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Garlic Cowboy Butter Bowtie Pasta with Chicken

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A rich and flavorful Garlic Cowboy Butter Bowtie Pasta with Chicken, ideal for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. Tender chicken bites in a creamy, buttery sauce with bold flavors.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 ½ tsp Cajun seasoning
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika
  • Salt & black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 6 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tbsp fresh chives, chopped
  • 12 oz bowtie (farfalle) pasta
  • ½ cup reserved pasta water
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for topping)

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook until al dente according to package directions. Before draining, reserve ½ cup of pasta water. Drain the pasta and set aside.
  2. Season the Chicken: In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and salt and black pepper to taste until well coated.
  3. Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken in a single layer and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and fully cooked. Transfer the chicken to a plate and keep warm.
  4. Make the Cowboy Butter Sauce: Lower the skillet heat to medium. Add unsalted butter and melt it, scraping up any browned bits left from the chicken. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 to 60 seconds. Stir in red pepper flakes, Dijon mustard, and juice of 1 lemon. Add chopped parsley and chives, and season to taste.
  5. Combine Everything: Return the cooked chicken and drained pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat in the sauce. Add reserved pasta water gradually until you reach your desired sauce consistency. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce becomes creamy and clings to the pasta.
  6. Serve: Divide the pasta into bowls and garnish with extra Parmesan and chopped parsley. Serve hot.

Notes

Pat the chicken dry before seasoning for a better sear. Reserve pasta water to control sauce thickness and adjust flavors at the end.

Nutrition

Keywords: pasta, chicken, cowboy butter, garlic, weeknight meal

Find it online: https://recipehappy.com/garlic-cowboy-butter-pasta-bowtie-chicken/