Description
Are you ready to elevate your weeknight dinners with a dish that’s satisfying, comforting, and bursting with bold flavor? Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta combines tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a rich, buttery cream sauce infused with garlic, herbs, and a touch of heat. Inspired by hearty cowboy-style flavors, this dish comes together quickly and delivers big taste with minimal effort.
Perfect for busy nights or casual entertaining, this creamy chicken pasta is guaranteed to become a family favorite. One bite, and everyone will be asking for seconds.
Ingredients
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12 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or rotini)
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1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
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4 tbsp unsalted butter
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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1 medium onion, diced
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1 cup heavy cream
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1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
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1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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1 tbsp Italian seasoning
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1 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
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Salt, to taste
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Black pepper, to taste
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Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
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Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
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In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter.
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Add the chicken pieces and cook for 5–6 minutes until golden and cooked through.
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Stir in the diced onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened.
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Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
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Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine.
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Add Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper.
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Let the sauce simmer for 5–7 minutes until slightly thickened.
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Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat evenly.
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Stir in the Parmesan cheese until the sauce becomes creamy and smooth.
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Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Notes
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Reserve a little pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed.
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Add smoked paprika or cayenne for extra heat and depth.
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Swap heavy cream with coconut milk for a lighter dairy-free version.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 610 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 36 g
- Saturated Fat: 19 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 34 g
- Cholesterol: 145 mg
Keywords: cowboy butter chicken pasta, creamy chicken pasta, easy weeknight pasta