Introduction

This Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta is the perfect cozy meal for chilly evenings. Tender chicken and rich, buttery sauce combine with pasta for a comforting dish that’s easy to prepare and delicious every time.

Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta for Cozy Nights Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

8 ounces pasta (gluten-free pasta can be substituted)
1 pound chicken breast (plant-based chicken can be used for a vegan option)
4 tablespoons butter (use non-dairy butter for a vegan option)
3 cloves garlic (minced)
1 medium onion (yellow or white)
1 cup heavy cream (coconut milk works as a great dairy-free alternative)
1 cup chicken broth (vegetable broth for vegetarian offering)
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (nutritional yeast can be used for a vegan option)
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
2 tablespoons fresh parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil over high heat. Add your choice of pasta and cook for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally until al dente. Once done, reserve 1 cup of the pasta water for later, then drain the pasta and set it aside in a colander while you prepare the sauce.
Step 2: In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the diced chicken breast, seasoning it generously with salt and pepper. Cook the chicken for about 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally until it’s golden brown and cooked through. Once finished, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
Step 3: In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter, allowing it to melt completely. Introduce the minced garlic and diced onion, sautéing the mixture for about 3-4 minutes until the onions become translucent and fragrant.
Step 4: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth into the skillet, stirring to combine the ingredients smoothly. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let the sauce cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until it slightly thickens.
Step 5: Return the cooked chicken and drained pasta to the skillet with the creamy sauce. Gently toss everything together for about 2 minutes, ensuring that the pasta and chicken are well coated in the sauce. If needed, add a little reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.
Step 6: Once everything is well combined and heated through, serve the Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta warm, topped with a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley.

Tips & Variations

For a vegan version, substitute plant-based chicken, non-dairy butter, coconut milk, vegetable broth, and nutritional yeast for Parmesan cheese.
Adjust red pepper flakes to control the level of heat; omit entirely if you prefer a milder dish.
Fresh herbs like basil or thyme can be added for extra flavor.
Using gluten-free pasta ensures this dish is suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or broth if the sauce has thickened too much.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?

Yes, any pasta shape you prefer will work. Penne, fettuccine, or rotini are great alternatives to traditional spaghetti.

How can I make this dish dairy-free?

Replace butter with non-dairy alternatives, use coconut milk or another plant-based cream substitute, and swap Parmesan for nutritional yeast to achieve a creamy, dairy-free version.

Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta for Cozy Nights Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 143 reviews

Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta is a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for cozy nights. Tender chicken breast cooked in a rich, buttery garlic sauce combined with creamy pasta makes for an indulgent meal that’s easy to prepare. This versatile recipe also offers vegan and gluten-free substitutions, making it adaptable to various dietary preferences.

Author: Tara
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

8 ounces pasta (gluten-free pasta can be substituted)

Chicken & Seasoning

1 pound chicken breast (plant-based chicken can be used for a vegan option)
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper

Sauce

4 tablespoons butter (use non-dairy butter for a vegan option)
3 cloves garlic (minced)
1 medium onion (yellow or white, diced)
1 cup heavy cream (coconut milk works as a great dairy-free alternative)
1 cup chicken broth (vegetable broth for vegetarian offering)
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (nutritional yeast can be used for a vegan option)
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)

Garnish

2 tablespoons fresh parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil over high heat. Add your choice of pasta and cook for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally until al dente. Once done, reserve 1 cup of the pasta water for later, then drain the pasta and set it aside in a colander while you prepare the sauce.
Cook the chicken: In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the diced chicken breast, seasoning it generously with salt and pepper. Cook the chicken for about 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally until it’s golden brown and cooked through. Once finished, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
Sauté aromatics: In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter, allowing it to melt completely. Introduce the minced garlic and diced onion, sautéing the mixture for about 3-4 minutes until the onions become translucent and fragrant.
Prepare the sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth into the skillet, stirring to combine the ingredients smoothly. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let the sauce cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until it slightly thickens.
Combine pasta and chicken: Return the cooked chicken and drained pasta to the skillet with the creamy sauce. Gently toss everything together for about 2 minutes, ensuring that the pasta and chicken are well coated in the sauce.
Serve and garnish: Once everything is well combined and heated through, serve the Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta warm, topped with a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley.

Notes

For a vegan version, substitute chicken with plant-based alternatives, butter with non-dairy butter, heavy cream with coconut milk, chicken broth with vegetable broth, and Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast.
Adjust red pepper flakes according to your spice preference.
Reserving pasta water helps to loosen the sauce if it becomes too thick.
Use gluten-free pasta to make this recipe gluten-free.
Fresh parsley adds a nice pop of color and freshness when garnishing.

Keywords: creamy chicken pasta, cowboy butter chicken, creamy pasta recipe, comforting dinner, stovetop chicken pasta