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- 2 chicken breasts, diced into bite-sized pieces - 8 oz (225g) pasta (penne or rigatoni recommended) - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup heavy cream - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese These main ingredients form the heart of Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta. The chicken gives protein, while pasta adds a chewy base. Butter brings richness, and garlic offers a nice punch. Tomatoes add freshness, and cream creates that creamy delight. Parmesan cheese ties everything together with its salty flavor. - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon chili flakes (adjust according to desired spice level) - Salt and pepper to taste Seasoning is key to making this dish pop. Smoked paprika gives a warm, smoky taste. Onion powder adds depth, while oregano brings a bit of earthiness. Chili flakes can spice things up, so adjust them to your liking. Don’t forget salt and pepper to enhance all those flavors. - Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish - Additional Parmesan cheese Garnishing is all about presentation and flavor. Fresh parsley adds a hint of color and freshness. Extra Parmesan cheese can bring a savory punch to each bite. These simple touches make a big difference in how the dish looks and tastes. {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. It should bubble like a hot spring. Add the pasta and cook it until it's just right, or al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Once done, set aside 1 cup of starchy pasta water. Then, drain the pasta and let it rest. In a big skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Toss in the diced chicken. Sprinkle on smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes. Stir it around until it turns golden brown and is fully cooked. Once the chicken is ready, add minced garlic and halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Sauté this mix for about 2-3 minutes. Watch the tomatoes soften and give off their tasty juices. This adds a punch of flavor to your dish. Now, lower the heat to medium-low. Add the last 2 tablespoons of butter and pour in the heavy cream. Stir it all together well. Let the sauce gently simmer. This step helps create that creamy texture you want. Add your cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss it gently so every noodle gets coated in the rich sauce. If the sauce feels too thick, slowly add the reserved pasta water. Keep adding until you reach the perfect creaminess for your dish. Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese and mix it well until it melts into the sauce. Taste your pasta and adjust the seasoning. You can add more salt, pepper, or chili flakes if you like it spicier. Now, your Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta is ready to serve! For Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta, you can use either penne or rigatoni. I find penne works great because its tube shape holds the sauce well. Rigatoni is also a good choice. Its larger size gives you more sauce in each bite. Pick whichever you like best! To get the sauce just right, use the reserved pasta water. If your sauce is too thick, add some pasta water slowly. This water is starchy and helps the sauce cling better to the pasta. Adjust until you find the perfect creaminess. To make the dish even better, think about adding more herbs or spices. Fresh basil or thyme can brighten the flavors. You could also try adding a dash of lemon juice for some zest. If you like heat, consider more chili flakes. Just remember to adjust to your taste! Pro Tips Perfectly Cooked Pasta: Always cook your pasta until al dente for the best texture. It will continue to cook slightly when mixed with the sauce. Seasoning the Chicken: Don't skimp on seasoning your chicken! Ensure it's well-seasoned before cooking for maximum flavor. Customizing Spice Level: Adjust the chili flakes according to your preference. You can also add fresh jalapeños for an extra kick. Garnishing: For a pop of color and freshness, always finish with freshly chopped parsley and an additional sprinkle of Parmesan. {{image_4}} You can switch up the protein in Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta. If you like shrimp, just sauté them for a few minutes. They cook fast and add a nice flavor. Turkey works well too. Use ground turkey instead of chicken for a lighter option. If you prefer plant-based, try tofu. Press and cube it, then cook until golden. To make a veggie version, skip the chicken entirely. Instead, use a mix of your favorite vegetables. Bell peppers, zucchini, and spinach blend well in this dish. Sauté them just like you would the chicken. Use vegetable broth for added flavor in the sauce. This way, you still enjoy a creamy pasta dish without meat. You can play with the cream options to fit your diet. If you're dairy-free, try cashew cream. Soak cashews in water, then blend until smooth. This gives a rich texture. Another option is half-and-half for a lighter sauce. You can even use coconut cream for a fun twist. Each choice gives a unique taste to the dish. To store leftover Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta, let it cool first. Place it in a tight container. This keeps it fresh and tasty. Make sure to eat it within three days for the best flavor. When you reheat, add a splash of cream or pasta water. This helps keep it creamy. You can freeze Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta for later. First, let it cool completely. Then, put it in a freezer-safe bag or container. Remove any air to prevent freezer burn. It can last up to three months in the freezer. When you're ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat it on the stove with a bit of cream. Stir gently until hot. In the fridge, Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta lasts about three days. If you freeze it, it can last up to three months. Always check for signs of spoilage before eating. If it smells off or looks strange, it’s best to throw it away. Enjoy your tasty pasta while it's fresh! Yes, you can use different types of chicken. Chicken thighs add extra flavor. Rotisserie chicken saves time and is very tasty. Just make sure to shred or chop it into bite-sized pieces. You can also grill or bake chicken if you prefer. The spice level can be adjusted to fit your taste. The recipe calls for chili flakes. If you want less heat, use fewer flakes. For more heat, add more chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce. Taste as you go to find your perfect spice level. Yes, you can prep this dish ahead of time. Cook the pasta and chicken separately. Store them in the fridge. When ready to serve, combine them with the sauce. This saves time and helps with meal prep during busy weeks. This pasta pairs well with a simple side salad or garlic bread. A fresh green salad adds crunch and balances the creamy sauce. You can also serve it with a light white wine or sparkling water. Enjoy your meal with friends and family! This blog post covered how to make Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta from start to finish. We discussed key ingredients, step-by-step cooking instructions, and tips for perfecting your dish. You learned about variations, like using shrimp or tofu, and how to store leftovers. Cooking pasta can be easy and fun. Trust your skills and try new flavors. Enjoy your delicious meal!

Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta

A creamy and flavorful pasta dish featuring diced chicken, garlic, and a rich butter sauce.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 pieces chicken breasts, diced into bite-sized pieces
  • 8 oz pasta (penne or rigatoni recommended)
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon chili flakes (adjust according to desired spice level)
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • for garnish fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, reserve 1 cup of the starchy pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
  • In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the diced chicken to the skillet, seasoning it with smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for approximately 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked through.
  • With the chicken cooked, stir in the minced garlic and halved cherry tomatoes into the skillet. Sauté the mixture for about 2-3 minutes, or until the tomatoes begin to soften and release their juices.
  • Lower the heat to medium-low and add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter along with the heavy cream. Stir well, allowing the sauce to come to a gentle simmer, promoting a creamy texture.
  • Add the cooked pasta into the skillet, tossing gently to coat the noodles evenly in the rich creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, gradually pour in the reserved pasta water until you achieve your desired consistency.
  • Mix in the grated Parmesan cheese until it is melted and beautifully incorporated into the sauce. Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt, pepper, and chili flakes if desired.
  • Carefully spoon the Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta into serving bowls and generously garnish with freshly chopped parsley.

Notes

For an elegant touch, add an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top and place a sprig of parsley for color. Serve alongside rustic bread to complement the dish! Enjoy!
Keyword butter, chicken, creamy, pasta, quick meal