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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, al dente pasta, and a rich, spicy garlic butter sauce in a one-pan wonder that comes together in about 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights, it features a flavorful blend of garlic, herbs, and a touch of heat that transforms ordinary ingredients into something extraordinary.
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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, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 8 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your favorite shape)
  • 4 tbsp butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 tbsp olive oil

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
  2. While pasta cooks, season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and half the smoked paprika. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove chicken 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 remaining smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, oregano, and onion powder.
  4. Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
  5. Add cooked pasta and chicken back to the skillet. Toss to coat in the sauce, adding reserved pasta water as needed to reach desired consistency.
  6. Stir in Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan on top.

Notes

Don't overcrowd the pan when cooking chicken - cook in batches if necessary. Reserve pasta water for silky, emulsified sauce. Adjust cayenne pepper to control spice level.