Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta
A comforting dish featuring tender chicken and creamy sauce enveloping pasta, perfect for family gatherings or cozy dinners.
Ingredients
For the Chicken and Pasta
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs for a juicier option)
- 8 oz pasta (like fettuccine or penne; whole wheat or gluten-free are great substitutes)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (you can use olive oil for a lighter option)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream (swap with almond milk for a dairy-free version)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Cooking
- In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve a cup of pasta water before draining.
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Season the chicken with salt and pepper, then add it to the skillet. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until cooked through and golden brown.
- Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for another minute.
- Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Stir in smoked paprika and let it simmer for about 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss to combine, adding a little reserved pasta water if the sauce is too thick.
- Top with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
Consider adding veggies like spinach or bell peppers for a nutritious boost, or substitute Greek yogurt for a lighter option.