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- Chicken - 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced - Pasta Types - 8 oz (225g) pasta (your choice: fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti) - Sauces and Seasonings - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 medium onion, diced - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste) - Salt and pepper, to taste - 1 cup heavy cream - 1/2 cup chicken broth - Vegetables and Garnish - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1/2 cup corn (fresh or frozen) - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - Fresh parsley for garnish This recipe has simple yet rich flavors. The chicken brings protein and taste. Choose your favorite pasta type. Fettuccine adds a nice touch, but penne or spaghetti work too. The butter and cream create a rich sauce. Garlic and onion enhance the flavor. You can adjust the spice with cayenne pepper. If you like it hotter, add more. The cherry tomatoes and corn add color and sweetness. Fresh parsley gives a nice finish. Gather these ingredients before you start. It makes cooking easier. Enjoy the process and get ready for a tasty meal! To start, fill a large pot with water and add salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil. Add 8 oz of your favorite pasta, like fettuccine or penne. Cook it according to the package instructions until it is al dente. This means it should be firm but not hard. Once done, drain the pasta in a colander, but save some pasta water for later. This water helps adjust sauce thickness. In a large skillet, pour in 1 tablespoon of olive oil and heat it over medium heat. Next, add 2 diced boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Season them with salt, black pepper, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, and 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper. Cook the chicken for about 6 to 8 minutes. Look for a nice golden brown color. If you like more heat, add extra cayenne. Once cooked, take the chicken out and set it aside. Keep using the same skillet. Melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Add 1 diced medium onion and 3 minced garlic cloves. Sauté these for about 3 to 4 minutes. You want the onion to look clear and soft. Then, pour in 1/2 cup of chicken broth and mix it well. Next, add 1 cup of heavy cream. Let this simmer for about 3 to 5 minutes, stirring often. This will help the sauce thicken nicely. Now, return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Toss in 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes and 1/2 cup of corn. Stir everything together and let it cook for an extra 2 to 3 minutes. This step allows all the flavors to meld. Make sure every piece of chicken gets coated in the sauce. Finally, add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Mix in 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Toss everything well, ensuring the pasta gets covered in the creamy sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, splash in some of that reserved pasta water. Taste and adjust the flavors with more salt or pepper if needed. Serve your creamy cowboy butter chicken pasta with a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top. Enjoy! How to prevent overcooking chicken: To keep your chicken juicy, cook it on medium heat. Use a meat thermometer if you have one. Chicken should reach 165°F. Remove it as soon as it’s done. Let it rest for a few minutes before cutting. This helps keep it moist. Secrets for creamy texture: To get a creamy sauce, use heavy cream. Add it slowly and stir well. Don’t rush this step. Let the sauce simmer gently. If it’s too thick, add a bit of pasta water. This makes it smooth and rich. Presentation ideas for serving: Serve your pasta in deep bowls. Top with extra Parmesan cheese. Add a sprinkle of parsley for color. A drizzle of olive oil adds shine and flavor. For a little heat, sprinkle red pepper flakes on top. Best additional toppings: Try adding some crispy bacon bits for crunch. Chopped scallions also work well. You can use fresh basil or parsley for added freshness. A squeeze of lemon juice can brighten the dish. Ideal side dishes: Serve with a simple green salad. A side of garlic bread goes great too. You can also serve it with roasted vegetables. They add a nice color and texture. Recommended wine pairings: A chilled Chardonnay pairs well with this dish. Its creamy notes match the sauce. If you prefer red, a light Pinot Noir is a good choice. It won’t overpower the flavors of the pasta. {{image_2}} Substitutes for chicken You can use turkey or pork instead of chicken. They add a nice flavor. For a lighter option, choose shrimp. Cook shrimp just until pink to keep them tender. Vegetarian options If you want a meatless meal, try using mushrooms or tofu. Both soak up the sauce well. For extra protein, use chickpeas. They add a hearty touch to the pasta. Best pasta types to use Fettuccine, penne, and spaghetti work great with this dish. Each type holds the sauce well. I love using fresh pasta for added flavor and texture. Gluten-free alternatives If you need gluten-free pasta, choose rice or chickpea pasta. They are tasty and cook nicely in this recipe. Just watch the cooking time, as it may differ from regular pasta. Adding spices or ingredients Boost flavor with herbs like thyme or basil. A squeeze of lemon adds brightness. You can also sprinkle in some crushed red pepper for heat. Suggestions for extra creaminess To make the sauce creamier, add more heavy cream or some cream cheese. You can also include mascarpone for a rich touch. Keep stirring until it melts into the sauce for a smooth finish. To store leftovers, let the pasta cool first. Place it in an airtight container. This keeps the dish fresh for up to three days. Make sure to cover it well to avoid drying out. For best taste, eat within two days. If you want to freeze this dish, use a freezer-safe container. Spoon the cooled pasta into the container. Leave some space at the top to let it expand. This meal stays good for up to three months. To thaw, move it to the fridge overnight. This keeps the texture nice. When reheating, the best method is on the stove. Use a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of water or broth to keep it creamy. Stir often to heat evenly. If you're in a hurry, you can use the microwave. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between, until hot. Cowboy butter is a rich and creamy sauce. It combines butter, garlic, and spices. This sauce has roots in Southern cooking. It adds a bold flavor to many dishes, like steak or pasta. The name evokes the cowboy spirit of the American West. It’s simple but full of taste. Yes, you can prepare this dish in advance. Cook the pasta and chicken separately. Store them in the fridge for up to two days. For the sauce, make it fresh for the best taste. You can mix everything together when you are ready to eat. This way, your meal stays creamy and delicious. To reduce calories, use less butter and cream. You can swap heavy cream for half-and-half or low-fat milk. Adding more veggies, like spinach or zucchini, can also help. These tips keep the flavor while making it healthier. You can still enjoy the creamy taste without the extra calories. If you want a non-dairy option, try coconut milk or almond milk. These can make your dish creamy too. Silken tofu blended until smooth is another great choice. For a lighter option, use Greek yogurt mixed with a bit of broth. Each substitute brings a different taste, so pick what you like best. In this post, we explored key ingredients and steps for a delicious chicken pasta dish. You learned how to cook pasta, sauté chicken, and make the rich Cowboy Butter sauce. I shared tips for serving, variations, and smart storage. Remember, cooking can be fun and easy. Experiment with flavors, and don’t hesitate to make it your own. Enjoy your creation, and share it with friends for a joyful meal!

Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta

Savor the deliciousness of Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta in just 30 minutes! This easy recipe combines tender chicken, rich butter sauce, and your favorite pasta for a comforting meal that’s sure to impress. With fresh tomatoes and corn adding a burst of flavor, it’s perfect for any night of the week. Click through to discover this irresistible dish and make your dinner exceptional!
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Ingredients
  

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced

8 oz (225g) pasta (your choice: fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti)

4 tablespoons unsalted butter

1 tablespoon olive oil

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 medium onion, diced

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)

Salt and pepper, to taste

1 cup heavy cream

1/2 cup chicken broth

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1/2 cup corn (fresh or frozen)

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions
 

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

    Sauté Chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken breasts, season with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.

      Make the Cowboy Butter: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent, about 3-4 minutes.

        Create the Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth, stirring to combine with the butter mixture. Add the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Cook for about 3-5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.

          Combine Ingredients: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, then add the halved cherry tomatoes and corn. Stir to combine and let everything cook together for an additional 2-3 minutes.

            Mix in Pasta and Cheese: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, along with the grated Parmesan cheese. Toss everything together, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if the sauce is too thick. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.

              Serve: Once everything is well combined and heated through, remove from heat and garnish with freshly chopped parsley.

                Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 30 minutes | 4 servings

                  - Presentation Tips: Serve the pasta in bowls with extra Parmesan cheese sprinkled on top and a garnish of parsley. A drizzle of olive oil and some crushed red pepper flakes can add an attractive touch!