![To make Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta, gather these items: - 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 8 oz penne pasta - 4 tablespoons butter - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon smoked paprika - 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste) - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 cup chicken broth - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen) - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped, for garnish Having some basic items in your kitchen can make cooking easier and more flavorful. Here are a few staples I always keep: - Olive oil: Great for cooking and drizzling. - Dried herbs: Like basil, thyme, and rosemary add depth. - Chicken broth: Perfect for soups and sauces. - Parmesan cheese: A nice topping to add richness. - Pasta: Always have a few types on hand for variety. Sometimes, you may not have all the ingredients. Here are some swaps you can try: - Chicken: Use tofu or chickpeas for a vegetarian option. - Pasta: Swap penne for fusilli or gluten-free pasta. - Heavy cream: Substitute with coconut milk for a dairy-free option. - Cherry tomatoes: Use canned diced tomatoes if fresh ones aren't available. - Corn: Frozen corn works just as well as fresh. To cook the pasta right, start with a large pot. Fill it with water and add a good amount of salt. This helps flavor the pasta. Bring the water to a rolling boil. Add the penne pasta and stir it well. Cook until it's al dente, which means it should be firm but not hard. Check the package for time, usually around 10-12 minutes. Once done, drain it and set it aside. For the chicken, you want to season it well. Sprinkle salt and pepper on both sides. Add a little smoked paprika for extra flavor. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and melt two tablespoons of butter. When the butter bubbles, add the chicken breasts. Cook them for about 5-7 minutes on each side. They should be golden brown and cooked through. Use a meat thermometer to check that it reaches 165°F. After cooking, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing it into strips. Now, let’s make the Cowboy Butter Sauce. In the same skillet, add the remaining two tablespoons of butter. Let it melt over medium heat. Once melted, toss in the minced garlic, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, onion powder, and oregano. Sauté these for about one minute until you can smell the spices. Then, pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any brown bits from the pan. This adds flavor. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then lower the heat. Stir in the heavy cream, halved cherry tomatoes, and corn. Cook for another 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens up a bit. The sauce should be creamy but not too thick. If you want to see how all these steps come together, check out the Full Recipe! To boost the taste of your Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta, try adding herbs and spices. Fresh basil or thyme can bring a nice touch. You can also add a squeeze of lemon for acidity. If you like heat, consider more cayenne pepper or even some red pepper flakes for an extra kick. A dash of Worcestershire sauce can add depth to the sauce. Always make sure your chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Use a meat thermometer for best results. Check the thickest part of the chicken. If the juices run clear, the chicken is done. Overcooking can make the chicken dry, so be careful. Garnish your dish with fresh parsley or cilantro for a pop of color. You can also sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top for added creaminess. Serve it with a side salad for crunch and freshness. Garlic bread pairs well, too. Enjoy your meal with a glass of white wine for a special touch. For the full recipe, check the [Full Recipe]. {{image_2}} If you want a meat-free dish, you can switch the chicken for plant-based proteins. Tofu or tempeh works well. Just marinate them in the same spices for flavor. You can also use chickpeas for a hearty option. They add protein and texture to the dish. Another idea is to use seitan, which mimics the texture of chicken. You can change up the pasta to fit your needs. If you need gluten-free options, use gluten-free penne or spaghetti. There are many brands available that taste great. Whole wheat pasta is another option. It adds more fiber and a nutty flavor. Just keep an eye on cooking times, as they may vary. To give this dish a twist, add more veggies. Spinach or bell peppers can add color and crunch. You can also toss in mushrooms for an earthy taste. For spices, consider adding cumin or coriander for a unique flavor. A splash of lemon juice can brighten up the dish, too. Each change can make your Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta even more special. For the full recipe, refer to the earlier section. To keep cowboy butter chicken pasta fresh, first let it cool. Place it in an airtight container. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. This method keeps the flavors and texture intact. If you want to store it longer, consider freezing. To freeze cowboy butter chicken pasta, let it cool completely. Use a freezer-safe container or bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. Label the container with the date. This dish can last up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge. When reheating, aim for a gentle method. You can use a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream to keep it moist. Stir often to ensure even heating. You can also use a microwave. Heat in short intervals, stirring in between. This helps retain the creamy texture and vibrant flavors. Yes, you can make parts of this dish ahead. Cook the penne pasta and store it in the fridge. You can also cook the chicken and prepare the sauce. Just wait to combine everything until you are ready to serve. This way, you keep the pasta and chicken fresh. Absolutely! Here are a few tips to lower the calories: - Use skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts. They are tender and flavorful. - Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or a low-fat version. This still adds creaminess. - Cut the butter in half. You can use a little olive oil too. - Add more veggies like spinach or zucchini to bulk up the dish without adding many calories. Great sides can enhance your meal. Here are my favorites: - A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette. It adds crunch and helps balance the meal. - Garlic bread is always a hit. It soaks up any extra sauce. - Steamed or roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus add color and nutrition. For the full recipe, check out the Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta. This blog post covered key steps for making Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta. We discussed ingredients, cooking methods, and tips to enhance flavor. You learned about substitutes to fit your diet and safe cooking practices. I shared storage tips so your leftovers last longer. In the end, enjoy cooking and experimenting with this dish. Your meals can be fun and flavorful, tailored just for you.](https://recipesinsight.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/6e722a7d-c27a-488f-a7e8-6e765a358241-250x250.webp)
Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta
Elevate your dinner game with my Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta! This easy and flavorful recipe features tender chicken in a rich, buttery sauce that will impress anyone at your table. Discover tips for perfecting the taste, vegetarian swaps, and how to store leftovers. Ready to bring comfort food to the next level? Click now to explore this delicious recipe and transform your meal into something spectacular!