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

Ultimate Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta Recipe

This cowboy butter chicken pasta combines tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a creamy garlic butter sauce that's simply addictive. It's a one-pan wonder that comes together in just 30 minutes, making it the perfect weeknight dinner solution for busy families.
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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 chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 8 oz pasta (penne or fettuccine work great)
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. While pasta cooks, season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and half 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. In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in remaining smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and oregano. Pour in chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
  4. Reduce heat to low and stir in heavy cream. Add the cooked pasta and chicken back to the skillet. Toss everything together until well coated in the sauce. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
  5. Garnish with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan if desired. Serve immediately while hot.

Notes

Don't overcrowd the pan when cooking chicken - cook in batches if needed. Adjust cayenne pepper to taste. Use fresh garlic for best flavor. Reserve pasta water to thin sauce if needed.