What is cowboy butter and how does it affect the flavor of chicken pasta?

Cowboy butter is a flavored compound butter made by blending butter with ingredients like garlic, herbs, cayenne pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes. It adds a creamy texture with a zesty, slightly spicy kick to the chicken pasta, enhancing the overall taste profile. Using cowboy butter instead of plain butter creates a richer, more layered flavor that makes the dish stand out.

How can I prevent chicken from drying out when making cowboy butter chicken pasta?

To keep chicken juicy, season it well and cook it over medium heat without overcrowding the pan. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and remove it immediately once done. Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before slicing; this helps the juices redistribute and keeps the meat tender.

How do I achieve the right sauce consistency for cowboy butter chicken pasta?

To get a smooth, silky sauce, reserve some pasta cooking water before draining. Add this starchy water gradually to the sauce while tossing it with the pasta and chicken. The starch helps emulsify the sauce, preventing it from clumping or thinning too much. If the sauce becomes too thick, add more pasta water a tablespoon at a time until it reaches your desired texture.

Can I make cowboy butter chicken pasta using different types of pasta?

Yes, you can use any long pasta such as fettuccine, spaghetti, or linguine. These shapes hold the cowboy butter sauce well and complement the tender chicken pieces. Choose your preferred pasta based on texture or availability; just be sure to cook it al dente so it maintains a nice bite when combined with the sauce.

What are some simple ways to add vegetables to cowboy butter chicken pasta?

Adding vegetables like baby spinach, cherry tomatoes, or steamed broccoli can boost nutrition and flavor. Stir fresh baby spinach into the hot pasta just before serving until it wilts. For cherry tomatoes or broccoli, lightly cook or steam them separately, then mix them into the dish. These additions create a colorful and balanced meal without overpowering the cowboy butter taste.

Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta Recipe with Creamy Garlic Sauce

Name: cowboy butter chicken pasta
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: – 8 ounces (about 225 grams) linguine pasta; – 1 ½ pounds (680 grams) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces; – 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil; – ½ teaspoon paprika; – ½ teaspoon garlic salt (divided use); – ½ teaspoon kosher salt; – ¼ teaspoon black pepper; – ¼ cup cowboy butter (compound butter with herbs, spices, cayenne, and crushed red pepper flakes), divided; – ¾ cup (180 ml) heavy cream; – ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional); – ½ teaspoon lemon juice (plus optional lemon zest or additional lemon juice for extra zest); – Lemon slices, for garnish; – 2 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley (plus extra for garnish); – ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional); – Optional: ¼ cup chicken broth or reserved pasta water for thinning sauce

Description

🍝 Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta features tender chicken and linguine tossed in a rich, creamy sauce with a bold, spicy flavor.
🔥 This quick 30-minute meal brings a satisfying blend of buttery, zesty, and savory tastes perfect for family dinners or entertaining.

Ingredients

– 8 ounces (about 225 grams) linguine pasta

– 1 ½ pounds (680 grams) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces

– 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

– ½ teaspoon paprika

– ½ teaspoon garlic salt (divided use)

– ½ teaspoon kosher salt

– ¼ teaspoon black pepper

– ¼ cup cowboy butter (compound butter with herbs, spices, cayenne, and crushed red pepper flakes), divided

– ¾ cup (180 ml) heavy cream

– ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

– ½ teaspoon lemon juice (plus optional lemon zest or additional lemon juice for extra zest)

– Lemon slices, for garnish

– 2 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley (plus extra for garnish)

– ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

– Optional: ¼ cup chicken broth or reserved pasta water for thinning sauce

Instructions

1-Prepare ingredients: Dice cooked chicken, mince garlic, and measure pasta and spices for a well-organized cooking process.

2-Cook pasta: Boil linguine in salted water until al dente, drain, reserve ¼ cup pasta water, and set aside.

3-Build sauce base: Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and smoked paprika; sauté until fragrant.

4-Cook chicken and cream: Add chicken pieces and 2 tablespoons cowboy butter to skillet. Turn pieces to brown and cook through. Stir in heavy cream, remaining cowboy butter, and seasonings; simmer until sauce thickens slightly.

5-Combine pasta and sauce: Toss linguine and Parmesan cheese into skillet with chicken and sauce. Add reserved pasta water or chicken broth as needed for silky consistency.

6-Finish and serve: Stir in lemon juice and chopped parsley. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Serve immediately, garnished with lemon slices and fresh parsley.

Notes

🍋 Adjust crushed red pepper flakes to control heat level to your preference.
🥄 Reserve pasta water to help thin and achieve a silky sauce consistency.
🌿 Add vegetables like spinach or cherry tomatoes to boost nutrition and color.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Sautéing and Boiling
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 640 kcal
Sugar: 2 g
Sodium: 700 mg
Fat: 38 g
Saturated Fat: 20 g
Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 45 g
Fiber: 3 g
Protein: 42 g
Cholesterol: 145 mg

Keywords: Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta, Creamy Chicken Pasta, Spicy Butter Sauce, Easy Dinner Recipe