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- 12 oz fettuccine or pasta of choice - 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - Fresh parsley, chopped - Additional spices for flavor - Crusty bread for serving For this creamy cowboy butter chicken pasta, I focus on simple yet bold flavors. Each ingredient plays a vital role in bringing the dish to life. The fettuccine gives a lovely base, while the chicken thighs add richness. I love using chicken thighs because they stay juicy during cooking. Minced garlic brings a wonderful aroma. Heavy cream makes the sauce silky smooth. Freshly grated Parmesan adds cheesy depth, creating a satisfying finish. In terms of seasoning, unsalted butter is a must. It adds a rich flavor that blends well with the spices. Smoked paprika gives a hint of smokiness, while cayenne pepper offers heat. Dried oregano rounds out the taste beautifully. For garnish, I always sprinkle fresh parsley. It adds color and a burst of freshness to the dish. If you want, consider crusty bread as a side for sopping up that delicious sauce. This dish is not just a meal; it’s an experience. Each ingredient shines through, making it a joy to prepare and eat. {{ingredient_image_2}} First, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 oz of your favorite pasta. Cook it until it is al dente, which takes about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta but save about 1 cup of the starchy water. This water helps thicken the sauce later. Next, take a big skillet and melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium-high heat. Add 1 pound of cut chicken thighs to the skillet. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, and 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, stirring often. You want it golden brown and fully cooked. Once the chicken is cooked, lower the heat to medium. Add 3 cloves of minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté it for around 1 minute until it smells great. Be careful not to burn the garlic! Now, gradually pour in 1 cup of heavy cream while stirring. Next, add 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce gets creamy. If it’s too thick, mix in some reserved pasta water until you reach the right consistency. Now, add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce and chicken. Toss everything together gently. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes. This helps all the flavors come together and warms the pasta. Taste the pasta and adjust the seasoning if needed. You can add more salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Finally, remove it from the heat and sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top. You can add extra Parmesan too for a nice finish. - To get the perfect al dente pasta, cook it for 1-2 minutes less than the package says. - Stir the pasta while it cooks. This helps keep it from sticking together. - When sautéing chicken, use medium-high heat. This gives a nice golden color. - Don't overcrowd the pan. Cook in batches if needed to keep the chicken juicy. - If your sauce is too thick, add a bit of reserved pasta water. This will help. - For a thinner sauce, stir in the pasta water slowly until you reach your desired thickness. - The starchy pasta water is key. It helps the sauce cling to the pasta. - Want more spice? Add extra cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce. - Serve this pasta with a side of crusty bread. It’s great for soaking up the sauce. - A simple salad with fresh veggies pairs well and adds crunch to your meal. Pro Tips Perfect Pasta Texture: Make sure to cook the pasta al dente, as it will continue to cook slightly when mixed with the sauce, ensuring it maintains the perfect bite. Butter Before Chicken: For an extra layer of flavor, consider browning the butter slightly before adding the chicken. This will add a nutty aroma to your dish. Cheese Quality Matters: Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese instead of pre-grated for a smoother, creamier sauce. Freshly grated cheese melts better and has more flavor. Adjust Spice Level: If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the cayenne pepper or omit it altogether. You can always add a pinch later if you desire more heat! {{image_4}} You can switch up the chicken in this recipe. Shrimp or beef work well too. Both options add unique flavors. If you prefer a vegetarian dish, use mushrooms instead of meat. Mushrooms absorb the creamy sauce nicely and add a great texture. Feel free to change the type of pasta. Gluten-free or whole wheat pasta both taste great. You can also use spiralized vegetables, like zucchini or carrots, for a low-carb choice. These add a fun twist and keep the dish light. You can enhance the flavor with different herbs and spices. Adding fresh basil or thyme can make it taste fresh. You can also toss in vegetables like spinach or bell peppers. These add color and nutrition to your meal while keeping it exciting. To keep your creamy cowboy butter chicken pasta fresh, use a good container. I suggest a glass or plastic container with a tight lid. This helps seal in moisture and flavor. Allow the pasta to cool before sealing it. Place it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to enjoy it later, store it right after it cools. You can reheat your pasta in two ways: the microwave or stovetop. For the microwave, place it in a bowl, cover it, and heat in short bursts. Stir in between to heat evenly. For stovetop reheating, warm it in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of water or cream to keep it creamy. This helps avoid dried-out pasta. To freeze the pasta, let it cool completely. Then, store it in a freezer-safe container. It can last up to two months in the freezer. When you're ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat it on the stovetop or microwave as mentioned. This keeps the flavors fresh and delicious. Cowboy butter is a rich, flavorful sauce. It blends butter with spices and herbs. The taste is creamy, smoky, and slightly spicy. You can find flavors like garlic, paprika, and cayenne. It works well on meats, vegetables, and pasta. Use it as a dipping sauce or topping for grilled foods. Cowboy butter adds a unique twist to any dish. Yes, you can prep this dish in advance. Cook the pasta and chicken earlier in the day. Store them separately in airtight containers. Keep the creamy sauce in another container. When ready to eat, reheat everything on the stove. Add a splash of reserved pasta water to keep it creamy. This method helps the flavors stay fresh. To make it spicier, add more cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes. You can also mix in diced jalapeños for an extra kick. If you prefer a milder dish, cut back on the cayenne. You can replace it with sweet paprika for flavor without the heat. Adding cream can also tone down the spice level. Balance flavors by tasting as you go. In this post, I covered how to make a rich and creamy chicken pasta dish. We looked at essential ingredients like chicken thighs, garlic, and Parmesan cheese. I shared step-by-step instructions for cooking and combining all elements perfectly. You also learned tips for great flavor and texture. Finally, I discussed variations and how to store leftovers. Whether you're making it for a special meal or a quick dinner, this dish is sure to impress. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and ingredients!

Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta

Dive into this mouthwatering recipe for Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta! This easy creamy pasta dish features tender chicken thighs simmered in a rich, flavorful sauce that perfectly coats fettuccine. Ideal for busy weeknights, this creamy chicken pasta brings together the best of comfort food. Don't miss out on this delicious Cowboy butter pasta recipe—save it for your next dinner! #CreamyChickenPasta #CowboyButterPasta #FettuccineRecipe #EasyCreamyPasta
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Ingredients
  

12 oz fettuccine or any pasta of your choice

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces

3 cloves garlic, finely minced

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust based on your spice preference)

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnishing)

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring an ample amount of salted water to a vigorous boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until it reaches al dente texture. Once done, drain the pasta, making sure to reserve about 1 cup of the starchy pasta water for later use. Set the drained pasta aside.

    Sauté the Chicken: In a spacious skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium-high heat. Add in the bite-sized chicken pieces, and generously season with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Cook for approximately 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until the chicken is beautifully golden and fully cooked through.

      Incorporate Garlic: After the chicken is cooked, lower the heat to medium and introduce the minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, until the garlic is aromatic. Be cautious to avoid burning it, as burnt garlic can add a bitter flavor.

        Create the Creamy Sauce: Gradually pour the heavy cream into the skillet, stirring well to combine all ingredients. Then, slowly add the finely grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until the cheese melts into a rich and creamy sauce. If the sauce becomes too thick for your liking, gradually stir in some reserved pasta water until the desired consistency is achieved.

          Combine with Pasta: Add the cooked and drained pasta to the skillet, tossing everything together gently to ensure the pasta is thoroughly coated in the luscious sauce. Allow the mixture to simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes, letting the flavors meld together beautifully while ensuring the pasta is heated through.

            Serve and Garnish: Taste the pasta and adjust the seasoning with salt and freshly cracked black pepper as necessary. Remove from heat and sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the dish to add a pop of color and freshness before serving.

              Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

                - Presentation Tips: Dish out the pasta into deep bowls, embellishing with extra grated Parmesan on top and a light scattering of fresh parsley for a vibrant finish. Consider serving alongside a slice of crusty bread, perfect for enjoying the creamy sauce!