Ultimate Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta: Easy One-Pan Dinner Recipe
Ultimate Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta: Easy One-Pan Dinner Recipe
This creamy cowboy butter chicken pasta is the ultimate weeknight dinner solution that combines bold flavors with effortless preparation. Perfect for busy families and meal prep enthusiasts, this one-pan wonder delivers restaurant-quality taste in under 30 minutes. The rich garlic butter sauce coats tender chicken and pasta beautifully, creating a dish that’s both comforting and sophisticated.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 12 oz pasta (penne or bowtie work well)
- 4 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Fresh parsley for garnish
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
While pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons butter and sauté chicken until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-7 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
Add remaining butter and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
Reduce heat to medium and stir in heavy cream, parmesan cheese, cayenne pepper, and oregano. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
Add cooked pasta to the skillet along with reserved pasta water. Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated in the creamy cowboy butter sauce.
Garnish with fresh parsley and additional parmesan cheese before serving.
Expert Tips
For the best results, use freshly grated parmesan cheese rather than pre-shredded varieties, as it melts more smoothly into the sauce. If you’re meal prepping, this pasta stores beautifully in airtight containers for up to 4 days. Simply reheat with a splash of chicken broth to restore the creamy consistency.
This ultimate garlic butter chicken pasta recipe follows a similar one-pan approach that makes weeknight dinners effortless.
FAQ
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! This pasta is perfect for meal prep. Store in airtight containers and reheat with a little extra broth or cream to maintain the creamy texture.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half or whole milk mixed with a tablespoon of cornstarch for a lighter version, though the sauce may be slightly less rich.
How spicy is this cowboy pasta?
The cayenne provides a mild heat that can be adjusted to your preference. Start with 1/4 teaspoon if you’re sensitive to spice.
For more creamy pasta inspiration, try this delicious creamy chicken ranch pasta or explore our marry me chicken pasta with sun-dried tomato and parmesan sauce.
Ultimate Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
Method
- Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
- While pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons butter and sauté chicken until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-7 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
- Add remaining butter and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Reduce heat to medium and stir in heavy cream, parmesan cheese, cayenne pepper, and oregano. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Add cooked pasta to the skillet along with reserved pasta water. Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated in the creamy cowboy butter sauce.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and additional parmesan cheese before serving.
