Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta
A creamy, slightly spicy skillet pasta tossed with golden-browned chicken and plenty of Parmesan, perfect for quick weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 ounces pasta (penne or fettuccine recommended)
Chicken
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
Sauce
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 cup heavy cream (or substitute coconut milk for a lighter option)
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (reserve a little for finishing) Use freshly grated for best melting and flavor.
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste) Start with less if you prefer mild.
- to taste Salt and black pepper
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Cooking the Pasta
- Boil pasta according to package directions until al dente. Before draining, scoop out and reserve 1 cup of pasta water. Drain and set pasta aside.
Searing the Chicken
- Heat 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Add to skillet in a single layer and cook, undisturbed, until golden and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove chicken to a plate.
Sautéing Aromatics
- In the same skillet, add remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Add diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for 30-60 seconds until fragrant.
Building the Sauce
- Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Stir in Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.
Combining Ingredients
- Return cooked chicken and drained pasta to the skillet. Add a splash of reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce. Stir in grated Parmesan until melted and sauce clings to the pasta. Taste and adjust seasoning.
Finishing and Serving
- Serve warm, topped with extra Parmesan and chopped fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
Keep the heat moderate when adding cheese for a smooth melt. Adjust sauce thickness with reserved pasta water. Pair with simple sides like a salad or garlic bread. Use freshly grated Parmesan for best results.