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Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta

Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta
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Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta is a rich, creamy, and flavor-packed dish made with tender chicken, buttery garlic sauce, herbs, and a hint of heat—all tossed with perfectly cooked pasta. It’s an easy weeknight dinner that feels indulgent and comforting, yet comes together in under 40 minutes. Perfect for pasta lovers who crave bold, savory flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

  • 12 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or rotini)

  • 1 lb chicken breast, boneless and skinless, cut into bite-size pieces

  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided

  • 4 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 medium onion, diced

  • 1 cup heavy cream (or coconut milk for a lighter option)

  • 1 cup chicken broth (low-sodium preferred)

  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning

  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)

  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

  • Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.

2. Cook the Chicken

In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 6–8 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.

3. Make the Sauce

In the same skillet, add remaining butter. Sauté garlic and onion for 3–4 minutes until soft and fragrant.

4. Add Cream and Broth

Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth. Stir in Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes. Simmer gently for about 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Use reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.

5. Combine Everything

Add cooked chicken and pasta to the skillet. Toss until well coated in the sauce. Let cook for 2 more minutes so flavors come together.

6. Finish and Serve

Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the pasta and stir until melted. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.

Notes

  • Extra flavor: Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end for brightness.

  • Spicier kick: Increase red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce.

  • Creamier sauce: Stir in an extra ¼ cup cream or a tablespoon of cream cheese.

  • Protein swap: Shrimp or sliced sausage work beautifully in this recipe.

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