Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta
A comforting and creamy pasta dish featuring tender chicken, rich sauce, and bold seasonings, perfect for weeknight meals.
Ingredients
Pasta and Chicken
- 8 ounces pasta gluten-free pasta can be substituted
- 1 pound chicken breast plant-based chicken can be used for a vegan option
Butter and Aromatics
- 4 tablespoons butter use non-dairy butter for a vegan option
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 medium onion yellow or white
Creamy Sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream coconut milk works as a great dairy-free alternative
- 1 cup chicken broth vegetable broth for vegetarian option
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese nutritional yeast can be used for a vegan option
Seasonings
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes adjust to taste
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
Preparation
- Slice chicken into bite-sized pieces, season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, then sear in butter for 10-12 minutes until golden and cooked through.
- In the same pan, soften diced onion and garlic in butter for 3-4 minutes until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth, simmer to deglaze, then add heavy cream and Parmesan, stirring constantly until thick and glossy.
- Cook pasta according to package (usually 8-10 minutes), then drain and toss with sauce and chicken, finishing with parsley and extra cheese.
Notes
Make ahead and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat gently with a splash of broth. For kid-friendly adaptations, reduce red pepper flakes and add peas or corn.