Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta

$- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced into bite-sized pieces - 8 oz fettuccine or spaghetti - 1/2 cup unsalted butter The chicken serves as the main protein in this dish. I prefer boneless, skinless chicken breasts for their ease and quick cooking time. The pasta acts as the perfect base. Fettuccine or spaghetti works well, but feel free to use your favorite type. Butter adds richness and flavor, making every bite delightful. - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper These spices are key to bringing Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta to life. Smoked paprika gives a warm, smoky flavor. Onion powder adds depth without overpowering the dish. Cayenne pepper adds a kick. Adjust the amount based on how spicy you like it. - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 2 cups fresh baby spinach - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped Cherry tomatoes burst with flavor and add a touch of sweetness. Baby spinach gives a fresh, green element. Fresh parsley brightens the meal and adds color. These veggies not only enhance taste but also make the dish visually appealing. For the complete list of ingredients and instructions, you can check out the Full Recipe. - First, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. - Cook the pasta (fettuccine or spaghetti) according to the package directions. - Drain the pasta and set it aside. Don’t forget to save 1/2 cup of pasta water for later. - In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. - Once the butter melts, add the minced garlic. Sauté it for about 1 minute until it smells great. - Next, sprinkle in the smoked paprika, onion powder, and cayenne pepper. Stir for 30 seconds to let the spices bloom. - Now, add the diced chicken to the skillet. Season it well with salt and pepper. Cook the chicken until it turns golden and is cooked through, which takes about 6-8 minutes. - Pour in the chicken broth and let the mixture simmer gently. - Add the halved cherry tomatoes. Let them cook until they burst and soften, which takes around 3-4 minutes. - Stir in the fresh baby spinach until it wilts. Then, mix in the cooked pasta, tossing everything together. - If the sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta water to reach the desired consistency. - Finally, taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Fold in the chopped parsley for a fresh touch. - Serve the dish warm, topped with grated Parmesan cheese for extra richness. This recipe is simple and full of flavor, making it a perfect meal for any time. For the full recipe, check out the earlier sections! To make sure your chicken is cooked through, cut it into small pieces. This helps it cook faster and more evenly. Use a meat thermometer to check if it reaches 165°F. This ensures safety and flavor. Adjust your seasoning as needed. If you want more heat, add more cayenne pepper. For a richer taste, consider adding more smoked paprika. Always taste as you go. For a great presentation, serve the pasta in large bowls. This makes it look inviting. You can sprinkle extra parsley on top for color. A light dusting of black pepper adds elegance. Garnish your dish with grated Parmesan cheese. This adds creaminess and flavor. You can also add some fresh basil for a pop of freshness. Use a large skillet for cooking. A non-stick option works best to prevent sticking. This makes stirring easier and cleanup simpler. Essential cooking tools include a sharp knife for cutting chicken and a sturdy spatula for mixing. A meat thermometer will help you check the chicken's doneness. These tools ensure a smooth cooking experience with great results. For the full recipe, refer to the Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta section. {{image_4}} If you want to change things up, consider these swaps. First, for pasta, you can use penne or gluten-free options like chickpea pasta. Each choice brings a unique texture. Next, for proteins, you can swap chicken for shrimp or a firm tofu. Each protein will give the dish a different taste and feel. You can spice it up or down based on your taste. Add more cayenne pepper for heat or use less if you prefer mild flavors. You can also mix in cheese like mozzarella for a creamy touch or use heavy cream for a rich sauce. Try different combinations to find what you love best. For gluten-free needs, choose gluten-free pasta. It cooks similarly, so you won't miss out. If you want a vegan version, replace the chicken with mushrooms or tempeh. Use vegan butter and skip the cheese. These changes keep the dish tasty while meeting dietary needs. To store leftovers, let them cool down first. Place the pasta in an airtight container. Make sure to cover it well to keep the flavors fresh. Glass or plastic containers work well for storage. Keep it in the fridge for up to three days. For best results, freeze Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta in a freezer-safe container. Leave some space at the top for expansion. It should last about two months in the freezer. When you're ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat it gently on the stove, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to keep it moist. In the fridge, this dish can last about three days. If you notice any off smells, or if the pasta looks dry or discolored, it’s time to toss it. Always trust your senses when checking for spoilage. Enjoy your Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta fresh for the best taste! For the Full Recipe, check out the complete details. Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta is a hearty and tasty dish. It combines tender chicken with pasta and a rich butter sauce. The dish is full of flavor from garlic, spices, and fresh veggies. The butter sauce makes it creamy and smooth. You’ll love how it warms you up. This meal is perfect for busy nights or family gatherings. You can enjoy it in just 30 minutes. Yes, you can prepare Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta in advance. Cook the pasta and chicken as directed. Then, store them separately in the fridge. When you're ready to eat, heat the chicken and sauce in a pan. Add the cooked pasta and mix well. This way, you can save time on busy nights. Just remember, the pasta tastes best fresh! You can serve this dish with many tasty sides. Here are some great options: - Garlic bread for a crunchy bite - A fresh green salad for some crunch - Steamed veggies like broccoli or green beans - A light soup for a complete meal These sides will balance the rich flavors of the pasta. Yes, many places serve Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta. Look for Italian or American restaurants. You can also find it on delivery apps. If you want a homemade taste, search for local places that focus on comfort food. They often have unique twists on this dish. Enjoying it from a restaurant can be a fun treat! This blog post covers everything you need for Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta. We talked about key ingredients like chicken, pasta, and butter. Spices like smoked paprika add great flavor. Simple steps guide you to cook perfectly. Helpful tips and tricks enhance your dish's presentation. You can customize your meal with ingredient swaps, spice levels, and dietary changes. Cook this dish with confidence. Enjoy the creamy, savory taste that everyone will love!$

Discover the delicious flavors of Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta, a quick and satisfying dish perfect for any night of the week. This recipe features tender chicken, vibrant cherry tomatoes, and fresh spinach, all tossed in a rich butter sauce infused with garlic and spices. Ready in just 30 minutes, it's an ideal meal for busy evenings. Click through to explore this easy-to-follow recipe and treat your family to a hearty dinner that'll have everyone coming back for seconds!

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Ingredients

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced into bite-sized pieces

8 oz fettuccine or spaghetti

1/2 cup unsalted butter

4 cloves garlic, finely minced

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 teaspoon onion powder

1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust based on your spice preference)

1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

2 cups fresh baby spinach

1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Grated Parmesan cheese for garnish

Instructions

Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta (fettuccine or spaghetti) according to the package instructions until it reaches an al dente texture. Drain the pasta and set it aside, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta water for later use.

In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the minced garlic, sautéing for about 1 minute until it becomes fragrant but is not browned to avoid bitterness.

Sprinkle in the smoked paprika, onion powder, and cayenne pepper, stirring for an additional 30 seconds to allow the spices to bloom and release their essential oils.

Add the diced chicken to the skillet, season generously with salt and pepper, and sauté the mixture until the chicken is cooked through and golden, about 6-8 minutes.

Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Add the halved cherry tomatoes, allowing them to cook until they burst and soften, which should take around 3-4 minutes.

Stir in the fresh baby spinach, mixing until it wilts down. Then, introduce the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing everything together. If the sauce appears too thick, gradually add some of the reserved pasta water until you achieve your desired consistency.

Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and freshly ground black pepper if needed. To finish, fold in the chopped parsley for a fresh and vibrant kick.

Serve the dish warm, generously garnished with grated Parmesan cheese on top for added richness.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

- Presentation Tips: Dish the pasta into large bowls, garnishing with additional fresh parsley and a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese on the side. A light dusting of black pepper can elevate the presentation beautifully!