Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta: A Delicious & Easy Recipe

Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta: Prepare to lasso yourself a plate of pure comfort food heaven! This isn’t just another pasta dish; it’s a flavor explosion that will have your taste buds doing a happy dance. Imagine tender, juicy chicken bathed in a rich, garlicky, herb-infused butter sauce, all nestled amongst perfectly cooked pasta. Sounds good, right?

While the exact origins of “Cowboy Butter” are debated, its spirit is undeniably rooted in the hearty, resourceful cooking of the American West. Think chuckwagon cooking, where simple ingredients were transformed into satisfying meals for hardworking cowboys. This dish takes that same principle and elevates it with the addition of pasta, creating a modern classic.

What makes Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta so irresistible? It’s the perfect balance of savory, creamy, and slightly spicy. The butter sauce, infused with garlic, herbs, and a touch of red pepper flakes, clings beautifully to the pasta and chicken. People love it because it’s incredibly flavorful, surprisingly easy to make, and satisfyingly filling. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. Get ready to experience a taste of the Wild West in every bite!

Ingredients:

• For the Chicken:
• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• For the Cowboy Butter Sauce:
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves, chopped
• 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (or more, to taste)
• 1/4 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes, oil-packed, drained
• 2 tbsp lemon juice, freshly squeezed
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• For the Pasta:
• 1 lb pasta (fettuccine, linguine, or your favorite shape)
• 8 oz sliced mushrooms (cremini or button)
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
• 2 tbsp olive oil, divided
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Optional Garnishes:
• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Red pepper flakes
• Extra Parmesan cheese

Preparing the Chicken:

1. First, let’s get the chicken ready. In a medium bowl, toss the cubed chicken breasts with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Make sure each piece is nicely coated.
2. Now, add the spices! Sprinkle the chicken with smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, cayenne pepper (if you’re using it), salt, and pepper. Toss everything together until the chicken is evenly coated with the spices. I like to use my hands to really get the spices in there.
3. Heat a large skillet or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the seasoned chicken to the skillet in a single layer. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan, or the chicken will steam instead of sear. If necessary, cook the chicken in batches.
4. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, or until it’s cooked through and lightly browned on all sides. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. We’ll add it back to the sauce later.

Making the Cowboy Butter Sauce:

1. Now for the star of the show: the Cowboy Butter Sauce! In the same skillet you used to cook the chicken (don’t worry about cleaning it; those browned bits add flavor!), melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Once the butter is melted, add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.
3. Stir in the fresh thyme, rosemary, and parsley. Cook for another minute, allowing the herbs to release their aroma. The kitchen should be smelling amazing right about now!
4. Add the Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and red pepper flakes. Stir well to combine.
5. Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and lemon juice. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for about 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
6. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. Remember, you can always add more, but you can’t take it away!

Cooking the Pasta and Assembling the Dish:

1. While you’re making the sauce, cook the pasta according to the package directions. Be sure to salt the pasta water generously – this is your chance to season the pasta from the inside out! Cook the pasta until it’s al dente, meaning it’s still slightly firm to the bite.
2. While the pasta is cooking, add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet with the cowboy butter sauce. Cook the mushrooms for about 5-7 minutes, or until they are softened and lightly browned.
3. Once the pasta is cooked, drain it well, reserving about 1 cup of the pasta water.
4. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the cowboy butter sauce and mushrooms. Toss to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce.
5. Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine. The sauce should thicken slightly. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
6. Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet and toss to combine. Make sure the chicken is heated through.
7. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Toss everything together until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy and delicious.
8. Taste the pasta and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes to taste.

Serving:

1. Serve the Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta immediately. Garnish with fresh parsley, extra red pepper flakes (if desired), and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
2. This dish is best enjoyed hot, so don’t let it sit around for too long!
3. Enjoy your delicious and flavorful Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta! I hope you love it as much as I do.

Tips and Variations:

• Spice Level: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to control the heat level. If you’re sensitive to spice, start with a small amount and add more to taste.
• Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to the dish, such as bell peppers, onions, or spinach. Add them to the skillet along with the mushrooms.
• Chicken Thighs: You can substitute chicken thighs for chicken breasts. Just be sure to cook them until they are cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 175°F (79°C).
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish gluten-free.
• Cream Cheese: For an extra creamy sauce, stir in a couple of tablespoons of cream cheese along with the heavy cream.
• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. You may need to add a little milk or cream to loosen the sauce.

Enjoy experimenting with this recipe and making it your own!

Conclusion:

This Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta isn’t just another pasta dish; it’s a flavor explosion waiting to happen! The creamy, spicy, and savory sauce, combined with tender chicken and perfectly cooked pasta, creates a symphony of textures and tastes that will leave you craving more. It’s the kind of meal that’s both comforting and exciting, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering. Trust me, once you try it, it’ll become a regular in your rotation.

But why is this recipe a must-try? It’s all about the Cowboy Butter. This isn’t your average butter sauce. We’re talking a rich, garlicky, herb-infused, slightly spicy concoction that elevates the entire dish. The combination of melted butter, garlic, herbs like parsley and thyme, a touch of red pepper flakes for heat, and a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness creates a flavor profile that’s simply irresistible. It clings beautifully to the pasta and coats the chicken perfectly, ensuring every bite is bursting with flavor. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to make!

And the best part? This recipe is incredibly versatile. Feel free to experiment with different types of pasta. Penne, rotini, or even fettuccine would work wonderfully. If you’re not a fan of chicken, you could easily substitute shrimp, sausage, or even grilled vegetables. For a vegetarian option, try adding roasted bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms.

Looking for serving suggestions? A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette is the perfect complement to this rich and flavorful pasta. Crusty bread for soaking up all that delicious sauce is also a must! You could also sprinkle some extra Parmesan cheese or fresh parsley on top for added flavor and visual appeal.

Here are a few variations to consider:

* Spicier Cowboy Butter: Add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the butter mixture for an extra kick.
* Creamier Sauce: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half at the end for an even richer and creamier sauce.
* Cheesy Goodness: Add a handful of shredded cheddar cheese or Monterey Jack cheese to the sauce for a cheesy twist.
* Lemon Zest: Add lemon zest to the Cowboy Butter for a brighter, more citrusy flavor.
* Sun-dried Tomatoes: Stir in some chopped sun-dried tomatoes for a tangy and chewy element.

I’m confident that you’ll absolutely love this Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to impress your family and friends. The recipe is straightforward, the ingredients are readily available, and the results are simply outstanding.

So, what are you waiting for? Head to the kitchen, gather your ingredients, and give this recipe a try. I promise you won’t be disappointed. And most importantly, I’d love to hear about your experience! Share your photos and comments on social media using [Your Hashtag Here]. Let me know what variations you tried and how you made it your own. Happy cooking! I can’t wait to see what you create!

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