Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite comfort food: Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta! This dish is like a warm hug on a plate, with creamy pasta enveloping tender, juicy chicken, all tossed in a zesty cowboy butter sauce that will make your taste buds sing. Seriously, the flavors are out of this world! I whip this up whenever I need a pick-me-up or when friends come over, and it never fails to impress. The best part? It’s super quick to make, so I can enjoy delicious home-cooked goodness without spending all day in the kitchen. Trust me, once you try this Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta, you’ll be hooked just like I am!
Ingredients List
- 2 cups penne pasta
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 1/2 cup cowboy butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup packed grated parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
How to Prepare *Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta*
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
First things first, let’s get that pasta cooking! Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Trust me, adding salt is key; it flavors the pasta as it cooks. Once the water’s bubbling, toss in 2 cups of penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Keep an eye on it, and don’t forget to stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Once done, drain and set it aside for later!
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Now, let’s get some sizzle going! In a large skillet, heat up 1/2 cup of cowboy butter over medium heat. Once it’s melted and starting to bubble, add in your diced chicken. Cook it for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until it’s beautifully browned and cooked through. Make sure to give it some space in the pan so it cooks evenly! You want each piece to get that lovely golden color.
Step 3: Add Flavor
Here comes the fun part! Stir in 2 cloves of minced garlic and 1 teaspoon of paprika into the skillet with the chicken. Cook it for just about a minute, stirring constantly. You’ll want to be quick here to avoid burning the garlic—it can go from fragrant to bitter in a flash! The aroma will be absolutely irresistible!
Step 4: Create the Sauce
Next, we’re making it creamy! Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir everything together and watch it start to thicken up. Then, mix in 1/2 cup of packed grated parmesan cheese until it’s melted and luscious. This sauce is where the magic happens, so don’t rush it; let it come together beautifully!
Step 5: Combine Ingredients
Now, it’s time to unite the flavors! Toss in your cooked penne pasta and gently mix everything together until the pasta is evenly coated in that rich, creamy sauce. Give it a taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to your liking. This is your dish, so make it perfect for you!
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Finally, let’s make it pretty! Serve up generous portions and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. It’s the perfect finishing touch! Now, dig in and enjoy every creamy, flavorful bite of your Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta!
Nutritional Information
Alright, let’s talk nutrition! While I believe in enjoying every scrumptious bite of my Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta, it’s also good to know what you’re putting into your body. Here are the estimated nutritional values per serving (about 1 cup):
- Calories: 600
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
Keep in mind that these are just estimates, and actual values can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes. But hey, balance is key, right? Enjoy this deliciousness guilt-free and savor every moment!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This dish comes together in just about 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute dinner plans.
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of creamy sauce and zesty cowboy butter creates a flavor profile that will have everyone coming back for seconds!
- Comfort Food Classic: With tender chicken and pasta, it’s the ultimate warm hug in a bowl that satisfies your cravings.
- Customizable: Feel free to switch it up with shrimp, add veggies, or spice it up according to your taste—this recipe is super flexible!
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love this hearty dish, making it a great choice for family dinners.
- Leftover Magic: It tastes just as good the next day, so you can enjoy the deliciousness again for lunch or dinner!
Tips for Success
Alright, let me share my little secrets to make sure your Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta turns out absolutely perfect every time! Trust me, these tips will elevate your dish and keep you stress-free while cooking.
- Quality Ingredients: Always use good-quality chicken and real cowboy butter if you can find it. Fresh ingredients make a world of difference in flavor!
- Don’t Rush the Cream: When adding the heavy cream, be patient! Let it come to a gentle simmer before adding the cheese. This helps create that dreamy, creamy texture.
- Taste as You Go: Don’t be shy—taste your sauce before tossing in the pasta. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to make it just right for your palate!
- Watch the Garlic: Garlic can go from delicious to burnt in seconds, so keep an eye on it when you add it to the skillet. Stir constantly and remove it once it’s fragrant!
- Perfect Pasta: Be sure to cook your penne pasta just until al dente. It’ll continue to cook a bit when you toss it with the sauce, so you don’t want it mushy!
- Garnish with Love: A sprinkle of fresh parsley not only adds color but also a fresh flavor that brightens the dish. Don’t skip this step—it’s the finishing touch!
- Leftover Love: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. Just remember to reheat gently on low heat to keep that creamy goodness intact.
Follow these tips, and you’ll be well on your way to whipping up a Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta that impresses everyone at the table. Happy cooking!
Variations
One of the best things about Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta is how versatile it is! You can easily make it your own by swapping out ingredients or adding in your favorites. Here are some fun variations to try:
- Shrimp Instead of Chicken: If you’re in the mood for seafood, substitute the diced chicken with shrimp. Just toss them in the skillet until they turn pink and opaque—so delicious!
- Add Veggies: Toss in some spinach, bell peppers, or cherry tomatoes for a pop of color and added nutrition. Just sauté them with the chicken for a few minutes before adding the cream.
- Spice it Up: If you like things a little spicy, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for an extra kick!
- Different Pasta Shapes: Feel free to switch up the penne pasta for any other shape you love—fusilli, farfalle, or even spaghetti will work just as well!
- Herb Infusion: Experiment with fresh herbs like basil or thyme instead of parsley for a different flavor profile. They can add a wonderful freshness to the dish!
- Cheese Varieties: Swap the parmesan for other cheeses like mozzarella for a gooey texture or feta for a tangy twist. Get creative with what you have on hand!
These variations can help keep your Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta exciting and fresh, so feel free to mix and match until you find your perfect combo!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Now that you’ve made this delicious Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta, let’s talk about how to store those tasty leftovers! You’ll want to let the pasta cool to room temperature first—this helps prevent condensation in the container. Then, transfer it to an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It should keep well for about 3-4 days. Just make sure it’s sealed tightly so it doesn’t dry out or absorb any unwanted fridge odors!
When it’s time to enjoy those leftovers, I recommend reheating gently. The best way to do this is on the stovetop. Just add the pasta to a skillet over low heat, and stir in a splash of milk or additional cream to help bring back that creamy texture. Keep stirring until it’s warmed through and looks inviting again. You could also microwave it, but be sure to cover it with a damp paper towel to keep it moist and prevent it from drying out. Just heat in short intervals, stirring in between, until it’s warmed to your liking.
With these simple storage and reheating tips, you can savor the goodness of your Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta again and again! Enjoy every creamy bite!
Print
Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta: 7 Reasons You’ll Love It
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A creamy and flavorful pasta dish featuring tender chicken and zesty cowboy butter sauce.
Ingredients
- 2 cups penne pasta
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 1/2 cup cowboy butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions.
- In a large skillet, heat cowboy butter over medium heat.
- Add diced chicken and cook until browned.
- Stir in garlic and paprika, cooking for 1 minute.
- Add heavy cream and bring to a simmer.
- Mix in parmesan cheese until melted.
- Toss in cooked pasta and combine well.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Garnish with parsley before serving.
Notes
- This dish pairs well with a side salad.
- Substitute chicken with shrimp for variation.
- Adjust spice level by adding more paprika.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
Keywords: Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta, creamy pasta, chicken pasta