Description
Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta is a delightful weeknight meal that’s both quick and flavorful. In just under 30 minutes, you can whip up a satisfying dish featuring tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and a rich buttery sauce. This creamy pasta dish is perfect for busy evenings or casual gatherings, ensuring every bite bursts with flavor. The best part? It’s versatile enough for customization, allowing you to add your favorite veggies or pasta shapes. Serve it with fresh lemon wedges for an extra zing that elevates this comforting meal. Enjoy the delicious fusion of spices and buttery goodness that will impress your family and friends!
Ingredients
- ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley
- 1 tbsp chopped chives
- 2 tsp fresh thyme leaves
- 1 tsp sweet paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- pinch red pepper flakes
- ½ lemon juice and zest
- 12 oz (340g) pasta (e.g., linguine)
- 2 tsp salt
- 6 chicken thighs, skinless and boneless
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil, or as needed
- 1 large shallot, finely diced
- 1 cup (150g) sliced bell peppers, mix of red, yellow, and orange
- 4 cloves garlic, sliced
- 4 tbsp cowboy butter, or more to taste
- ½ cup (120ml) cream, heavy / double
- 4 tbsp Parmesan, freshly grated
- 2 tbsp parsley, finely chopped
Instructions
- Combine all the Cowboy Butter ingredients together in a small bowl. Mix well and set aside.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Be sure to reserve some pasta water before draining.
- While the pasta cooks, cut the chicken thighs into strips or bite-sized pieces. Season them with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Quickly sear the chicken pieces for about 4 minutes; they do not need to be fully cooked at this stage.
- Lower the heat slightly. Add shallots, sliced garlic, and bell peppers to the skillet. Cook while stirring frequently until softened and chicken is cooked through.
- Stir in your prepared cowboy butter along with the cooked linguine. Toss everything together until well combined in that delicious buttery sauce.
- Pour in cream along with grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley. Stir well to combine all ingredients thoroughly. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side. Top with extra Parmesan cheese if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (approx. 350g)
- Calories: 634
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 654mg
- Fat: 36g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 150mg