Introduction

This Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta combines tender chicken breasts with a rich, garlicky cream sauce and perfectly cooked pasta. It’s a comforting and satisfying dish that’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner yet impressive enough for guests.

Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
8 oz fettuccine or penne pasta
3 tbsp unsalted butter
1 cup heavy cream
4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
2 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: In a skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook the chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and let rest.
Step 3: In the same skillet, add the remaining butter and minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour in the heavy cream and stir continuously until the sauce thickens slightly.
Step 4: Slice the rested chicken into bite-sized pieces. Return it to the skillet along with the drained pasta. Toss gently to coat everything evenly in the creamy sauce.
Step 5: Serve hot, garnished with extra Italian seasoning or Parmesan cheese if desired.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter sauce for a subtle kick.
You can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter dish, but the sauce will be less rich.
Using fresh Parmesan cheese as a garnish enhances the creaminess and adds a salty depth.
Try adding sautéed mushrooms or spinach for additional vegetables and texture.

Storage

Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or microwave, adding a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce if it thickens too much.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs will work well and offer a juicier, more flavorful alternative. Just adjust the cooking time as needed until fully cooked.

What pasta works best with this sauce?

Fettuccine or penne are ideal because their shapes hold the creamy sauce well, but you can use your favorite pasta type if preferred.

Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 55 reviews

This Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta is a delightful one-skillet meal combining tender, seasoned chicken breasts with fettuccine pasta enveloped in a rich, buttery garlic cream sauce. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner, this dish blends simple ingredients to create a hearty and satisfying pasta experience.

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

Chicken

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tsp Italian seasoning
3 tbsp unsalted butter (divided)

Pasta and Sauce

8 oz fettuccine or penne pasta
1 cup heavy cream
4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
2 tsp Italian seasoning (for additional garnish, optional)

Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine or penne pasta and cook until al dente, typically about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta and set it aside while preparing the chicken and sauce.
Cook the Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts on both sides with salt, pepper, and 2 teaspoons of Italian seasoning. Place the chicken in the skillet and cook for 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F or 75°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes.
Make the Cream Sauce: In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter and the minced garlic. Sauté the garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute, being careful not to burn it. Pour in the heavy cream and stir continuously until the sauce thickens, about 3-5 minutes.
Combine Ingredients: Slice the rested chicken into bite-sized pieces. Return the chicken and the drained pasta to the skillet with the creamy sauce. Toss gently to coat everything evenly in the sauce.
Serve: Serve the pasta hot, optionally garnished with extra Italian seasoning or freshly grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor.

Notes

Use chicken breasts of even thickness for more uniform cooking.
To lighten the dish, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream, though sauce may be less thick.
Fresh garlic provides the best flavor, but garlic powder can be used in a pinch.
Pasta choice is flexible; penne or fettuccine works best to hold the creamy sauce.
Leftover pasta is best reheated gently to prevent the sauce from separating.

Keywords: creamy chicken pasta, butter chicken pasta, creamy garlic sauce, chicken fettuccine, easy weeknight dinner, Italian seasoning pasta