Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta
A comforting dish that combines tender chicken with a rich, creamy sauce and pasta, perfect for chilly evenings.
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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Notes
You can enhance flavor by marinating the chicken for a couple of hours. Use fresh herbs for added vibrancy. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days or freeze for longer storage.