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Ultimate Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta

This creamy cowboy butter chicken pasta is the ultimate weeknight dinner solution that combines bold flavors with effortless preparation. The rich garlic butter sauce coats tender chicken and pasta beautifully, creating a dish that's both comforting and sophisticated.
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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, 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

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. Garnish with fresh parsley and additional parmesan cheese before serving.

Notes

For best results, use freshly grated parmesan cheese rather than pre-shredded varieties, as it melts more smoothly into the sauce. If meal prepping, store in airtight containers for up to 4 days and reheat with a splash of chicken broth to restore creamy consistency.