Description
Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta is a delightful weeknight meal that brings together tender chicken, a creamy buttery sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta. This dish combines comforting flavors with a hint of spice, making it an instant family favorite. In just under 30 minutes, you can create a rich and satisfying dinner that’s not only quick but also customizable to fit your pantry’s contents. Whether you’re serving it for a casual gathering or a cozy family dinner, this dish guarantees smiles all around.
Ingredients
Scale
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
- 1 tablespoon chopped chives
- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Pinch red pepper flakes
- ½ lemon, juice and zest
- 12 oz pasta (linguine recommended)
- 2 teaspoons salt (for pasta water)
- 6 chicken thighs, skinless and boneless
- 1 teaspoon salt (for seasoning)
- 1 teaspoon paprika (for seasoning)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (for seasoning)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper (for seasoning)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large shallot, finely diced
- 1 cup sliced bell peppers, mix of red, yellow, and orange
- 4 cloves garlic, sliced
- 4 tablespoons cowboy butter
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 4 tablespoons Parmesan, freshly grated
- 2 tablespoons parsley, finely chopped
Instructions
- Make the Cowboy Butter: Combine softened butter, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, herbs, paprika, salt, red pepper flakes, lemon juice, and zest in a bowl and mix well.
- Cook the Pasta: Boil salted water in a large pot and cook the linguine according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve some pasta water before draining.
- Prepare the Chicken: Cut chicken thighs into strips and season with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear chicken for about 4 minutes until lightly browned.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add shallots and bell peppers to the skillet; cook until softened.
- Combine Ingredients: Stir in half of the Cowboy Butter with drained pasta and toss until coated.
- Finish the Dish: Add cream and freshly grated Parmesan; stir to combine thoroughly.
- Serve: Plate immediately with optional lemon wedges or extra Parmesan.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 680
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 40g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 51g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 130mg