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Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta - Easy One Pan Dinner

This quick one-pan dinner combines tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a rich garlicky butter sauce for a meal ready in under 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish features cowboy butter - a magical blend of butter, garlic, herbs, and spices that creates the ultimate comfort food experience.
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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 linguine or your favorite pasta
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
  • 1 tsp dried parsley
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
  2. In the same skillet, add remaining butter and minced garlic. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
  3. Add chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits. Stir in heavy cream, cayenne pepper, parsley, and oregano. Bring to a gentle simmer.
  4. Add uncooked pasta directly to the skillet along with enough water to cover the pasta by about an inch. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is al dente.
  5. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and sauce has thickened. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or cream.
  6. Garnish with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately while hot.

Notes

Use linguine or your favorite pasta that holds sauce well. Don't overcook garlic as it burns easily and becomes bitter. Adjust cayenne pepper to taste - start with 1/2 tsp and add more for spicier version. Add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms during last few minutes for variation.