Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta Recipe
Introduction
This Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta is a deliciously creamy and savory dish that combines tender chicken with buttery garlic sauce and perfectly cooked pasta. It’s a comforting meal perfect for a weeknight dinner that comes together quickly with simple ingredients.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 12 oz fettuccine or penne pasta
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tbsp honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare your ingredients by mincing the garlic and slicing the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- Step 2: Cook the pasta in salted boiling water according to the package instructions until al dente. Before draining, reserve 1 cup of the pasta water.
- Step 3: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt half the butter. Add the chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and sauté until golden brown, about 6 to 8 minutes.
- Step 4: Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet. In the same skillet, melt the remaining butter and add the minced garlic. Cook until fragrant, then stir in the soy sauce and honey.
- Step 5: Return the drained pasta and chicken to the skillet with the sauce. Add reserved pasta water as needed to achieve a creamy consistency, stirring to combine.
- Step 6: Serve the pasta hot, optionally garnished with fresh parsley for a touch of color and freshness.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when cooking the garlic.
- Substitute chicken breasts with thighs for a juicier result.
- Use gluten-free pasta if you prefer a gluten-free version.
- Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese for added richness.
Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to restore creaminess if needed.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?
Yes, penne or fettuccine work well, but you can also use other types like rotini or bowtie pasta. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions.
How can I make this dish dairy-free?
Replace the butter with a dairy-free alternative like margarine or olive oil. The dish will still have great flavor thanks to the soy sauce and honey sauce base.
PrintCowboy Butter Chicken Pasta Recipe
Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta is a flavorful and hearty dish featuring tender, sautéed chicken breast tossed with pasta in a rich, buttery sauce infused with garlic, honey, and soy sauce. This easy skillet recipe combines savory and sweet elements to create a satisfying meal perfect for any weeknight dinner.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Chicken and Sauce
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs), sliced into bite-sized pieces
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tbsp honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
Pasta
- 12 oz fettuccine or penne pasta
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Finely mince the garlic cloves and slice the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces to ensure quick and even cooking.
- Cook Pasta: Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Before draining, reserve 1 cup of the pasta water for the sauce.
- Sauté Chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and melt 3 tablespoons of butter. Add the chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and sauté for 6-8 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
- Make Sauce: Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet. In the same skillet, melt the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in soy sauce and honey to combine the flavors.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, add the drained pasta, and toss everything together. Pour in reserved pasta water gradually to loosen the sauce and create a creamy consistency.
- Serve: Serve the pasta hot, optionally garnished with chopped fresh parsley for color and freshness.
Notes
- Use low-sodium soy sauce to control the saltiness of the dish.
- Adjust the amount of honey to your taste preference for sweetness.
- You can substitute fettuccine or penne with any pasta shape you prefer.
- Reserve pasta water is essential to help the sauce adhere better to the pasta and chicken.
- For a dairy-free option, substitute butter with olive oil and ensure soy sauce is gluten-free.
Keywords: chicken pasta, cowboy butter chicken, garlic butter chicken, easy chicken pasta recipe, honey soy chicken pasta
