INTRODUCTION
Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta is an exciting and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken, rich butter, and the heartiness of pasta all in one bowl. This recipe is perfect for those busy weeknights when you want a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen. The cowboy butter gives the dish a unique, vibrant flavor that everyone will love. With its simple ingredients and easy steps, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.
WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE
This Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta is not only tasty but also quick to prepare. You can whip it up in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for those who are short on time but still want to enjoy a home-cooked meal. The creamy butter, mixed with the savory chicken and fresh cherry tomatoes, creates a delightful dish that bursts with flavor. Plus, it’s a one-pan meal, which means less cleanup for you! Whether it’s a casual dinner or a special occasion, this dish will impress your family and friends.
HOW TO MAKE Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta
Making Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta is straightforward and enjoyable. All you need are a few simple ingredients and a little bit of time. Follow the steps below, and soon you’ll have a delicious dish ready to serve.
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
For this recipe, you will need the following equipment:
- A large pot for cooking the linguine
- A large skillet for cooking the chicken and combining the ingredients
- A mixing spoon or spatula for stirring
- A colander for draining the pasta
- A cutting board and knife for chopping
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta, gather these ingredients:
- 8 ounces linguine
- 2 tablespoons cowboy butter
- 1 pound chicken breast, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup parsley, chopped
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS
- Cook the linguine according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, melt the cowboy butter over medium heat.
- Add the diced chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper, and cook for another 1-2 minutes.
- Add the halved cherry tomatoes and cook until they are slightly softened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Toss the cooked linguine in the skillet with the chicken and tomato mixture.
- Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley and grated Parmesan cheese.
HOW TO SERVE Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta
Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta is best served hot right after cooking. You can plate it in a big bowl and add some extra grated Parmesan cheese on top for a richer flavor. Sprinkle fresh parsley on top to add a pop of color and freshness. This dish can also be paired with a light salad or some garlic bread to make a complete meal.
STORAGE & FREEZING: Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta
If you have leftovers, Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta stores well in the refrigerator. Place the pasta in an airtight container and it can last for up to 3 days. Reheat it in a microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of water or broth to keep it moist.
If you want to freeze it, allow the pasta to cool completely before placing it in a freezer-safe container. You can keep frozen Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat before serving.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta pairs well with various sides. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette adds freshness. Garlic bread or a warm baguette can complete the meal, perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce. A chilled glass of white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc, also goes well with the flavors of this pasta dish.
VARIATIONS
Feel free to get creative with Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta by adding your favorite vegetables. Broccoli, bell peppers, or spinach can bring even more nutrients and color to the dish. You can also substitute the linguine with other types of pasta, such as penne or farfalle. For a spicier kick, add some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce. For a different protein, shrimp or tofu can replace the chicken for a lovely twist.
FAQs
1. Can I use other types of pasta?
Yes, you can use any type of pasta you like! Just be sure to adjust the cooking time according to the pasta you choose.
2. What if I don’t have cowboy butter?
You can make your own cowboy butter by mixing regular butter with spices like garlic powder, paprika, and parsley.
3. Is this dish healthy?
Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta is a good source of protein from the chicken, and you can add more vegetables to boost its nutritional value. Just be mindful of the butter used.
4. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time and then cook the pasta just before serving to keep everything fresh.
MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta
If time is tight, you can do some prep work in advance. You can dice the chicken and chop the garlic and tomatoes a few hours ahead of time. Store them in the refrigerator until you are ready to cook. This way, when it’s time for dinner, you’ll have everything ready to go, making the cooking process even faster.
In conclusion, Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta is a simple, tasty, and satisfying meal that can be enjoyed any night of the week. With easy steps and delightful flavors, this recipe makes cooking enjoyable and fulfilling. Whether for a quick meal or a cozy gathering, this dish is sure to please everyone at the table. Enjoy!
PrintCowboy Butter Chicken Pasta
A flavorful one-pan meal featuring tender chicken, rich cowboy butter, and hearty linguine, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: None
Ingredients
- 8 ounces linguine
- 2 tablespoons cowboy butter
- 1 pound chicken breast, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup parsley, chopped
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Cook the linguine according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, melt the cowboy butter over medium heat.
- Add the diced chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper, and cook for another 1-2 minutes.
- Add the halved cherry tomatoes and cook until they are slightly softened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Toss the cooked linguine in the skillet with the chicken and tomato mixture.
- Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley and grated Parmesan cheese.
Notes
Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or substitute linguine with other types of pasta. Perfect for leftovers when reheated with a splash of water or broth.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: pasta, chicken, cowboy butter, one-pan meal, quick dinner
