Introduction

This Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta is a rich and comforting dish perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner. Tender chicken breasts are cooked in a garlic butter sauce and tossed with pasta in a luscious cream sauce. It’s simple, flavorful, and sure to please the whole family.

Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
8 oz fettuccine or penne pasta
3 tbsp unsalted butter
1 cup heavy cream
4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
2 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: In a skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook the chicken for 6 to 7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and let it rest.
Step 3: In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of butter and the minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour in the heavy cream and stir until the sauce thickens slightly.
Step 4: Slice the chicken into bite-sized pieces and return it to the skillet along with the drained pasta. Toss gently to coat everything evenly in the creamy sauce.
Step 5: Serve the pasta hot, garnished with extra Italian seasoning or Parmesan cheese if desired.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a mild kick.
Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for juicier meat.
Swap the heavy cream for half-and-half for a lighter sauce, but cook gently to avoid curdling.
Add steamed vegetables like broccoli or spinach for added color and nutrition.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of cream or milk if the sauce thickens too much.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can use any pasta you prefer such as penne, linguine, or even rotini. Just cook according to the package directions until al dente.

How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?

Chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) or when the juices run clear and the meat is no longer pink inside.

Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 103 reviews

This Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta is a rich and comforting dish featuring tender chicken breasts cooked to golden perfection and tossed with fettuccine in a luscious garlic butter cream sauce. Infused with Italian seasoning and a hint of Parmesan, this meal combines hearty flavors with creamy textures for an irresistible pasta experience perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

Author: Dana
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tsp Italian seasoning
2 tbsp unsalted butter (for cooking chicken)

Pasta and Sauce

8 oz fettuccine or penne pasta
3 tbsp unsalted butter (total, 2 tbsp for chicken, 1 tbsp for sauce)
4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
2 tsp Italian seasoning (additional for garnish)
Optional: Parmesan cheese for garnish

Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine or penne pasta and cook until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes depending on pasta type. Drain and set aside.
Cook the Chicken: In a skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Season the chicken breasts generously with salt, pepper, and 2 teaspoons of Italian seasoning. Place the chicken in the skillet and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter and the minced garlic. Sauté the garlic over medium heat until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes, taking care not to burn it. Pour in the heavy cream and stir continuously until the sauce thickens slightly, around 3-5 minutes.
Combine Chicken and Pasta: Slice the rested chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Return the chicken pieces and the drained pasta to the skillet with the creamy garlic sauce. Gently toss everything together to coat the pasta and chicken evenly with the sauce.
Serve: Serve the pasta hot, garnished with extra Italian seasoning and optionally sprinkled with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor.

Notes

Use freshly minced garlic for the best flavor; garlic powder can be used as a substitute in a pinch.
Feel free to substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce, but the texture will be less rich.
If you want to add some vegetables, sautéed mushrooms or spinach would complement this dish well.
To make this gluten-free, substitute the pasta with gluten-free pasta varieties.
Letting the chicken rest after cooking ensures it stays juicy when sliced.

Keywords: Creamy chicken pasta, garlic butter chicken, Italian seasoning pasta, fettuccine recipe, creamy chicken dinner