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To make Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta, you will need simple but fresh ingredients. Here’s what you’ll gather for this tasty dish: - 2 chicken breasts, diced - 8 oz (about 225g) pasta of your choice (e.g., fettuccine) - 1/2 cup unsalted butter - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped - 1 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped - 1 tbsp lemon juice - 1 tsp paprika - 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste) - Salt and pepper to taste - 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley for garnish - Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional) Each ingredient plays a key role in creating the rich flavor of this meal. The chicken adds protein, while the pasta provides a comforting base. Butter and garlic bring warmth and depth to the sauce. Fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme enhance the flavor, making it bright and fragrant. The spices, like paprika and cayenne, give the dish a little kick. Don’t forget the lemon juice—it adds a refreshing touch that balances the richness of the butter. The cherry tomatoes offer a burst of sweetness and color. Finally, fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese elevate the dish, making it look and taste gourmet. Gather these ingredients, and you’ll be ready to create a delicious meal that impresses everyone at your table! {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by boiling water in a large pot. Add salt to the water for flavor. Next, add your pasta of choice. Cook it according to the package instructions until it is al dente. This usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. Once it’s done, drain the pasta in a colander. Remember to save about one cup of the pasta water. You will need it later. In a large skillet, melt half a cup of unsalted butter over medium heat. When the butter is melted, add four cloves of minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for one to two minutes. Watch it closely so it does not burn. Next, add the diced chicken breasts to the skillet. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, paprika, and cayenne pepper. Cook the chicken for about six to eight minutes until it is browned and cooked through. Once the chicken is ready, add a tablespoon of chopped rosemary and thyme. Squeeze in one tablespoon of lemon juice. Stir everything well to mix the flavors. Now, it is time to fold in the cooked pasta and half a cup of halved cherry tomatoes. Drizzle in some reserved pasta water as you mix. This helps create a creamy sauce. Toss everything to ensure it is well combined and heated through. To keep your chicken juicy, choose the right heat. Cook the chicken on medium heat. This helps it brown nicely without drying out. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. The chicken should reach 165°F. For a creamy sauce, add pasta water little by little. This helps create a rich, smooth texture. Stir often to mix the pasta and chicken well. Let the flavors blend for a minute or two. Adjust spice levels to fit your taste. If you like it mild, use less cayenne pepper. For a kick, add more. Taste as you go. This way, you can find the right balance. Garnishes make your dish shine. Fresh parsley adds color and flavor. Grated Parmesan cheese brings richness to every bite. You can mix and match based on your mood! Pro Tips Perfectly Cooked Pasta: Always cook your pasta al dente for the best texture. It should have a slight bite to it, ensuring it holds up well when mixed with the sauce. Butter Temperature: Make sure your butter is melted over medium heat to avoid burning the garlic. If it starts to brown too quickly, lower the heat. Seasoning Balance: Taste your dish as you go! Adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, and lemon juice to ensure a well-balanced flavor throughout. Fresh Herbs: Use fresh herbs whenever possible for a brighter, more vibrant flavor. If using dried herbs, remember to reduce the quantity as they are more concentrated. {{image_2}} You can easily swap chicken for shrimp or tofu. Shrimp cooks fast and adds a nice flavor. Just sauté it the same way you do the chicken. For tofu, press it first to remove extra water. Cut it into cubes and cook until golden. This gives you more options for taste and texture. If you want gluten-free pasta, use rice or lentil pasta. Whole wheat pasta is another great choice. It adds more fiber and has a nutty taste. Both options work well with the sauce and keep the dish hearty. Feel free to add vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini. They bring color and extra nutrients. You can also toss in more herbs, like basil or oregano, for a fresh touch. This makes the dish more vibrant and even tastier. To keep your Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta fresh, store it in an airtight container. Make sure it cools down to room temperature first. This helps to avoid steam build-up, which can make the pasta soggy. Try to eat the leftovers within three to four days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. Portion it out in freezer-safe bags. Then, you can enjoy it later! When it's time to reheat, you have a few options. The best way is to use a skillet. Add a splash of water or chicken broth to the pan. Heat over medium-low heat. Stir often to keep it from sticking. This method helps revive the creamy sauce without drying out the chicken. You can also use the microwave. Place the pasta in a microwave-safe bowl. Add a little water and cover it. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between, until warm. This keeps the flavors intact. Enjoy your meal! To make Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta, you start by cooking your pasta. Use the package instructions to get it just right. While the pasta cooks, melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for a minute. Next, add diced chicken, seasoning it with salt, pepper, paprika, and cayenne. Cook until the chicken is browned. Then, mix in chopped rosemary, thyme, and lemon juice. Finally, combine the chicken with the pasta and halved cherry tomatoes, using some reserved pasta water to create a creamy sauce. Toss everything well, and you’re ready to serve! Yes, you can surely use different herbs! If you don’t have rosemary or thyme, try basil or oregano. You can also use dried herbs if you don’t have fresh ones. Just remember, dried herbs are stronger, so use less. Mix and match to find your favorite flavor combo! Fettuccine works great for this recipe, but you can use other types too. Penne or farfalle are good choices as they hold sauce well. If you like a bite, try rotini. The shape of the pasta helps catch all that tasty sauce. Choose what you love! This blog post covered a tasty dish: Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta. You learned about each ingredient and how to cook them step by step. I shared tips to keep the chicken juicy and tricks for a creamy sauce. I also gave ideas for variations and storage. To sum up, cooking can be fun and simple. You can mix and match flavors to suit your taste. Enjoy making this dish and impress your family and friends. Happy cooking!

Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta

A delicious and creamy pasta dish featuring diced chicken, garlic, and fresh herbs, all tossed together for a comforting meal.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 breasts chicken, diced
  • 8 oz pasta of your choice
  • 0.5 cup unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
  • 1 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 0.5 tsp cayenne pepper
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 0.5 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 0.25 cup chopped fresh parsley for garnish
  • optional grated Parmesan cheese for serving

Instructions
 

  • Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about 1 cup of the pasta water.
  • In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter.
  • Add the minced garlic to the melted butter and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
  • Stir in the diced chicken breast to the skillet. Season with salt, pepper, paprika, and cayenne pepper. Cook the chicken until it's browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
  • Add the chopped rosemary, thyme, and lemon juice to the chicken mixture, stirring to combine.
  • Fold in the cooked pasta and cherry tomatoes, drizzling in some of the reserved pasta water to help bring everything together and create a creamy sauce. Toss everything together until well combined and the pasta is heated through.
  • Adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or lemon juice as desired.
  • Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve warm.

Notes

Adjust the cayenne pepper to taste for desired spiciness.
Keyword butter, chicken, comfort food, pasta