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Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta

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A fast, comforting pasta dish with tender chicken in a buttery, garlicky cream sauce.

Ingredients

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  • 12 ounces pasta of your choice (penne or fettuccine recommended)
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 1 cup heavy cream (or coconut milk for dairy-free option)
  • 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Cook the pasta until al dente, usually 8 to 10 minutes. Before draining, scoop out and save 1 cup of the starchy pasta water. Drain and set pasta aside.
  2. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the diced chicken in a single layer (work in batches if needed). Season with salt and pepper. Sear without moving for 2 minutes, then stir and continue cooking until golden and cooked through, about 4 to 6 more minutes. Transfer chicken to a plate.
  3. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet. Sauté the minced garlic and diced onion until translucent and fragrant, about 3 to 4 minutes. Scrape up any browned bits from the pan for extra flavor.
  4. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Stir in the Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and let it reduce and thicken for about 4 to 5 minutes. If the sauce tightens too much, whisk in reserved pasta water one tablespoon at a time until you reach a silky consistency.
  5. Return the cooked chicken and drained pasta to the skillet. Toss to combine and let everything warm together for 1 to 2 minutes so flavors meld. Taste and adjust salt and pepper.
  6. Remove the pan from heat and sprinkle the grated Parmesan over the pasta. Toss gently so the cheese melts into the sauce and creates a glossy coating. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Notes

Use unsalted butter for better control over saltiness. For a lighter option, substitute coconut milk. Freshly grated Parmesan yields a smoother sauce than pre-grated packets.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://www.simplefamilydishes.com/cowboy-butter-chicken-pasta-3/