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Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta

Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta to Satisfy Your Cravings

This Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta is a creamy, flavorful dish that combines tender chicken with a savory sauce, ready in under 30 minutes—perfect for weeknight dinners!
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 plates
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 600
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 500 g Boneless, skinless chicken breasts Substitute with turkey or tofu for different diets
  • Salt and pepper Essential seasonings
For the Sauce
  • 2 tablespoons Olive oil Alternative: vegetable oil or butter
  • 2 tablespoons Unsalted butter Alternative: olive oil for a lighter touch
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic powder Use fresh minced garlic if preferred
  • 3 cloves Minced garlic Adjust based on preference
  • 1 cup Chicken broth Use vegetable broth for a vegetarian option
  • 1 cup Heavy cream Use half-and-half or low-fat milk for a lighter option
  • 1 cup Freshly grated Parmesan cheese Nutritional yeast is a dairy-free option
For the Seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon Smoked paprika Use regular paprika if needed
  • 1/2 teaspoon Onion powder Fresh finely chopped onions can be substituted
  • 1/4 teaspoon Cayenne pepper Adjust to taste or omit for a milder dish
  • Juice of half a lemon Brightens up the flavor profile
For the Pasta
  • 340 g Fettuccine or pasta of choice Penne or rigatoni are good alternatives
  • 1/4 cup Fresh parsley Use as a garnish and fresh flavor; basil or chives can be used instead

Equipment

  • large skillet
  • Pot

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions
  1. Step 1: Season the Chicken - Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces, season with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper, ensuring even coating.
  2. Step 2: Sauté the Chicken - Heat olive oil over medium-high heat, add chicken in a single layer, cook for 6–8 minutes until golden and cooked through, then set aside.
  3. Step 3: Sauté the Garlic - In the same skillet, melt butter, stir in minced garlic, sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Create the Sauce Base - Pour in chicken broth, scraping the skillet to incorporate browned bits, simmer for 2 minutes.
  5. Step 5: Thicken the Sauce - Stir in heavy cream, simmer for 2–3 minutes until sauce thickens.
  6. Step 6: Add the Cheese - Gradually whisk in Parmesan cheese until smooth, adjust seasoning if needed.
  7. Step 7: Combine Chicken and Flavor - Add chicken back to skillet with lemon juice and parsley, stir until well-coated.
  8. Step 8: Cook the Pasta - Cook pasta according to package instructions in salted boiling water, set aside a cup of pasta water.
  9. Step 9: Combine Pasta with Sauce - Add cooked pasta to skillet with sauce, toss over low heat for 2–3 minutes, adjust with pasta water if necessary.
  10. Step 10: Serve and Enjoy - Serve on plates, garnish with extra Parmesan and parsley.

Nutrition

Serving: 1plateCalories: 600kcalCarbohydrates: 70gProtein: 35gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 4gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 300IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 300mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on stovetop with a splash of milk or chicken broth.

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