Description

Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta is a rich and comforting dish perfect for cozy nights. It features tender chicken breast cooked in a luscious butter-based cream sauce, infused with garlic, onion, Italian seasoning, and a hint of red pepper flakes. Combined with perfectly al dente pasta and topped with Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley, this recipe offers a delightful blend of flavors and creamy texture that satisfies any pasta lover.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Garnish

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, 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 golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
Sauté aromatics: In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and melt completely. Add minced garlic and diced onion, sautéing for 3-4 minutes until the onions are translucent and fragrant.
Make the sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine smoothly. Sprinkle in Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it slightly thickens.
Combine chicken and pasta: Return the cooked chicken and drained pasta to the skillet with the creamy sauce. Gently toss for about 2 minutes to ensure everything is well coated and heated through.
Serve: Serve the Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta warm, topped with a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese and garnished with fresh parsley.

Notes

Substitute gluten-free pasta to make this dish gluten-free.
Use plant-based chicken, non-dairy butter, coconut milk, and nutritional yeast for a vegan version.
Adjust red pepper flakes to your desired spice level.
Reserve pasta water to loosen the sauce if it gets too thick.
Ensure chicken is cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Keywords: creamy chicken pasta, cowboy butter chicken, comfort food pasta, easy dinner recipe, creamy pasta sauce, chicken pasta skillet