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Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta Recipe: Easy One-Pan Comfort Food

This Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta is a restaurant-quality meal that comes together in under 30 minutes, featuring tender chicken bites swimming in a rich, creamy butter sauce infused with garlic, herbs, and just the right amount of kick. This one-pan wonder transforms simple ingredients into an unforgettable comfort food experience that will have your family asking for seconds.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 580
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Ingredients
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
  • 8 oz penne pasta (or your favorite shape)
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted 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
  • 1/4 cup chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Cook the Pasta - Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
  2. Season and Cook Chicken - Season chicken cubes with salt, black pepper, and half of 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 from skillet and set aside.
  3. Create the Cowboy Butter Sauce - Reduce heat to medium and melt butter in the same skillet. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in remaining smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, oregano, and dried parsley. Cook for another minute to bloom the spices.
  4. Combine and Simmer - Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Add the cooked pasta and chicken back to the skillet. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and stir until the sauce thickens slightly, about 3-4 minutes. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time until desired consistency.
  5. Serve and Enjoy - Garnish with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately while hot.

Notes

Don't overcook the chicken, use fresh garlic for better flavor, adjust cayenne pepper to control spice level, use starchy pasta water to emulsify sauce, garnish with fresh parsley to brighten the dish