Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta for Cozy Nights Recipe
Introduction
This Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta is the perfect comforting dish for cozy nights. It combines tender chicken, rich buttery sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta with a hint of spice. Easy to make and deeply satisfying, it’s sure to become a weeknight favorite.
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)
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.
- Step 2: In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the diced chicken breast, seasoning 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 Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for about 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Step 5: Return the cooked chicken and drained pasta to the skillet. Toss gently for 2 minutes to coat everything well in the creamy sauce.
- Step 6: Serve warm, topped with grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh parsley.
Tips & Variations
- For a vegan version, substitute plant-based chicken, non-dairy butter, coconut milk, vegetable broth, and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.
- If the sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach desired consistency.
- Add sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers for extra vegetables and flavor.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to control the heat level or omit for a milder dish.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce as needed. Avoid microwaving too long to keep the chicken tender and sauce creamy.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, any pasta shape works well with this dish. Penne, fusilli, or farfalle are great alternatives. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely. Use non-dairy butter, coconut milk instead of heavy cream, vegetable broth, and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese for a delicious dairy-free version.
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Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta for Cozy Nights Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta is a comforting and rich dish perfect for cozy nights. This recipe features tender chicken breast sautéed with garlic and onions, tossed in a luscious buttery cream sauce infused with Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes, then combined with perfectly cooked pasta. A hearty, flavorful, and easy-to-make meal that can be customized with gluten-free or vegan alternatives to suit various dietary preferences.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 ounces pasta (gluten-free pasta can be substituted)
Chicken
- 1 pound chicken breast (plant-based chicken can be used for a vegan option)
Sauce
- 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)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: 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. Once done, reserve 1 cup of the pasta water for later, then drain the pasta and set it aside in a colander while you prepare the sauce.
- Cook the chicken: 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 the chicken for about 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally until it’s golden brown and cooked through. Once finished, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
- Sauté garlic and onions: In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter, allowing it to melt completely. Introduce the minced garlic and diced onion, sautéing the mixture for about 3-4 minutes until the onions become translucent and fragrant.
- Make the cream sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth into the skillet, stirring to combine the ingredients smoothly. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let the sauce cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until it slightly thickens.
- Combine chicken, pasta, and sauce: Return the cooked chicken and drained pasta to the skillet with the creamy sauce. Gently toss everything together for about 2 minutes, ensuring that the pasta and chicken are well coated in the sauce.
- Serve: Once everything is well combined and heated through, serve the Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta warm, topped with a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese and a garnish of fresh parsley.
Notes
- You can substitute gluten-free pasta and plant-based chicken along with non-dairy butter and coconut milk to make this dish vegan.
- Adjust red pepper flakes according to your heat preference.
- Reserve some pasta water to adjust sauce consistency if needed.
- Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to make the recipe vegetarian.
- For extra flavor, add some smoked paprika or a splash of white wine to the sauce while simmering.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Creamy chicken pasta, cowboy butter chicken pasta, creamy pasta recipe, easy dinner pasta, stovetop chicken pasta
