Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta

why make this recipe

Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta is a delicious and comforting dish that combines the richness of creamy butter sauce with tender chicken and pasta. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner when you want something quick yet satisfying. The combination of spices gives it a unique flavor that will leave everyone asking for more. Plus, it’s easy to make and can be ready in under 30 minutes!

how to make Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta

Ingredients :

• 500 g (1 lb) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for spice preference)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley, plus more for garnish
• 340 g (12 oz) fettuccine or pasta of choice
• Juice of half a lemon

Directions :

1. Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken pieces and cook until they are browned and cooked through, approximately 6-8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
4. Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
5. Stir in the heavy cream and let the mixture simmer for another 2-3 minutes.
6. Gradually add the Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until it has melted and the sauce is smooth.
7. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to combine with the sauce. Add the lemon juice and chopped parsley, stirring to mix.
8. In a separate pot, cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and add it to the skillet, tossing to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce and chicken.
9. Cook for another 2-3 minutes to ensure the pasta is well combined and heated through.
10. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan and parsley if desired.

how to serve Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta

Serve Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta warm, straight from the skillet. For a colorful touch, sprinkle extra parsley and freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top. Pair it with a simple green salad or some garlic bread for a complete meal.

how to store Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta

To store leftovers, let the Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta cool completely. Place it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can warm it gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a bit more cream or broth to loosen the sauce if needed.

tips to make Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta

• Be careful not to overcook the chicken. It should be golden brown and no longer pink in the center.
• Adjust the heat level by changing the amount of cayenne pepper.
• Using freshly grated Parmesan cheese will give the sauce a better texture and flavor.
• You can add vegetables like spinach or cherry tomatoes for added color and nutrition.

variation

For a lighter version, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or a low-fat cream alternative. You can also use whole grain or gluten-free pasta to make it healthier.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just be sure to thaw it completely before cooking for even cooking.

2. What can I use instead of Parmesan cheese?
If you don’t have Parmesan cheese, you can use Pecorino Romano or any shredded cheese you prefer.

3. Is this dish spicy?
The spiciness depends on the amount of cayenne pepper you add. You can reduce or omit it if you prefer a milder dish.

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