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Creamy Cowboy Butter Garlic Chicken Pasta

Creamy Cowboy Butter Garlic Chicken Pasta
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Creamy Cowboy Butter Garlic Chicken Pasta is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken breasts cooked in a rich cowboy butter garlic sauce with a luscious creamy Parmesan-based sauce, all tossed with hearty pasta. This recipe is easy to prepare, perfect for weeknight dinners, and easily adaptable to dietary preferences.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Seasoning

  • 2 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Cowboy Butter Garlic Sauce

  • 4 tablespoons butter (divided)
  • 4 cloves garlic, freshly minced
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (for the butter)

Creamy Sauce

  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice

Pasta and Garnishes

  • 8 ounces pasta (fettuccine, penne, or your choice)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt, for pasta water
  • Additional Parmesan cheese, for garnish (optional)
  • Lemon wedges, for serving (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Cook the chicken breasts in the skillet until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side. Remove from the skillet and let rest before slicing into strips.
  2. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain and set pasta aside.
  3. Make the Cowboy Butter Garlic Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the freshly minced garlic and sauté until fragrant but not browned, about 1-2 minutes. Stir in the smoked paprika for a subtle smoky flavor.
  4. Create the Creamy Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and slowly whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese. Let the sauce simmer gently, stirring constantly, until it thickens slightly and becomes velvety.
  5. Combine and Finish: Add the sliced chicken back into the skillet with the creamy sauce. Toss in the cooked pasta and mix well to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until the desired consistency is reached. Finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley.

Notes

  • Use freshly minced garlic for the best flavor.
  • Do not overcook chicken; cook just until no longer pink inside.
  • Reserve pasta water to loosen the sauce and help it cling to pasta.
  • Grate Parmesan cheese fresh for optimal taste and melting.
  • Adjust cream and butter amounts to customize creaminess.
  • Fresh herbs like parsley brighten and balance the richness.
  • The recipe can be adapted with shrimp, turkey, or vegetarian options.
  • Gluten-free pasta can be used to make this recipe gluten-free.
  • To make dairy-free, substitute coconut cream and plant-based butter, and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken pasta, creamy pasta, cowboy butter, garlic chicken, easy dinner, comfort food, creamy chicken pasta

Find it online: https://gourmetglazing.com/creamy-cowboy-butter-garlic-chicken-pasta/