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Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta: Your New Favorite One-Pan Weeknight Dinner

This Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta combines tender chicken pieces with pasta in a rich, creamy garlic butter sauce made in one skillet. It delivers restaurant-quality taste with minimal cleanup, making it the perfect weeknight dinner solution.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

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

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water.
  2. Season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and half of the smoked paprika. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, melt remaining butter. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Add remaining smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, oregano, and dried parsley. Stir constantly for 30 seconds to toast the spices.
  4. Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low. Stir in grated parmesan cheese until melted and sauce thickens slightly. Add cooked pasta and chicken back to the skillet, tossing to coat evenly. If sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water as needed.
  5. Garnish with fresh parsley and additional parmesan if desired. Serve immediately while hot.

Notes

Don't overcook the garlic - just 30-60 seconds is perfect. Adjust cayenne pepper to taste. Use fresh herbs for better flavor. Pasta water helps create a creamier texture.