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- Chicken and Pasta - 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced - 8 oz fettuccine pasta - Sauces and Spices - 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks) - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon smoked paprika - 1 tablespoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper - 1 cup heavy cream - Cheese and Vegetables - 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese - 1 cup sweet corn (fresh or frozen) - 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped - Seasoning - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste - Cooking Utensils and Equipment - Large pot for boiling pasta - Large skillet for cooking chicken and sauce - Knife and cutting board for chopping ingredients - Recommended Cookware - Colander for draining pasta - Measuring cups and spoons for precise ingredient use Gather these ingredients and tools to make your Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta. Each item plays a key role in creating a rich, flavorful dish. The chicken adds protein, while the fettuccine serves as a perfect base. The butter and spices create a creamy sauce that ties everything together. Don't forget the cheese and corn for extra taste and texture! {{ingredient_image_2}} Boiling Water and Cooking Time First, fill a large pot with water and add salt. Bring the water to a boil. Once the water is boiling, add the 8 oz of fettuccine pasta. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until it is al dente. This usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. Reserve Pasta Water Tips After cooking, drain the pasta. Be sure to save about 1/2 cup of the pasta water. This starchy water helps thicken the sauce later. Cooking the Chicken In a large skillet, melt 1 cup of unsalted butter over medium-high heat. Once the butter is bubbling, add 4 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute until it smells great. Now, add the diced chicken breasts. Season with 1 tablespoon of smoked paprika, 1 tablespoon of onion powder, and 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper. Cook the chicken for 7 to 10 minutes, stirring often. It should be golden brown and fully cooked. Creating the Butter Sauce Lower the heat to medium-low. Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and mix well. Gradually add 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth. Mixing Pasta and Sauce Add the cooked fettuccine and sweet corn to the skillet. Use the reserved pasta water to adjust the sauce's thickness. Mix everything well to coat the pasta in the creamy sauce. Final Touches Remove the skillet from the heat. Gently stir in 1/2 cup of chopped fresh parsley. Taste your dish and add more salt and pepper if needed. Serve the pasta hot, garnished with extra parsley and Parmesan for a tasty finish. Ensuring Perfectly Cooked Chicken To cook chicken well, use small, even pieces. This helps them cook evenly. Cook the chicken until it is golden brown and no longer pink inside. Use a meat thermometer if needed. The safe internal temp is 165°F. Achieving a Creamy Sauce For a creamy sauce, lower the heat after adding the heavy cream. Stir gently to mix well. Add the Parmesan cheese slowly. This helps it melt smoothly. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of reserved pasta water. Spice Adjustments If you like mild flavors, cut back on the cayenne pepper. You can also use sweet paprika for a different taste. Taste as you cook to find the right balance. Ingredient Substitutions You can swap chicken for shrimp or tofu for a new twist. Use any pasta you have on hand. Whole wheat or gluten-free pasta works great too. For veggies, add bell peppers or spinach for extra color and nutrients. Serving Suggestions Serve pasta in shallow bowls for a nice touch. This makes it look fancy. Pair with crusty bread to soak up the sauce. Garnishing Tips Garnish with extra parsley on top. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan adds flavor and visual appeal. You can also add a touch of red pepper flakes for a pop of color. Pro Tips Butter Quality Matters: Use high-quality unsalted butter for the best flavor and creaminess in your sauce. Adjust Spice Levels: Feel free to modify the amount of cayenne pepper to suit your taste preferences. Perfect Pasta: Make sure to cook the fettuccine al dente, as it will continue to cook slightly when mixed with the sauce. Fresh Herbs Finish: Add the parsley at the end to retain its vibrant color and fresh flavor. {{image_4}} Substituting Chicken You can swap chicken with shrimp or turkey. Shrimp cooks fast and adds a nice flavor. Turkey offers a leaner option but stays juicy when cooked right. You can use the same spices for these proteins. Vegetarian Options For a vegetarian twist, try using firm tofu or tempeh. Both add great texture. Cook them until golden, just like chicken. You can also use mushrooms for a meaty feel. Using Different Types of Pasta Fettuccine is great, but you can use other pasta shapes. Penne or farfalle work well too. Choose your favorite or what you have on hand. The sauce clings nicely to all shapes. Gluten-free Variants If you need gluten-free pasta, try rice or quinoa pasta. They cook well and taste good. Just follow the package instructions for the best results. Dairy-Free Versions To make this dish dairy-free, use coconut cream instead of heavy cream. Nutritional yeast can replace cheese for a cheesy taste. This keeps the dish creamy and rich. Adding Extra Veggies You can boost nutrition by adding more veggies. Spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini work well. Toss them in while cooking the chicken to keep them tender. This adds color and flavor to your dish. To keep Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta fresh, store it properly. Place the pasta in an airtight container. This helps prevent it from drying out. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to cool it first before sealing the container. This will keep flavors intact. Want to save leftovers? Freezing is a great option! Let the pasta cool completely. Then, place it in a freezer-safe container. You can freeze it for up to three months. Make sure to label it with the date. This helps you track how long it has been stored. When freezing, consider portion sizes. This makes it easier to thaw only what you need. Also, use plastic wrap to cover the pasta before sealing. This extra layer helps prevent freezer burn. To reheat, thaw the pasta in the fridge overnight. For quick reheating, use the microwave. Add a splash of cream or water to keep it moist. Heat in short bursts, stirring often. This ensures even heating. Want to enjoy Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta later? You can make it ahead! Cook the chicken and sauce and store separately from the pasta. This keeps everything fresh and tasty. You can prepare the sauce and chicken a day before. Store it in the fridge. The next day, just cook the pasta and mix everything. It saves time and effort on busy nights. When batch cooking, consider doubling the recipe. You can divide it into meal-sized portions. Use clear labels to identify each meal. This way, you have quick dinners ready to go. Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta is a creamy, flavorful dish. It features chicken, fettuccine, and a rich butter sauce. I blend garlic, smoked paprika, and Parmesan cheese with heavy cream. This dish combines classic comfort and a cowboy twist. It’s simple to prepare and a crowd-pleaser. Yes, you can make this recipe ahead of time. To meal prep, cook the pasta and chicken separately. Store them in airtight containers. Keep the sauce in another container. When ready to eat, reheat everything on the stove. Add a splash of pasta water to help the sauce blend smoothly. To make Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta less spicy, reduce the cayenne pepper. You can start with a pinch and taste as you go. Adding more cream can also tone down the heat. If you want, you can use sweet smoked paprika instead of regular. This change keeps the flavor without the spice. This dish pairs well with many sides. A simple green salad adds freshness. Garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the sauce. You can serve steamed vegetables, like broccoli or green beans, for extra nutrition. For a hearty meal, add roasted potatoes on the side. You learned how to make Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta, a tasty mix of chicken and pasta. We covered the right ingredients, tools, and step-by-step tips to cook it well. You can also try variations and store leftovers safely. Cooking is fun, and this dish is a great start. Remember, don't fear making adjustments to suit your taste. Enjoy your meal, and share it with friends and family!

Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta

A creamy and flavorful pasta dish featuring chicken, garlic, and a rich butter sauce.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced into bite-sized pieces
  • 8 oz fettuccine pasta
  • 1 cup unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 tablespoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup sweet corn
  • 0.5 cup fresh parsley, roughly chopped
  • to taste salt and freshly ground black pepper

Instructions
 

  • Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it reaches an al dente texture. Once cooked, drain the pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of the starchy pasta water for later use.
  • In a large skillet, heat the unsalted butter over medium-high heat until melted and bubbling.
  • Once the butter is hot, add the minced garlic and sauté for approximately 1 minute, or until it becomes fragrant and lightly golden.
  • Next, add the diced chicken breasts to the skillet. Season generously with smoked paprika, onion powder, cayenne pepper, along with salt and pepper to taste. Cook the chicken for about 7-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
  • After the chicken is fully cooked, lower the heat to medium-low. Pour in the heavy cream, and stir well to incorporate all the flavors.
  • Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese to the skillet, continuing to stir until it melts completely and creates a smooth, creamy sauce.
  • Toss in the sweet corn and the cooked fettuccine, along with a bit of the reserved pasta water as necessary. Stir everything together, ensuring the pasta is well-coated with the decadent sauce. Adjust the consistency to your liking.
  • Once combined, remove the skillet from the heat and gently mix in the chopped parsley. Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if desired.
  • For serving, dish out the pasta onto bowls or plates immediately. Garnish with extra parsley and a sprinkling of grated Parmesan for added flavor and visual appeal.

Notes

To elevate the dish, serve it in shallow bowls and sprinkle a few whole parsley leaves on top for a pop of color. Pair with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce!
Keyword butter sauce, chicken, creamy, pasta