Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta: One Pan Garlic Butter Dinner
Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta: One Pan Garlic Butter Dinner
Get ready to fall in love with this irresistible cowboy butter chicken pasta! This one-pan wonder combines tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a creamy garlic butter sauce that will have everyone asking for seconds. Perfect for busy weeknights when you need a comforting meal on the table fast.
The cowboy butter magic comes from a blend of savory spices, rich butter, garlic, and herbs that create a sauce so delicious, you’ll want to lick the pan clean. Best of all, this entire meal cooks in one skillet, making cleanup a breeze.
Looking for more easy pasta dinners? Try this garlic butter chicken pasta that shares similar flavors but with its own unique twist.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 8 oz pasta (penne, fusilli, 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
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: While pasta cooks, season chicken pieces with salt and pepper. 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.
Step 3: Reduce heat to medium and add butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add smoked paprika, cayenne, oregano, and onion powder. Stir constantly for 30 seconds to toast the spices.
Step 4: Pour in chicken broth and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring to a simmer.
Step 5: Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Cook for 2-3 minutes until sauce thickens slightly. Add the cooked chicken and pasta back to the skillet, tossing to coat everything in the delicious cowboy butter sauce.
Step 6: Garnish with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately while hot.
This creamy garlic Parmesan chicken pasta offers a similar comforting experience with a cheesy twist!
Expert Tips
Choose the Right Pasta: Short pasta shapes like penne, rigatoni, or fusilli work best because they hold the sauce beautifully. Avoid long pasta like spaghetti for this one-pan method.
Don’t Overcook the Garlic: Garlic burns easily, so cook it just until fragrant – about 30 seconds is perfect. Burnt garlic will make the sauce bitter.
Customize the Spice Level: Love heat? Add extra cayenne or include some crushed red pepper flakes. For a milder version, reduce or omit the cayenne entirely.
Make it Creamier: Want an extra rich sauce? Add an additional 1/4 cup of heavy cream or stir in 2 tablespoons of cream cheese at the end.
For another family-friendly pasta dinner, try this creamy pesto chicken pasta bake that’s perfect for feeding a crowd.
FAQ
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add more flavor and remain juicy. Adjust cooking time as needed since thighs may take slightly longer to cook through.
How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of broth to refresh the sauce.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can prep components ahead – cook the chicken and sauce, then combine with freshly cooked pasta when ready to serve for best texture.
What sides go well with this pasta?
A simple green salad or steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans complement the rich pasta perfectly. For more dinner inspiration, check out this instant pot chicken and rice recipe.
If you enjoyed this recipe, you’ll love our crispy Parmesan chicken with creamy garlic sauce for another comforting dinner option.
Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta: One Pan Garlic Butter Dinner
Ingredients
Method
- Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- While pasta cooks, season chicken pieces with salt and pepper. 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.
- Reduce heat to medium and add butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add smoked paprika, cayenne, oregano, and onion powder. Stir constantly for 30 seconds to toast the spices.
- Pour in chicken broth and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring to a simmer.
- Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Cook for 2-3 minutes until sauce thickens slightly. Add the cooked chicken and pasta back to the skillet, tossing to coat everything in the delicious cowboy butter sauce.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately while hot.
