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Ultimate Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta Recipe - Quick Weeknight Dinner & Meal Prep

This creamy cowboy butter chicken pasta combines tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a rich, savory butter sauce packed with bold Western flavors. Perfect for busy weeknights and meal prep, this one-pan wonder delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 520
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Ingredients
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 12 oz pasta (penne, fusilli, or your favorite shape)
  • 3 tbsp butter
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1/2 tsp cumin
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

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, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
  2. Season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and half of the smoked paprika. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, melt butter with remaining olive oil. Add onions and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in bell peppers and cook for another 2 minutes.
  4. Add the remaining spices (paprika, chili powder, cumin, oregano) to the skillet and stir for 30 seconds to toast the spices. Pour in chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits. Add heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
  5. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet along with the cherry tomatoes. Stir in the cooked pasta, adding reserved pasta water as needed to reach your desired sauce consistency. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and creamy.
  6. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately. For meal prep, divide into containers and refrigerate for up to 4 days.

Notes

Cook pasta al dente since it will continue to absorb sauce when combined. Customize vegetables by adding mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini. Add red pepper flakes or jalapeños for extra heat. Reheat gently with a splash of water or broth to refresh the sauce.