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

Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta: Easy Creamy & Flavorful Family Dinner

This quick and easy recipe combines tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a rich, creamy butter sauce infused with garlic, herbs, and spice. Perfect for busy weeknights, this hearty dish comes together in under 30 minutes and will quickly become a family favorite.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 650
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

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

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
  2. While pasta cooks, season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and half of the smoked paprika. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and 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 over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
  4. Add remaining smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, oregano, and parsley to the butter. Stir for 30 seconds to toast the spices and release their flavors.
  5. Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer and let cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce begins to thicken slightly.
  6. Add grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and smooth. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
  7. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and add the drained pasta. Toss everything together until the pasta and chicken are evenly coated in the creamy cowboy butter sauce.
  8. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or spices as needed. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Notes

Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese rather than pre-shredded for smoother melting. Reduce cayenne pepper for milder flavor. Leftovers can be stored for up to 3 days and reheated with a splash of milk or cream.