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Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta - Quick Weeknight Dinner & Meal Prep Recipe

This creamy cowboy butter chicken pasta is a quick weeknight dinner that comes together in just 30 minutes with bold flavors from garlic, herbs, and a rich butter sauce. Perfect for busy families and meal prep, it features tender chicken and pasta in a creamy cowboy butter sauce that's delicious fresh or reheated.
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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 tablespoons butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Cook the pasta according to package directions in salted water. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
  2. While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. 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 dried oregano and red pepper flakes if using.
  4. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and sauce is smooth.
  5. Add cooked pasta and chicken back to the skillet. Toss to coat in the sauce, adding reserved pasta water as needed to reach desired consistency.
  6. Stir in fresh parsley and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan cheese if desired.

Notes

Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese rather than pre-shredded for smoother melting. Don't skip reserving the pasta water - the starchy liquid helps create a silky, restaurant-quality sauce. For meal prep, divide into containers and refrigerate for up to 4 days - flavors improve overnight.