Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta for Cozy Nights Recipe

Introduction

This Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta is a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for cozy nights in. With tender chicken, a rich buttery sauce, and a hint of spice, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s simple to make.

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

1. 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. Once done, reserve 1 cup of the pasta water for later, then drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. 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 the chicken for about 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Step 3: In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and allow it to melt completely. Add the minced garlic and diced onion, sautéing for about 3-4 minutes until the onions become translucent and fragrant.
4. Step 4: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes, then bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until the sauce slightly thickens.
5. Step 5: Return the cooked chicken and drained pasta to the skillet with the creamy sauce. Gently toss everything together for about 2 minutes, ensuring the pasta and chicken are well coated.
6. Step 6: Serve the pasta warm, topped with grated Parmesan cheese and a garnish 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 a little reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
• Add sautéed mushrooms or spinach for extra flavor and nutrition.
• Adjust red pepper flakes to your spice preference for a milder or spicier dish.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce if needed.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, feel free to use any pasta you prefer, such as penne, fettuccine, or gluten-free varieties. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions.

How do I make this dish dairy-free?

Use non-dairy butter, substitute heavy cream with coconut milk, vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan cheese for a delicious dairy-free alternative.

Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta for Cozy Nights Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 150 reviews

• Author: Ella
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta is a comforting and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken breast cooked in a rich, buttery cream sauce with garlic, onions, and Italian seasoning. Perfect for cozy nights, this pasta combines the heartiness of chicken with a luscious sauce and a hint of spice, garnished with fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese. It offers versatile options for various dietary needs, including vegan and gluten-free substitutions.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta

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

Chicken and Butter

• 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)

Vegetables and Aromatics

• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 medium onion (yellow or white), diced

Liquids and Seasonings

• 1 cup heavy cream (coconut milk works as a great dairy-free alternative)
• 1 cup chicken broth (vegetable broth for vegetarian offering)
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper

Toppings

• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (nutritional yeast can be used for a vegan option)
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. 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. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta and set it aside in a colander.
2. Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Season the diced chicken breast generously with salt and pepper. Cook the chicken for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
3. Sauté Aromatics: 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 turn translucent and fragrant.
4. Make the Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until slightly thickened.
5. Combine Ingredients: Return the cooked chicken and drained pasta to the skillet with the creamy sauce. Gently toss everything together for 2 minutes, ensuring the pasta and chicken are well coated.
6. Serve: Serve the Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta warm, topped with a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley for garnish.

Notes

• Substitute gluten-free pasta to make the dish gluten-free.
• For a vegan version, use plant-based chicken, non-dairy butter, coconut milk instead of cream, vegetable broth, and nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan.
• Adjust red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level.
• Reserve pasta water to loosen the sauce if it becomes too thick.
• Fresh parsley adds a bright, fresh flavor and color contrast when garnishing.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: butter chicken pasta, creamy chicken pasta, easy dinner recipe, stovetop pasta dish, comfort food pasta, garlic chicken pasta