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To make Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta, gather these tasty ingredients: - Diced chicken breasts - Farfalle or bowtie pasta - Unsalted butter - Minced garlic - Spices: smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, onion powder - Heavy cream - Shredded sharp cheddar cheese - Cherry tomatoes - Fresh parsley - Salt and pepper Each ingredient plays a key role in creating this flavorful dish. The diced chicken breasts give protein and heartiness. Farfalle or bowtie pasta adds fun shapes and texture. Unsalted butter is vital for richness and flavor. Minced garlic brings a savory aroma that excites the senses. Spices like smoked paprika and cayenne pepper add warmth and a hint of heat. Onion powder enhances the savory notes. Heavy cream makes the sauce creamy and lush. Shredded sharp cheddar cheese melts beautifully into the sauce, providing a cheesy goodness. Cherry tomatoes bring a burst of freshness. Fresh parsley adds a pop of green and bright flavor. Finally, salt and pepper elevate all these flavors. You can find the full recipe for Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta to guide you through the cooking process. Enjoy the journey of creating this delightful dish! To start, boil salted water in a large pot. It needs to be at a rolling boil. Add the farfalle pasta and cook it according to the package instructions. Aim for that perfect al dente texture, which usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Once cooked, drain the pasta, but save 1 cup of that pasta water. You might need it later! Next, season the diced chicken breasts. Use salt, pepper, and a pinch of smoked paprika. In a large skillet, melt half a cup of butter over medium heat. When the butter is hot, add the chicken. Sauté it for about 6-8 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside. Now, let’s make the cowboy butter sauce. In the same skillet, add the remaining half cup of butter and let it melt. Once melted, toss in the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until it smells great. Then, stir in the smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and onion powder. Cook this mixture for another minute to blend those wonderful flavors. Slowly pour in the heavy cream and stir to mix everything well. Next, add the shredded cheddar cheese. Watch it melt into the sauce! If the sauce seems too thick, use some of that reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency. Now, return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss in the pasta. Mix everything together until it's all coated in that creamy sauce. Add the halved cherry tomatoes and cook for another 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through. Finally, remove the skillet from heat. Stir in the chopped parsley to add a nice fresh touch. Taste your dish and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Serve the creamy cowboy butter chicken pasta in deep bowls. For a special touch, add extra parsley and a sprinkle of cheddar cheese on top. Pair it with garlic bread for a comforting meal! For the full recipe, check it out [here](#). How do you know when pasta is al dente? You should taste it! Al dente means "to the tooth." The pasta should be firm but not hard. It should have a slight bite. Follow package instructions for cooking time, but start checking a minute or two early. Prevent pasta from sticking by using plenty of water. A big pot helps. Add salt to the boiling water. This adds flavor and helps keep the pasta separate. Stir the pasta a few times while it cooks. This also helps it stay loose. What spices can boost the flavor? Try adding Italian herbs like oregano or basil. A pinch of red pepper flakes can add some heat. You can also sprinkle in some garlic powder for extra depth. To make the sauce creamier, you can use more heavy cream. You can also add cream cheese for a rich texture. Stir in some grated Parmesan cheese to enhance the flavor further. What are the best dishes to serve this pasta? Deep bowls work well for creamy pasta. They catch the sauce nicely. You can also use wide plates to show off the colors of the dish. For garnishes, fresh parsley adds a bright touch. A sprinkle of extra cheddar cheese makes it look tempting. You can also add a few cherry tomato halves on top for color. This makes the dish pop and look appetizing. For the full recipe, check out the complete guide. {{image_2}} You can switch up the pasta for this dish. If you can't find farfalle, try penne or rotini. Both hold sauce well and taste great. If you're looking for gluten-free options, consider using gluten-free pasta. Brands now offer tasty choices made from rice or quinoa. These pastas cook well and blend nicely with the sauce. Want to change the protein? Shrimp works wonderfully in this recipe. Cook them until pink and add them just as you would the chicken. You can also use sausage for a heartier flavor. Just slice it and sauté before adding it to the sauce. For a vegetarian spin, chickpeas are a fantastic substitute. They add protein and pair well with the creamy sauce. Just drain and rinse them, then mix them in at the end. To switch up the taste, add barbecue sauce to the creamy mix. This gives a smoky flavor that pairs well with chicken. Feel free to mix in different cheeses too. Gouda or mozzarella will give a nice twist and melt beautifully. Try blending cheeses for a gourmet touch. These variations let you customize your creamy cowboy butter chicken pasta. Enjoy exploring new flavors! For the complete recipe, check the Full Recipe section. To keep your creamy cowboy butter chicken pasta fresh, store it in an airtight container. This helps keep moisture in and prevents it from absorbing other smells in your fridge. Place it in the fridge within two hours after cooking. You can safely store it for up to three days. When you are ready to enjoy your leftovers, reheating them gently is key. The best method is to use a skillet on low heat. Add a splash of milk or extra cream to keep the sauce creamy. Stir often to prevent sticking. Another option is to use the microwave. Place the pasta in a microwave-safe dish and cover it with a damp paper towel. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between, until warm. This helps keep the creaminess intact. Cowboy butter is a rich, flavorful sauce. It blends butter with garlic and spices. You can use it on meats, veggies, and pasta. This sauce adds a kick to any dish. It's perfect for adding flavor to grilled foods or pasta. Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead. Cook the pasta and chicken first. Make the cowboy butter sauce separately. Store each part in airtight containers. Keep in the fridge for up to three days. To serve, just reheat and mix together. To make this recipe dairy-free, use plant-based butter. Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or almond milk. For cheese, try nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese. These swaps will keep the dish creamy and tasty. Yes, this recipe works great for meal prepping. Portion the cooked pasta and chicken into containers. Add the cowboy butter sauce on top. Store in the fridge for easy lunches or dinners. Reheat in the microwave when ready to eat. Check out the Full Recipe for more details. Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta combines delicious chicken and pasta in a creamy sauce. You learned how to cook it with easy steps. We also shared tips on making it even better and ways to switch up the recipe. In short, this dish is tasty and adaptable for all. Try it out and enjoy!

Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta

Indulge in a deliciously rich Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta that’s sure to impress! This easy recipe combines tender chicken, pasta, and a creamy butter sauce infused with smoky flavors and melty cheddar. Perfect for a cozy dinner or gathering, it's made with simple ingredients and ready in just 30 minutes. Click through to discover how to make this mouthwatering dish and elevate your weeknight meals!
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Ingredients
  

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced

12 oz farfalle or bowtie pasta

1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks)

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon smoked paprika

1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the farfalle pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1 cup of pasta water.

    Prepare the Chicken: Season the diced chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and a dash of smoked paprika. In a large skillet, melt 1/2 cup of butter over medium heat. Add the chicken to the skillet and sauté until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

      Make the Cowboy Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, add the remaining 1/2 cup of butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and onion powder, cooking for another minute to combine the flavors.

        Combine Ingredients: Slowly pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine, then add the shredded cheddar cheese, allowing it to melt into the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta water to achieve your desired consistency.

          Add Chicken and Pasta: Return the cooked chicken and add the pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together until coated in the creamy sauce. Add the halved cherry tomatoes and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until heated through.

            Garnish & Serve: Remove from heat, and stir in the chopped parsley for freshness. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.

              Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

                - Presentation Tips: Serve the creamy pasta in deep bowls, garnished with extra parsley and a sprinkle of cheddar cheese on top. Pair with garlic bread for a hearty meal!