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Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta

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A rich, creamy pasta tossed with lightly seared chicken and a garlicky butter sauce, ready in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients

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  • 12 ounces pasta of your choice (penne or fettuccine)
  • 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 a lighter option)
  • 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente, about 8 to 10 minutes. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
  2. Sear the chicken. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Add to the skillet and cook until golden and cooked through, about 6 to 8 minutes. Transfer chicken to a plate.
  3. Build the base. In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Add minced garlic and diced onion and sauté until fragrant and translucent, about 3 to 4 minutes.
  4. Make the sauce. Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth. Stir in Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook until the sauce thickens, about 4 to 6 minutes. If it becomes too thick, loosen with reserved pasta water.
  5. Combine and finish. Return chicken to the skillet, then add drained pasta. Toss thoroughly so the pasta and chicken are coated in the sauce. Heat together for 1 to 2 minutes. Taste and adjust salt and pepper.
  6. Serve. Sprinkle grated Parmesan over the pasta and allow it to melt. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and enjoy warm.

Notes

For a dairy-free version, substitute heavy cream with coconut milk and use plant-based Parmesan.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://www.simplefamilydishes.com/cowboy-butter-chicken-pasta-4/