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cowboy-butter-chicken-pasta-recipe--easy--creamy-and-flavorful---k-popkitchen_feature

Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta - Easy Creamy One-Pan Dinner Recipe

This cowboy butter chicken pasta combines tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a creamy, spicy butter sauce with bold Western flavors. Perfect for busy weeknights, this one-pan wonder comes together in just 30 minutes and will quickly become your family's new favorite dinner.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 580
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Ingredients
  • 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 12 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your favorite shape)
  • 4 tbsp butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp dried parsley
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and half of the smoked paprika. Cook for 5-6 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in remaining smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, oregano, and parsley. Pour in chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits.
  4. Reduce heat to medium-low and pour in heavy cream. Stir continuously until the sauce begins to thicken slightly, about 3-4 minutes. Add Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and smooth.
  5. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add the drained pasta and toss to coat in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time until desired consistency is reached.
  6. Garnish with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately while hot and creamy!

Notes

Don't overcook the pasta - cook al dente since it will continue to absorb sauce after mixing. Control the heat by adjusting cayenne pepper to taste. This dish stores beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and can be customized with vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach.