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Creamy cowboy butter chicken pasta served in a bowl with fresh herbs

Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta

A delightful and satisfying dish that combines the richness of creamy sauce with tender chicken and pasta, perfect for family gatherings or cozy dinners.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 650
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta and Chicken
  • 1 lb Chicken breast, boneless and skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 12 oz Pasta (fusilli or penne)
Sauce Ingredients
  • 4 tbsp Butter Use unsalted for better control of seasoning.
  • 4 cloves Garlic, minced
  • 1 cup Heavy cream For a lighter version, consider half-and-half.
  • 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated Can substitute with Pecorino Romano or Nutritional yeast.
  • 1 cup Chicken broth, low sodium preferred
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Pepper
  • to taste Italian herbs (dried mix such as basil, oregano, and thyme)
  • for garnish Fresh Parsley

Method
 

Cooking the Pasta
  1. Begin by cooking the pasta according to package instructions in salted water. Once cooked, drain and set aside, reserving about ½ cup of the pasta water.
Making the Sauce
  1. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes, being careful not to let it brown.
  2. Add the chicken breast pieces to the skillet and cook until browned and fully cooked through, about 7-10 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of Italian herbs.
  3. Stir in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Bring to a gentle simmer.
  4. Gradually mix in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and fully combined. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Combining and Serving
  1. Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing gently to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water to reach desired consistency.
  2. Serve warm, garnished with freshly chopped parsley.

Notes

For added flavor, consider roasting the chicken before cutting it into pieces. This dish can also incorporate vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for extra nutrition. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days; reheat gently with a bit of milk or cream.