Name: Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta for Cozy Nights Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 ounces pasta (gluten-free pasta can be substituted); 1 pound chicken breast (plant-based chicken can be used for a vegan option); 4 tablespoons butter (use non-dairy butter for a vegan option); 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 medium onion (yellow or white), diced; 1 cup heavy cream (coconut milk works as a great dairy-free alternative); 1 cup chicken broth (vegetable broth for vegetarian offering); 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (nutritional yeast can be used for a vegan option); 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning; 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste); 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon pepper; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Ingredients

8 ounces pasta (gluten-free pasta can be substituted)

1 pound chicken breast (plant-based chicken can be used for a vegan option)

4 tablespoons butter (use non-dairy butter for a vegan option)

3 cloves garlic (minced)

1 medium onion (yellow or white)

1 cup heavy cream (coconut milk works as a great dairy-free alternative)

1 cup chicken broth (vegetable broth for vegetarian offering)

1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (nutritional yeast can be used for a vegan option)

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

Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil over high heat. Add your choice of pasta and cook for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally until al dente. Once done, reserve 1 cup of the pasta water for later, then drain the pasta and set it aside in a colander.

Step 2: In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the diced chicken breast, seasoning it with salt and pepper. Cook for about 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and melt completely. Add minced garlic and diced onion, sautéing for 3-4 minutes until onions are translucent and fragrant.

Step 4: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine smoothly. Sprinkle in Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until the sauce slightly thickens.

Step 5: Return the cooked chicken and drained pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Gently toss together for about 2 minutes to coat everything well.

Step 6: Serve warm, topped with grated Parmesan cheese and garnished with fresh parsley.

Tips & Variations

For a vegan version, substitute chicken with plant-based alternatives, butter with non-dairy butter, heavy cream with coconut milk, chicken broth with vegetable broth, and Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast.

If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen it up.

Add cooked vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition.

Adjust red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level or omit for a milder taste.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?

Yes, any pasta shape like penne, fettuccine, or rigatoni works well. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions.

How can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Replace butter with non-dairy butter or oil, use coconut milk instead of heavy cream, swap chicken broth for vegetable broth, and substitute Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast or a vegan cheese alternative.