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

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

This cowboy butter chicken pasta combines tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a rich, creamy sauce infused with garlic, herbs, and just the right amount of spice. It's the perfect weeknight dinner that feels special enough for company but comes together in under 30 minutes.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 550
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

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

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
  2. Season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and half of the smoked paprika. In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. Cook chicken until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, melt remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Add remaining smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, oregano, and dried parsley. Stir for 30 seconds to toast the spices.
  4. Pour in chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits. Add heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and sauce begins to thicken.
  5. Return cooked chicken to the skillet. Add drained pasta and toss to coat in the sauce. If 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.

Notes

Don't overcook the pasta - cook just until al dente since it will continue cooking in the sauce. Adjust cayenne pepper to your preferred heat level. Fresh herbs will elevate the flavor significantly.