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

Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta: Easy Creamy Western Dinner Recipe

This Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta combines tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a rich, creamy garlic butter sauce packed with bold Western flavors. It's a hearty, comforting meal that delivers restaurant-quality flavors with minimal effort, making it perfect for both quick weeknight dinners and satisfying weekend meals.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 650
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Ingredients
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 12 ounces pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your favorite shape)
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water.
  2. While pasta cooks, season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and half of the smoked paprika. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet 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 butter with remaining olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in remaining smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and oregano. Pour in chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits.
  4. Reduce heat to low and stir in heavy cream. Gradually add Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly until smooth. Return chicken to the skillet along with cooked pasta. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water as needed to reach your desired sauce consistency.
  5. Garnish with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately while hot for the best flavor and texture experience.

Notes

Always cook pasta al dente since it will continue to absorb sauce after cooking. Pat chicken dry before seasoning to ensure even browning. Adjust cayenne pepper to suit your family's taste - start with 1/4 teaspoon for mild heat. Use reserved pasta water to create a silky, perfectly emulsified sauce.