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

Ultimate Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta: Creamy One-Pan Chicken Dinner

Get ready for the most incredible weeknight dinner that transforms simple ingredients into a flavor-packed masterpiece. Our cowboy butter chicken pasta combines tender chicken bites, al dente pasta, and a spicy, creamy butter sauce that will have everyone asking for seconds.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 520
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Ingredients
  • 1 lb chicken breast, cubed
  • 8 oz pasta (penne or fettuccine)
  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Method
 

Instructions
  1. 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 cubes with salt and pepper, then 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 Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes. Pour in chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits.
  4. Reduce heat to low and stir in heavy cream. Add Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and smooth. Return cooked chicken to the skillet along with the cooked pasta. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water as needed to reach desired sauce consistency.
  5. Garnish with fresh parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately while hot.

Notes

Cut chicken into uniform 1-inch pieces for even cooking. Don't overcook garlic - cook just until fragrant (about 60 seconds). Reserve pasta water to help create a silky, cohesive sauce. Adjust spice level by reducing or increasing red pepper flakes and Cajun seasoning.