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To make Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta, gather these ingredients: - 2 chicken breasts, diced - 8 oz. (225g) pasta (preferably fettuccine or penne) - ½ cup unsalted butter - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 teaspoon chili powder - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste) - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup spinach, roughly chopped - ½ cup heavy cream - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) You can swap some ingredients if needed: - For chicken, use turkey or firm tofu. - Instead of fettuccine, try penne or spaghetti. - Use olive oil if you want a lighter fat. - Greek yogurt can replace heavy cream for a tangy twist. - Any fresh greens, like kale, can stand in for spinach. For cooking this dish, you will need: - A large pot for boiling pasta - A large skillet for the sauce - A cutting board for chopping - A sharp knife for dicing chicken and garlic - A spatula or tongs for mixing and serving - Measuring cups and spoons for accuracy {{ingredient_image_1}} To make Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta, start by boiling water in a large pot. Add salt to the water. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until it is al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside. Next, grab a large skillet and place it on medium heat. Melt the butter in the skillet until it bubbles. Then, add the minced garlic. Cook it for about one minute. You want the garlic to smell great but not burn. Now, stir in the spices: smoked paprika, chili powder, dried oregano, and cayenne pepper. Cook these spices for about one minute. This step helps the flavors mix well. Add the diced chicken to the skillet, seasoning it with salt and pepper. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes. You want it golden brown and fully cooked. Once the chicken is ready, add the halved cherry tomatoes and chopped spinach. Cook for another 2-3 minutes. The spinach should wilt, and the tomatoes should soften a bit. Now, pour in the heavy cream and mix well. Let this simmer for 2-3 minutes. This will help the sauce thicken nicely. Finally, toss in the cooked pasta. Mix everything well, so the pasta is coated in that tasty butter sauce. Taste it! Adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve it hot, garnished with fresh parsley for a nice touch. For the best pasta, remember these tips: - Use plenty of water when boiling the pasta. This helps it cook evenly. - Don’t skip the salt in the water. It adds flavor to the pasta. - Stir the pasta occasionally to prevent sticking. - Always check for al dente texture. It should be firm yet tender. - Reserve a little pasta water. You can add this to the sauce for extra creaminess if needed. Timing is key in cooking. Here are some tips to keep in mind: - Start boiling water before preparing other ingredients. This saves time. - Keep the skillet on medium heat. Too high can burn the butter and garlic. - Make sure to cook the chicken fully. The inside should reach 165°F. - Don’t rush the simmering step with the cream. It helps the sauce thicken. - Serve immediately after mixing. This dish is best enjoyed fresh and hot. When making cowboy butter chicken pasta, avoid overcooking the chicken. The chicken should be golden brown but not dry. Also, watch the pasta closely. Cook it until al dente for the best texture. If you add the pasta too early to the sauce, it may become mushy. Lastly, don’t skip the seasoning. Salt and pepper enhance every bite. To boost flavor, use fresh herbs. Adding thyme or basil can bring new life to your dish. You can also mix in a splash of lemon juice to brighten flavors. If you love spice, increase the cayenne pepper. For a richer taste, try using garlic powder along with the fresh garlic. Each tweak adds depth and personality to your meal. Garnishing makes your dish pop. Fresh parsley adds a splash of color and freshness. You can also use whole cherry tomatoes for a fun touch. For a bit of crunch, sprinkle toasted breadcrumbs on top. If you enjoy cheese, a sprinkle of grated Parmesan can add creamy richness. Serve in a large bowl to show off your beautiful creation! Pro Tips Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh parsley adds a burst of flavor and color to your dish, enhancing the overall presentation and taste. Customize Spice Level: Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper based on your heat preference; start with less and add more if you like it spicy. Perfect Pasta Timing: Ensure your pasta is cooked al dente to avoid it becoming mushy once mixed with the sauce. Make It Creamy: For an even creamier texture, consider adding more heavy cream or a splash of pasta water to the sauce before mixing. {{image_2}} You can easily make this dish vegetarian. Swap the chicken for chickpeas or mushrooms. Use a vegan butter substitute for the sauce. Replace heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream for a rich taste. Add more veggies, like bell peppers or zucchini, to boost flavor and color. These changes keep the dish tasty and filling without meat. If you want more protein, try shrimp or sausage. For shrimp, sauté it until pink before adding it to the sauce. If you prefer sausage, slice and brown it in the skillet first. This adds a nice spice and depth to the meal. You can also mix different proteins for a fun twist. Feel free to switch up the sauce! Try adding a splash of lemon juice for brightness or a bit of soy sauce for umami. For a creamy touch, mix in some cream cheese. Experiment with different herbs, like thyme or basil, for added flavor. The key is to have fun and make it your own! To store leftovers, let the pasta cool down. Then, place it in an airtight container. Make sure to seal it well to keep the flavors fresh. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing. When you’re ready to enjoy the leftovers, reheat them gently. You can use the microwave or a skillet. If using a skillet, add a splash of water or cream to avoid dryness. Heat it on low until warm. Stir often for even heating. You can freeze Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta for later meals. Place the cooled dish in a freezer-safe container. It will keep well for about three months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. This dish tastes great, even after freezing! Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta is a creamy, tasty dish. It mixes chicken, pasta, and a rich butter sauce. You cook chicken with spices and garlic. Then you add cherry tomatoes and spinach for color and taste. The heavy cream binds everything together. This dish is perfect for family meals. You can use fettuccine or penne pasta. The buttery sauce makes it stand out. Yes, you can make this dish in advance. Cook the pasta and chicken, then store them separately. Keep the sauce in a jar or container. When you're ready to eat, combine them in a skillet. Heat everything gently on the stove. This method keeps the pasta from getting mushy. It also makes meal prep easier for busy days. You can serve many things with Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta. A fresh green salad adds a nice crunch. Garlic bread is another great choice for soaking up the sauce. You can also pair it with steamed veggies for a healthy side. For a fun twist, add some grilled corn on the side. These options make your meal complete and delicious. In this blog post, we explored the key ingredients and steps to make Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta. I shared how to perfect your dish with tips on timing and common mistakes to avoid. You learned about tasty variations, storage methods, and answers to frequent questions. Cooking is fun and rewarding. With these tips, you can create a delicious meal that impresses. Enjoy your time in the kitchen and savor every bite!

Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta

A delicious pasta dish featuring chicken in a buttery garlic sauce with spices, tomatoes, and spinach.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 pieces chicken breasts, diced
  • 8 oz pasta (preferably fettuccine or penne)
  • 0.5 cup unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 0.5 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup spinach, roughly chopped
  • 0.5 cup heavy cream
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • to taste fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

  • Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  • In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant.
  • Stir in the smoked paprika, chili powder, dried oregano, and cayenne pepper. Cook for another minute, allowing the spices to bloom in the butter.
  • Add the diced chicken to the skillet and season with salt and pepper. Cook until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
  • Once the chicken is cooked, add the halved cherry tomatoes and chopped spinach to the skillet. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until the spinach is wilted and the tomatoes are slightly softened.
  • Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine, letting it simmer for 2-3 minutes to thicken slightly.
  • Add the cooked pasta into the skillet, tossing everything together until the pasta is well coated in the buttery sauce. Adjust seasoning if necessary.
  • Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley.

Notes

Serve in a large bowl, sprinkle extra chopped parsley on top, and place a few whole cherry tomatoes for visual appeal.
Keyword butter, chicken, garlic, pasta, quick meal