroughly coated with the sauce and evenly distributed with chicken pieces. A satisfying, harmonious blend of ingredients is what makes this recipe stand out.
How to Serve Cowboy Butter Lemon Chicken Pasta
Serve this delightful pasta dish straight from the saucepan. Garnish with extra parsley and a sprinkle of lemon zest for that enhanced zesty kick. Pair it with a fresh green salad and a glass of chilled white wine to complement its flavors beautifully.
Recipe Success Tips & Suggestions
For an added depth of flavor, consider marinating the chicken with seasonings for 30 minutes prior to cooking. Experiment with different pasta types like fettuccine or penne to find the one that best suits your taste. Don’t forget to save some pasta cooking water! Adding a splash of it back into the pasta helps bind the sauce and keeps everything moist and silky.
Pumped with Protein: Cowboy Butter Lemon Chicken Pasta
If you’re yearning for a more protein-rich version, consider incorporating some greens such as spinach or kale. They not only provide additional nutrients but offer good textural contrast to the pasta. Another great idea is to use chickpea or lentil pasta if you want extra protein without compromising on flavor.
Low Carb Heaven: Guilt-Free Cowboy Butter Lemon Chicken Pasta
Transform this tantalizing recipe into a low-carb alternative by swapping out the pasta for zoodles or shirataki noodles. Both options bring their own delicious twist while cutting down on carbs. You can also dial down the heavy cream and augment the sauce with almond milk for a lighter yet equally satisfying texture.
Storage Instructions
Store any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to revive the creamy texture. Avoid freezing, as the sauce may separate upon thawing, affecting the overall consistency.
FAQs
- Can I use pre-cooked chicken in this recipe?
- Yes, absolutely! Simply toss it in Step 4 with the lemon butter sauce to ensure it absorbs all the flavors.
- What other herbs can be used instead of parsley?
- Dill or basil can offer a fresh twist to your dish, in case parsley isn’t available.
- How do I reduce the spiciness?
- Simply scale back the amount of cayenne pepper or omit it entirely for less heat.
- Can this pasta dish be made dairy-free?
- Substituting coconut cream for the heavy cream can provide a delicious dairy-free alternative.
A Flavorful Finish: Wrap-Up and Recommendations
This Cowboy Butter Lemon Chicken Pasta is nothing short of gastronomical delight, perfectly suitable for both special occasions and weekday dinners. Not only does this recipe deliver a tantalizing flavor profile, but it also allows room for creative personalization. We invite you to share this recipe with friends and leave your comments below – your feedback is the zest to our culinary endeavors!
Cowboy Butter Lemon Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- chicken breast
- garlic
- lemons
- butter
- heavy cream
- smoked paprika
- cayenne pepper
- parsley
- Salt and pepper
- cooked pasta
Instructions
Steps
- Slice the chicken breasts thinly and season them with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper.
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat, add half the butter, and sauté the seasoned chicken slices until golden brown and cooked through.
- In a saucepan, melt the remaining butter, then add minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, and heavy cream. Let it simmer for 2 minutes.
- Add the cooked chicken to the lemon butter sauce and toss to coat. Add chopped parsley.
- Combine with pasta, and mix until everything is evenly coated. Serve with extra parsley as garnish.