Name: Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta for Cozy Nights Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 ounces pasta (gluten-free pasta can be substituted); 1 pound chicken breast (plant-based chicken can be used for a vegan option); 4 tablespoons butter (use non-dairy butter for a vegan option); 3 cloves garlic (minced); 1 medium onion (yellow or white, diced); 1 cup heavy cream (coconut milk works as a great dairy-free alternative); 1 cup chicken broth (vegetable broth for vegetarian offering); 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (nutritional yeast can be used for a vegan option); 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning; 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste); 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon pepper; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (for garnish)

Ingredients

8 ounces pasta (gluten-free pasta can be substituted)

1 pound chicken breast (plant-based chicken can be used for a vegan option)

4 tablespoons butter (use non-dairy butter for a vegan option)

3 cloves garlic (minced)

1 medium onion (yellow or white)

1 cup heavy cream (coconut milk works as a great dairy-free alternative)

1 cup chicken broth (vegetable broth for vegetarian offering)

1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (nutritional yeast can be used for a vegan option)

2 teaspoons Italian seasoning

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon pepper

2 tablespoons fresh parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil over high heat. Add your choice of pasta and cook for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside in a colander.

Step 2: In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the diced chicken breast, seasoning it generously with salt and pepper. Cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside.

Step 3: In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the minced garlic and diced onion, sautéing for 3-4 minutes until the onions are translucent and fragrant.

Step 4: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Add the Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes, then bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce slightly thickens.

Step 5: Return the cooked chicken and drained pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Gently toss everything together for 2 minutes, ensuring the pasta and chicken are well coated.

Step 6: Serve warm, topped with grated Parmesan cheese and garnished with fresh parsley.

Tips & Variations

For a vegan version, use plant-based chicken, non-dairy butter, coconut milk instead of heavy cream, vegetable broth, and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.

If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to loosen it up.

Try adding sautéed mushrooms or spinach for extra veggies and flavor.

Adjust the red pepper flakes to control the heat level to your liking.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, feel free to use any pasta you prefer, such as penne, rigatoni, or even gluten-free varieties depending on your dietary needs.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?

Coconut milk is a great dairy-free alternative that keeps the sauce creamy and rich. For non-vegan options, half-and-half or whole milk can be used but may result in a thinner sauce.