cowboy chicken pasta recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best cowboy chicken pasta recipe

I’ve been making this cowboy chicken pasta recipe for years, and it’s always a hit with my family. The dish is a staple of American cuisine, and its origins date back to the cowboy era when ranchers would cook up whatever they had on hand. This recipe is a perfect example of that – it’s hearty, flavorful, and uses simple ingredients to create something truly special.

I love that it’s easy to customize with your favorite vegetables and spices, but the core flavors remain the same. My kids devour this dish, and I’m happy to oblige them because it’s just so versatile. Whether you’re serving it as a weeknight dinner or as part of a special occasion, this cowboy chicken pasta is sure to please.

And the best part? It’s incredibly healthy – we’re talking lean protein, fiber-rich vegetables, and complex carbohydrates all in one dish. My family and I have enjoyed countless meals from this recipe over the years, and I’m confident you will too.

The secret to its success lies in the combination of tender chicken, crunchy vegetables, and rich sauce all mixed together with perfectly cooked pasta. It’s a match made in heaven, if you ask me! One of the things I appreciate most about this recipe is how adaptable it is – whether you’re cooking for one or ten, you can easily scale up or down without sacrificing any of that magic.

We love making this dish on the weekends when we have a bit more time to devote to cooking up a storm in the kitchen. And let me tell you – it never disappoints! We’ve served it at potlucks, family gatherings, and even just as an impromptu Tuesday dinner (no judgments here!)

The leftovers are just as delicious as the first serving too.

Cowboy Chicken Pasta

4.7 from 1754 votes

Cowboy chicken pasta is a hearty, comforting dish with a creamy tomato sauce, tender chicken and flavorful pasta. This recipe is a must-try for any occasion.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Pasta

8 oz pasta

For the Chicken

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts

For the Sauce

1 cup tomato sauce
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup chicken broth
2 cloves garlic
1 onion
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp chili powder
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper

For Garnish

1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

👨‍🍳Directions

1Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat.
2Add pasta and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
3Drain and set aside.
4While the pasta is cooking, season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
5Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
6Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-7 minutes per side.
7Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside to rest.
8In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the chopped onion.
9Cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
10Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute, until fragrant.
11Stir in the tomato sauce, heavy cream, chicken broth, paprika, chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper.
12Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.
13Slice the rested chicken into thin strips.
14Add the chicken and cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce.
15Toss everything together until well combined and heated through, about 2-3 minutes.
16Serve the cowboy chicken pasta hot, garnished with shredded cheddar cheese and chopped fresh parsley.

🔧Equipment

Large pot
Large skillet
Wooden spoon
Cutting board
Knife
Measuring cups and spoons
Mixing bowl

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 12g💛Saturated Fat: 5g❤️Cholesterol: 30mg🧂Sodium: 600mg🌾Total Carbs: 45g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 5g🥩Protein: 15g

📝Notes

Tips: You can substitute whole wheat pasta for a healthier option. For a spicier dish, add diced jalapeños to the sauce.

This cowboy chicken pasta recipe is more than just a meal – it’s an experience. It’s a taste sensation that transports me back to simpler times when life was slower paced and meals were savored rather than devoured on-the-go.

My family has grown up on this dish, and now they request it regularly (much to my delight!) For me, there’s no better way to spend an evening than gathered around the dinner table enjoying good food made with love.

And don’t even get me started on leftovers – reheated for lunch or dinner tomorrow is always a treat! If you haven’t already tried this cowboy chicken pasta recipe for yourself, what are you waiting for?

Trust me when I say that once you take your first bite… you’ll be hooked!

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Cowboy Chicken Pasta

Q: What type of pasta should I use for this recipe?

A: For this cowboy chicken pasta recipe, I recommend using a sturdy pasta shape like penne or rigatoni – anything too delicate might get lost in the sauce.

Q: Can I use store-bought chicken broth instead of making my own?

A: While store-bought broth will do in a pinch, I highly recommend taking the time to make your own from scratch using fresh vegetables and herbs.

Q: How long should I cook the chicken before adding it to the pasta?

A: You’ll want to cook your chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), then chop it into bite-sized pieces before tossing it with your pasta.

Q: Can I substitute bell peppers for other vegetables like carrots or zucchini?

A: Absolutely! Feel free to swap out bell peppers for any other color bell peppers you like or even other vegetables altogether.

Q: Is there any way to make this recipe vegan-friendly?

A: Yes! Simply replace the chicken with extra-firm tofu marinated in tamari (or your preferred plant-based milk) and proceed with the rest of the recipe as instructed.

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