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Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta

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A rich and comforting chicken pasta dish coated in a garlicky cowboy butter sauce with parsley and a hint of red pepper heat. Tender chicken and pasta combine for a bold yet simple weeknight meal.

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 12 oz fettuccine or pasta of choice
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
  2. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining the pasta.
  3. Season the chicken with salt and black pepper.
  4. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken for 5–7 minutes until golden and fully cooked.
  5. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  6. Reduce heat to medium and add 4 tablespoons of butter to the skillet.
  7. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
  8. Pour in the reserved pasta water and whisk to combine the butter and liquid into a smooth sauce.
  9. Add the cooked pasta and chicken back to the skillet and toss until evenly coated.
  10. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a small splash of additional pasta water.
  11. Turn off the heat and stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and chopped parsley.
  12. Add lemon juice if desired, taste, and adjust seasoning before serving.

Notes

  • Pasta water helps create a silky sauce that coats the noodles.
  • Chicken thighs can be substituted for chicken breast.
  • Add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes for extra flavor.
  • Stir in a little cream at the end for a richer version.
  • Top with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
  • Author: Amelia
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Halal

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 520 kcal
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 520 mg
  • Fat: 26 g
  • Saturated Fat: 14 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 45 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 32 g
  • Cholesterol: 120 mg

Find it online: https://cooksplash.com/cowboy-butter-chicken-pasta/