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To make Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta, you need these main ingredients: - 2 chicken breasts, diced - 8 oz (225g) penne pasta - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 teaspoon onion powder - ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped - Salt and pepper to taste You can add a few ingredients for even more flavor: - Fresh basil for a herbal note - Lemon zest for a bright touch - Crushed nuts for a crunchy texture These extras can help boost your dish's taste and texture. Experimenting is part of the fun. If you don't have some ingredients, here are easy swaps: - Use rotisserie chicken instead of fresh chicken for speed. - Swap penne for any pasta shape you like. - Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream if you want a lighter sauce. - Try nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a dairy-free option. These swaps can make this dish fit what you have on hand. Enjoy creating your Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta! {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. This helps flavor the pasta. Once the water boils, add 8 oz of penne pasta. Cook it according to the package instructions until it is al dente. This should take about 8-10 minutes. When done, drain the pasta and set it aside. Next, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Let it melt, then add 4 minced garlic cloves. Sauté the garlic for about 1-2 minutes. Be careful not to burn the garlic; it can turn bitter. Now, add 2 diced chicken breasts to the skillet. Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, and ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook the chicken for 6-8 minutes, stirring often, until it is browned and cooked through. Once the chicken is cooked, stir in 1 cup of heavy cream. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer. Then, add 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese and 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes. Stir everything together until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens, about 3-4 minutes. Finally, add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet. Toss it all together to combine evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of pasta water. This helps reach the right consistency. Remove from heat and garnish with 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh parsley before serving. To make juicy chicken, start with even-sized pieces. Cut your chicken breasts into small, uniform cubes. This helps them cook evenly. Use a hot pan for better searing. Heat the skillet before adding the butter. This locks in flavor. Cook the chicken until it’s golden brown. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. Chicken should reach 165°F (75°C). For a rich sauce, use heavy cream. It blends well with cheese for a silky finish. Add the cream slowly to avoid curdling. Stir constantly as you mix in the Parmesan. If the sauce is too thick, splash in some pasta water. This will loosen it up without losing flavor. Finish with fresh parsley for color and taste. Store leftovers in an airtight container. They can last up to three days in the fridge. When reheating, use low heat to avoid drying out the chicken. You can add a bit of cream or water to keep it creamy. Stir often to heat evenly. Enjoy your meal again without losing its charm. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and herbs can significantly enhance the flavor of your Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta, making it more vibrant and aromatic. Adjust Spice Level: If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of red pepper flakes, or omit them altogether. You can always add more spice later! Perfect Pasta: To prevent overcooking, make sure to cook the penne pasta until al dente, as it will continue to cook slightly when combined with the sauce. Leftovers Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream or pasta water. {{image_2}} You can make a tasty vegetarian version of Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta. Swap the chicken for diced mushrooms or firm tofu. Both options soak up flavors well. Use the same spices for that cowboy taste. Add more vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for extra color. This keeps the dish hearty and filling. If you love heat, make a spicy variant. Increase the red pepper flakes to one teaspoon or more. You can also add diced jalapeños for extra spice. When cooking the chicken, toss in some cayenne pepper for a kick. This fiery version will surely satisfy spicy food lovers. To make this dish gluten-free, choose gluten-free penne pasta. Many brands offer great options that taste just like regular pasta. Check the labels to ensure they meet your needs. The rest of the recipe stays the same, so you get all the creamy goodness without the gluten. To store leftovers, let the Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta cool down first. Place it in an airtight container. Make sure to seal it well. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days. When you’re ready to eat, just reheat it on the stove or in the microwave. If you want to freeze this dish, use a freezer-safe container. Make sure to leave some space at the top. This helps the pasta expand when frozen. You can freeze it for up to three months. To use it, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat it gently on the stove. Adding a splash of cream can help it stay creamy. When stored properly, Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta lasts about three days in the fridge. In the freezer, it can last up to three months. Always check for any changes in smell or color before eating. If it looks or smells off, it’s best to throw it away. You can serve this dish with a simple green salad. A fresh Caesar salad works well too. Garlic bread is a great side for soaking up the sauce. You could also add some roasted vegetables for extra flavor. If you want a drink, try a light white wine or sparkling water. Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time. Cook the pasta and chicken, then mix them with the sauce. Store it in the fridge for up to two days. When you’re ready to eat, just reheat it on the stove. You might need to add a splash of cream or pasta water to keep it creamy. To reduce the spice, skip the red pepper flakes. You can also use less smoked paprika. If you want, add more cream to tone down the heat. Another option is to serve it with a dollop of sour cream. This will cool it down and add a nice creaminess. This blog post shared how to make Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta. We covered all the ingredients, including options for better taste. I gave you step-by-step instructions so you can cook with ease. You learned tips for great chicken and a creamy sauce, plus how to store leftovers. In closing, I encourage you to try making this dish. Adjust it to fit your tastes. Enjoy this fantastic meal that's perfect for any occasion. Happy cooking!

Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta

A delicious and creamy pasta dish featuring diced chicken, garlic, and a rich butter sauce.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 2 pieces chicken breasts, diced
  • 8 oz penne pasta
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
  • to taste Salt and pepper

Instructions
 

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  • In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
  • Add the diced chicken to the skillet and season with smoked paprika, onion powder, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Cook until the chicken is browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
  • Stir in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and cherry tomatoes, stirring until the cheese has melted and the sauce has thickened, about 3-4 minutes.
  • Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet and toss to combine everything evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of pasta water to reach desired consistency.
  • Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of pasta water to reach desired consistency.
Keyword butter, chicken, creamy, dinner, pasta