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Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta

A comforting and creamy pasta dish featuring tender chicken and a rich sauce, perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces Pasta of your choice (e.g., penne or fettuccine)
  • 1 pound Chicken breast, boneless and skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 4 tablespoons Butter (unsalted recommended)
  • 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 Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon Red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente (typically 8-10 minutes). Once cooked, reserve 1 cup of pasta water, drain it, and set it aside.
  2. Sauté Chicken: In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the diced chicken pieces and season with salt and pepper. Cook for about 6-8 minutes until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, stirring occasionally. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  3. Create the Sauce: In the same skillet, add the remaining butter. Sauté the minced garlic and diced onion until translucent (about 3-4 minutes). This step infuses the butter with flavor.
  4. Add Cream and Broth: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Add the Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes. Let the sauce simmer for about 5 minutes until it thickens slightly. If it gets too thick, use your reserved pasta water to adjust it.
  5. Combine Pasta and Chicken: Return the cooked chicken and drained pasta to the skillet. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Toss everything to coat in the creamy sauce and let it cook for another 2 minutes to meld the flavors.
  6. Serve: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top and let it melt. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy your Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta warm!

Notes

This dish can be customized with vegetables or different pasta types, and is excellent for meal prep.

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