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A close-up of Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta served in a decorative blue and white bowl, garnished with fresh herbs.

Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta

A flavorful and easy-to-prepare pasta dish that combines the richness of butter chicken with comforting pasta. Perfect for busy families looking for a hearty meal.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Pasta Cooking 5 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American, Indian-inspired
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 1.5 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 0.5 tsp kosher salt
  • 0.5 tsp ground black pepper
  • 1 Tbsp salted butter
For the Pasta and Sauce
  • 12 oz uncooked linguine pasta
  • 2 large shallots finely chopped (about 3/4 cup)
  • 0.5 tsp smoked paprika
  • 0.5 tsp crushed red pepper
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tsp lemon zest
  • 1.5 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 2 Tbsp salted butter
  • 0.25 cup salted butter
  • 2 Tbsp minced fresh flat-leaf parsley divided
  • 2 Tbsp minced fresh chives
  • 2/3 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 0.5 cup freshly shredded Parmesan cheese
  • 0.5 cup pasta water reserved
  • 1 Tbsp kosher salt for pasta water

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • Pot

Method
 

  1. Sprinkle chicken with 1/2 tsp. salt and pepper. Melt 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken; cook 6-8 minutes, until chicken is browned and cooked through. Remove chicken from pan and set aside. Do not wipe pan clean.
  2. Cook pasta according to package instructions for al dente, adding 2 teaspoons kosher salt to water. Before draining the pasta, measure out 1/2 cup pasta water and set aside.
  3. Melt remaining 1/4 cup butter over medium-high heat. Add shallot, smoked paprika, crushed red pepper, and remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt; cook 5 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook 1 minute longer. Stir in lemon juice and zest; cook 1 minute, stirring constantly.
  4. Add cream and bring to a light simmer over medium heat, stirring frequently until thickened slightly, about 5 minutes. Gradually stir in cheese until melted and smooth.
  5. Stir in chicken, 1 tablespoon chopped parsley and chives. Add drained pasta to chicken mixture. Turn heat to low, stir in 1/4 cup pasta water, and toss until pasta is coated in sauce, cooking 2-3 minutes longer. If sauce is too thick, add additional pasta water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until desired consistency has been reached.
  6. Serve sprinkled with remaining 1 tablespoon parsley.

Notes

This dish is a fusion of flavors, combining elements of butter chicken with pasta for a comforting and exciting meal. Feel free to adjust the spice level to your preference.

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