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

Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta: Creamy One-Pan Weeknight Dinner Recipe

This Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta combines the bold flavors of the Wild West with creamy comfort food perfection. Ready in just 30 minutes with minimal cleanup, it's the ultimate weeknight dinner that family will love.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 550
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

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

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Cook the pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
  2. Season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook 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. Stir in dried herbs and cayenne pepper.
  4. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Add heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens slightly.
  5. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add the cooked pasta and toss to combine. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water until desired consistency is reached.
  6. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately. This dish pairs perfectly with a simple salad or crusty bread.

Notes

Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese rather than pre-shredded for a smoother sauce. Don't skip reserving the pasta water - it's the secret to creating that perfect creamy consistency. If short on time, works beautifully with pre-cooked rotisserie chicken.