Name: Cowboy Butter Beef Pasta - Easy Creamy Flavor
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4-6 servings
Ingredients: 12 ounces pasta of your choice (e.g., penne or fettuccine); 1 pound beef sirloin, cut into bite-sized pieces; 4 tablespoons unsalted butter; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 medium onion, diced; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth; 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning; 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste); Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta Recipe: Easy, Creamy and Flavorful. Are you ready to lasso yourself a dinner that’s as satisfying as a rootin’ tootin’ good time? This Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta Recipe is about to become your new weeknight hero. We’ve taken the beloved comfort of classic butter chicken and infused it with the hearty, soul-warming essence of a cowboy’s campfire feast, all swirled into perfectly cooked pasta. What makes this dish so incredibly special? It’s the harmonious blend of tender chicken bathed in a luxuriously creamy, spiced tomato sauce, married with al dente pasta that soaks up every drop of that incredible flavor. People adore this recipe because it delivers big on taste without requiring hours in the kitchen. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, offering a familiar yet exciting twist that will have everyone asking for seconds, proving that simple ingredients can create truly magnificent meals.

Ingredients:

Pasta of your choice (e.g., penne or fettuccine) – 12 ounces
Chicken breast – 1 pound, boneless and skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces
Butter – 4 tablespoons (unsalted is recommended for better flavor control)
Garlic – 4 cloves, minced
Onion – 1 medium, diced
Heavy cream – 1 cup (or substitute with coconut milk for a lighter option)
Chicken broth – 1 cup (low-sodium preferred)
Parmesan cheese – 1 cup, grated
Italian seasoning – 1 tablespoon
Red pepper flakes – 1 teaspoon (adjust to taste)
Salt and pepper – to taste
Fresh parsley – for garnish (optional)

Cooking the Pasta

Step 1: Prepare the Pasta

Begin extractgin extract bringing a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil over high heat. Once the water is boiling, add your chosen pasta. I find penne or fettuccine work wonderfully for this dish, as their shapes hold the creamy sauce beautifully. Stir the pasta occasionally to prevent it from sticking together. Cook according to the package directions until the pasta is al dente – this means it should be tender but still have a slight bite to it. It’s important not to overcook the pasta, as it will continue to cook slightly in the sauce. Once cooked, reserve about 1 cup of the starchy pasta water before draining the pasta thoroughly. This reserved water is a secret weapon for achieving a perfectly emulsified and silky sauce.

Searing the Chicken

Step 2: Sauté the Chicken

While the pasta is cooking, let’s get started on our flavorful chicken. In a large skillet or Dutch oven, melt 2 tablespoons of the butter over medium-high heat. Once the butter is shimmering and hot, add the bite-sized pieces of chicken breast. Season the chicken generously with salt and pepper. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s golden brown and cooked through. Don’t overcrowd the pan; if necessary, cook the chicken in batches to ensure it sears properly and doesn’t steam. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate. This step ensures the chicken has a lovely texture and doesn’t become rubbery in the sauce.

Building the Flavor Base

Step 3: Sauté Aromatics and Bloom Spices

In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once the butter has melted, add the diced onion and cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion is softened and translucent. This gentle sautéing brings out the sweetness of the onion. Next, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter. Now, it’s time to add our dried spices. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes. Stir them into the onion and garlic mixture and cook for about 30 seconds, allowing the heat to bloom the spices and release their wonderful aromas. This technique intensifies their flavor significantly.

Creating the Creamy Sauce

Step 4: Deglaze and Simmer the Sauce

Pour in the chicken broth and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the skillet. These bits are full of flavor and will add depth to your sauce. Bring the broth to a simmer and let it cook for about 2-3 minutes, allowing it to reduce slightly. Now, stir in the heavy cream. Bring the mixture back to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionagin extract, until it begins to thicken. The low and slow simmering is crucial for developing a rich, creamy texture without the risk ofgin extract splitting.

Bringing It All Together

Step 5: Combine and Finish

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the simmering sauce. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Continue to stir gently until the cheese has melted and is fully incorporated into the sauce, creating a luscious, cheesy coating. If the sauce seems a little too thick at this point, you can add a splash of the reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. This is where that starchy water really works its magic to create a smooth, emulsified sauce that clings perfectly to the pasta. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Finally, add the drained pasta directly to the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together gently, ensuring every piece of pasta and chicken is generously coated in the creamy, flavorful cowboy butter sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired for a pop of color and freshness.

Conclusion:

You’ve now got everything you need to create the delicious Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta Recipe: Easy, Creamy and Flavorful! We’ve walked through each step to ensure a fantastic meal, highlighting how the tender chicken, rich butter sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta come together for an unforgettable dining experience. This dish is designed to be incredibly satisfying and surprisingly straightforward, making it ideal for busy weeknights or when you want to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen. Remember, the beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability, so don’t hesitate to experiment!

For serving, consider pairing your Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta Recipe with a crisp green salad, some crusty garlic bread for dipping up that extra sauce, or even a side of roasted vegetables. If you’re looking for variations, feel free to swap out the chicken for shrimp or firm tofu for a vegetarian option. Adding a pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of cayenne pepper can introduce a delightful smoky or spicy kick. We truly encourage you to dive in, embrace the process, and enjoy the incredible flavors that await. Happy cooking!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make the Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta Recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare many components of the Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta Recipe in advance. The chicken can be cooked and the sauce can be made separately. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat the sauce and chicken, then toss with freshly cooked pasta. It’s best to add the pasta just before serving to prevent it from becoming mushy.

What kind of pasta works best with this Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta Recipe?

While many pasta shapes will work, shapes that can hold the creamy sauce well are ideal. Penne, rigatoni, fusilli, or even fettuccine are excellent choices for the Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta Recipe. They provide nooks and crannies for the rich butter sauce to cling to, ensuring every bite is bursting with flavor.