Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta
A delightful dish that combines tender chicken, a rich creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta, all while offering a hint of spice and a burst of flavor.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 500 g boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for spice preference)
For the Sauce
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley, plus more for garnish
- 1/2 piece juice of lemon
For the Pasta
- 340 g fettuccine or pasta of choice
Instructions
Preparation
- Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add the seasoned chicken pieces.
- Cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes, then remove the chicken from skillet and set aside.
Cooking the Sauce
- In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add unsalted butter until it melts.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer, scraping up any browned bits stuck to the skillet.
- Stir in heavy cream and allow to simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Gradually add freshly grated Parmesan cheese, stirring to ensure it melts into a smooth sauce.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to combine with the sauce.
- Add lemon juice and finely chopped parsley, stirring until blended.
Cooking the Pasta
- While preparing the sauce, cook the pasta according to package instructions.
- Drain the pasta and add it to the skillet with the chicken and sauce.
- Toss everything together until pasta is evenly coated and warmed through.
Serving
- Serve in large shallow bowls, garnished with additional grated Parmesan cheese and parsley.
- Pair with a side salad or crusty bread if desired.
Notes
Consider using whole-grain or gluten-free pasta as a healthier alternative. Allow leftovers to cool and store in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days or freeze for up to 2-3 months. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave.