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Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta Recipe

4.4 from 76 reviews

This Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta is a rich and flavorful dish featuring tender, seasoned chicken pieces sautéed in a buttery garlic sauce enriched with Parmesan and cream. Tossed with fettuccine and fresh parsley, it’s a comforting, hearty meal perfect for a satisfying dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Seasoning

  • 500 g (1 lb) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for spice preference)

Sauce

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 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
  • Juice of half a lemon

Pasta

  • 340 g (12 oz) fettuccine or pasta of choice

Instructions

  1. Season the chicken: Sprinkle salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper over the chicken pieces, ensuring they are evenly coated.
  2. Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 6-8 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside.
  3. Sauté garlic: Lower heat to medium, add butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Add chicken broth: Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer while scraping up any browned bits from the skillet bottom for added flavor.
  5. Simmer with cream: Stir in heavy cream and let the sauce simmer gently for 2-3 minutes to thicken slightly.
  6. Incorporate Parmesan: Gradually add Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly until melted and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
  7. Combine chicken and sauce: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to coat with the sauce. Add lemon juice and chopped parsley, mixing well.
  8. Cook pasta: In a separate pot, cook the fettuccine according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well.
  9. Toss pasta and sauce: Add drained pasta to the skillet with chicken and sauce, tossing thoroughly to coat evenly. Cook together for another 2-3 minutes to meld flavors and heat through.
  10. Serve: Plate the pasta immediately, garnishing with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley if desired for a fresh touch.

Notes

  • Adjust cayenne pepper based on your preferred heat level.
  • For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, but the sauce will be less rich.
  • Any pasta shape can be used if fettuccine is unavailable.
  • Use freshly grated Parmesan for best melting and flavor.
  • Ensure not to overcook the chicken to keep it tender and juicy.

Keywords: Chicken pasta, creamy chicken pasta, cowboy butter chicken, garlic butter chicken, fettuccine recipe, quick dinner, creamy pasta sauce