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For this delicious dish, you will need: - 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced into bite-sized pieces - 8 oz (225g) penne pasta - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 4 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup fresh grated Parmesan cheese - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste These ingredients make a creamy and rich pasta that is full of flavor. The chicken gives it protein, while the pasta fills you up. The butter and cream add that lovely richness you crave. The right spices make this dish special. You will need: - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 teaspoon onion powder - ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste) Smoked paprika brings a nice depth to the dish. Onion powder adds sweetness, and red pepper flakes give it a kick. Adjust the flakes based on your spice preference. Don't forget to finish your dish with a few garnishes: - 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness. It also complements the rich flavors in the pasta. Just sprinkle it on top right before serving for the best look and taste. {{ingredient_image_2}} To cook the penne pasta, fill a large pot with water. Add a good amount of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil. Add the penne and cook for 8 to 10 minutes. You want it al dente, which means firm to the bite. Once it’s done, drain the pasta in a colander. Save a cup of that starchy pasta water for later. Grab a large skillet and place it on medium heat. Add the unsalted butter and let it melt. When the butter bubbles, toss in the minced garlic. Sauté for 1 to 2 minutes, just until it smells great. Be careful not to burn the garlic. Next, add the diced chicken to the skillet. Spread it out evenly. Season with smoked paprika, onion powder, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes. Stir occasionally until the chicken is golden and cooked through. Once the chicken is ready, pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese while stirring. This helps the cheese melt smoothly into the sauce. Keep stirring for 3 to 4 minutes until the sauce thickens. When it’s ready, add the halved cherry tomatoes. Let them warm through for a minute. Now it’s time to combine everything. Add the drained penne pasta to the skillet. Toss it gently so each piece is coated in the creamy sauce. If the sauce looks too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water. This will help it reach the right consistency. Once it’s mixed well, remove the skillet from heat. Serve the Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta on plates or in a large dish. Finish with a sprinkle of chopped parsley for color and freshness. Enjoy every delightful bite! To get the best flavor in your Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta, focus on the spices. Use fresh garlic for a strong taste. The smoked paprika adds a nice depth to the dish. Adjust the red pepper flakes to match your spicy level. Always taste as you cook. This way, you can make quick changes if needed. Make sure to let the butter bubble before adding garlic. This step helps release its full flavor. When you mix in the cream, stir it well. This helps the cheese melt fully, which makes the sauce rich and creamy. If your pasta is too sticky, it may have overcooked. Always follow the package time for cooking. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water. This helps loosen it up without losing flavor. If the chicken is dry, try cooking it on lower heat next time. If the sauce doesn’t thicken, ensure your heat is high enough when adding cheese. Stir continuously while the cheese melts. If the garlic burns, it can make your dish bitter. Always watch it closely while it cooks. Having the right tools makes cooking easier. Here are some items you need: - Large pot for boiling pasta - Colander for draining pasta - Large skillet for cooking chicken and sauce - Wooden spoon for stirring - Measuring cups for cream and cheese - Chef’s knife for chopping chicken and garlic These tools help you cook efficiently and enjoy your Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta more. Pro Tips Perfect Pasta: Be sure to cook the penne pasta until it's al dente for the best texture. The pasta should have a slight bite to it, which helps it hold up in the creamy sauce. Butter Bliss: Use unsalted butter to control the saltiness of your dish. This allows you to season it to your liking without overpowering the flavors. Cheese Choice: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese melts better than pre-grated. It creates a smoother sauce and enhances the overall flavor of the dish. Tomato Timing: Add the cherry tomatoes towards the end of cooking to keep them juicy and fresh. This adds a nice burst of flavor and color to your pasta. {{image_4}} You can easily make this dish vegetarian. Instead of chicken, use diced tofu or chickpeas. Both options soak up flavor well. You can sauté the tofu until golden brown. This adds a nice texture. For chickpeas, simply add them to the skillet with the spices. They will warm up nicely in the sauce. You can keep the rest of the recipe the same for a creamy, savory delight. Not everyone enjoys the same spice level. If you prefer less heat, skip the red pepper flakes. You can also reduce the amount of smoked paprika. For those who like it hot, feel free to add more red pepper flakes. You can also try adding a dash of hot sauce. This gives a nice kick without changing the dish too much. Always taste your dish as you go to find the right balance. Want to pack more nutrition into your meal? Add extra veggies! Spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini work great. Toss them into the skillet after cooking the chicken. Sauté them until they are tender. They will add color and flavor to your dish. You can also use frozen mixed veggies for an easy option. Just add them when you add the cream. This makes your Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta even more delightful! To store your Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta, let it cool first. Place it in an airtight container. This keeps the pasta fresh longer. Make sure to use it within three to four days. Label the container with the date. This way, you can track how long it's been in the fridge. When reheating, add a splash of cream or pasta water. This helps the sauce stay creamy. Use the stove for even heating. Heat it on low until warm. Stir often to avoid sticking. If using a microwave, cover the dish. Heat in short bursts to avoid overheating. You can freeze Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta. Portion it into meal-sized containers. Make sure to leave some space at the top. The sauce can expand when frozen. It stays good for up to three months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight before warming. Yes, you can use other pasta shapes. Bowtie, fusilli, or spaghetti work well. Each type brings a different texture. Just adjust cooking time based on the pasta you choose. Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta lasts about 3-4 days in the fridge. Make sure to store it in an airtight container. This helps keep the flavors fresh. Always check for any changes before eating leftovers. If you want a lighter option, use half-and-half or whole milk. For a dairy-free choice, try coconut cream or almond milk. These alternatives change the flavor slightly but still taste good. Yes, this dish is very kid-friendly. The creamy sauce and mild spices appeal to kids. You can adjust spice levels to suit their taste. It's a fun way to get them excited about dinner. To make Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta. Many brands offer great options that taste delicious. Just cook it according to package instructions for the best results. In this blog post, we explored making Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta. You learned about essential ingredients, spices, and garnishes. I shared step-by-step instructions for cooking pasta, chicken, and sauce. We also discussed tips for flavor and common cooking problems. With variations and storage info, you can customize and keep leftovers fresh. Remember, cooking is fun! Enjoy trying new flavors and sharing with others. Happy cooking!

Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta

A creamy and flavorful pasta dish featuring chicken, garlic, and Parmesan cheese.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced into bite-sized pieces
  • 8 oz penne pasta
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup fresh grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)
  • to taste Salt and freshly cracked black pepper

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot, bring generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, typically about 8-10 minutes. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside in a colander, reserving a cup of the starchy pasta water.
  • In a large skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Once the butter is bubbling, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until it becomes fragrant. Be cautious not to let the garlic burn, as it can turn bitter.
  • Add the diced chicken to the skillet, ensuring it’s evenly spread out. Season the chicken with smoked paprika, onion powder, red pepper flakes, salt, and freshly cracked black pepper. Sauté for approximately 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and thoroughly cooked through.
  • Pour in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese to the skillet, stirring continuously until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce has thickened slightly, which should take about 3-4 minutes. Toss in the halved cherry tomatoes and allow them to warm through.
  • Add the drained penne pasta to the skillet, gently tossing everything together to ensure the pasta is well coated in the creamy sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water gradually until you reach the desired consistency.
  • Remove the skillet from the heat. Transfer the Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta to a serving dish or individual plates. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and added freshness before serving.

Notes

Adjust red pepper flakes to taste for desired spiciness.
Keyword chicken, creamy, dinner, pasta