Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta brings together rich flavors and textures that make every bite a delightful experience. Perfect for chilly evenings, this comforting dish combines tender chicken with a luscious, creamy sauce and your choice of pasta, creating a meal that warms both the body and the soul. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting friends, this pasta will impress and satisfy.
Why We Love This Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta
During colder months, comfort food takes center stage in our kitchens. Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta stands out because it offers a sense of warmth with every spoonful. The creamy sauce is rich and buttery, complementing the savory chicken perfectly. Each pasta strand coated in this luscious sauce creates a harmonious balance of flavors and textures. You can adjust the spice level to suit your palate, making it friendly for both the little ones and the adults. Plus, it’s straightforward to prepare, allowing you to spend more time enjoying dinner and less time fussing in the kitchen. This recipe also lets you use leftover chicken from earlier meals, turning it into a comforting delight that feels fresh and new.
Ingredients for Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta
- 1 pound of chicken breast, diced
- 12 ounces of pasta (penne or fettuccine work well)
- 1 cup of heavy cream
- 1 cup of chicken broth
- 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon of onion powder
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper (adjust to your spice preference)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup of cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup of spinach
- ½ cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Directions
- Begin by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about ½ cup of pasta water and drain the rest. Set the pasta aside.
- In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the diced chicken and season with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper. Cook the chicken until golden brown and cooked through, approximately 6-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes. Then, reduce the heat and stir in the heavy cream, letting it cook for another 2-3 minutes.
- Add the cherry tomatoes and spinach to the skillet, stirring until the spinach wilts and the tomatoes soften.
- Return the chicken to the skillet, and add the cooked pasta. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water as needed to reach your desired sauce consistency.
- Finally, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and mix until well-combined. Season with additional salt and pepper if necessary.
How to Serve Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta
When it comes to serving this delightful dish, presentation adds to the overall experience. Dish out generous portions of the Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta onto individual plates. Drizzle a little extra sauce over the top to keep it moist and inviting. For a beautiful touch, sprinkle chopped parsley on each serving, which provides a fresh contrast to the rich buttery sauce. You can also serve it alongside a simple side salad tossed with olive oil and lemon juice to add brightness to your meal. Garlic bread or crusty rolls pair wonderfully, allowing you to mop up any leftover sauce. This dish is perfect for cozy nights in, so invite over a few friends to share in the warmth and flavor.
Expert Tips for Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta
To enhance the flavor of your Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta, consider marinating the chicken in your favorite spices for a couple of hours before cooking. This extra step infuses more flavor into every bite. When cooking the pasta, ensure you salt the water generously. This enhances the pasta’s taste and helps develop the dish’s overall flavor profile. Using fresh herbs such as thyme or basil can elevate the dish even further, providing vibrant notes. You might want to add sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers for added texture and nutrition. If you’re feeling adventurous, try substituting the heavy cream with half and half or a non-dairy option for a lighter dish. Remember, taste as you go; adjusting seasoning is crucial to perfecting your sauce.
How to Store Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta
To store your Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta, allow it to cool completely at room temperature. Once cooled, transfer it to an airtight container. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to three days. If you’d like to store it for a longer period, consider freezing it instead. Use freezer-safe containers or bags, ensuring you remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. When reheating, add a splash of water or chicken broth to maintain the creamy texture, as the sauce can thicken when refrigerated or frozen. Heat gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
Variations of Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta
This recipe for Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta is versatile, allowing you to add your twist. One delicious variation includes incorporating vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms to enhance the flavor and nutritional value. If you’re looking for a healthier version, you can swap regular pasta for whole wheat or zucchini noodles; this change adds fiber and reduces carbs. You could also experiment with different proteins, such as shrimp or turkey, to change the dish’s profile entirely. Adding different herbs, like rosemary or thyme, can introduce new flavor dimensions, creating a unique experience each time you make it. For those who enjoy a kick of heat, throwing in some red pepper flakes or even diced jalapeños can spice things up.
FAQ about Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta
What is Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta?
Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta is a comforting dish that combines tender chicken, pasta, and a rich, creamy sauce, perfect for cozy evenings.
Can I use leftovers for Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta?
Yes, you can easily use cooked chicken leftovers to make this delicious pasta dish, making it a great option for repurposing meal remnants.
What are good sides to serve with Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta?
Garlic bread, a simple side salad, or roasted vegetables pair well and complement the richness of the pasta dish.
How can I make Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta spicier?
To increase the heat, add more cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or diced jalapeños to the dish while cooking.
Can I make Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta vegetarian?
Yes, you can omit the chicken and use vegetables or plant-based proteins, like chickpeas or tofu, while substituting vegetable broth for chicken broth.
Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- 1 pound chicken breast, diced Use leftover chicken for convenience.
- 12 ounces pasta (penne or fettuccine work well)
- 1 cup heavy cream Can be substituted with half and half or non-dairy option.
- 1 cup chicken broth Substitute with vegetable broth for a vegetarian option.
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter Divided into two for cooking.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper Adjust to your spice preference.
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup spinach
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Chopped parsley for garnish Adds a fresh touch.
Instructions
Preparation
- Begin by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about ½ cup of pasta water and drain the rest. Set the pasta aside.
- In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the diced chicken and season with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper. Cook the chicken until golden brown and cooked through, approximately 6-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Cooking
- In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes. Then, reduce the heat and stir in the heavy cream, letting it cook for another 2-3 minutes.
- Add the cherry tomatoes and spinach to the skillet, stirring until the spinach wilts and the tomatoes soften.
- Return the chicken to the skillet, and add the cooked pasta. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water as needed to reach your desired sauce consistency.
- Finally, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and mix until well-combined. Season with additional salt and pepper if necessary.
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