Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta
A creamy and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a rich, buttery garlic sauce that’s quick to prepare and delightful for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Base
- 500 g boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Sauce
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper adjust for spice preference
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Juice of half a lemon
To Serve
- 340 g fettuccine or pasta of choice
- 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley plus more for garnish
Instructions
Preparation
- Step 1 – Season the Chicken: Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper.
- Step 2 – Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken pieces, cooking until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Step 3 – Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Step 4 – Create the Base: Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Stir in the heavy cream and let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes.
- Step 5 – Add Cheese: Gradually add the Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Step 6 – Combine the Chicken: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to combine with the sauce. Add the lemon juice and chopped parsley.
- Step 7 – Cook the Pasta: In a separate pot, cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and add it to the skillet, tossing to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce and chicken.
- Step 8 – Finish Up: Cook for another 2-3 minutes to ensure the pasta is well combined and heated through.
Notes
Use fresh Parmigiano-Reggiano for the best flavor. A light sprinkle of lemon zest on top before serving adds a wonderful brightness. Consider a drizzle of high-quality olive oil for a gourmet touch. Serve with a glass of white wine to elevate the meal experience.