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Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta

This creamy cowboy butter chicken pasta features tender chicken and pasta in a rich, garlicky butter sauce with herbs and spices. It comes together in under 30 minutes for a restaurant-quality meal perfect for busy weeknights and meal prep.
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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 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 12 ounces bowtie or penne pasta
  • 4 tablespoons 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 chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Cook the pasta according to package directions in salted water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
  2. While pasta cooks, season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and half the smoked paprika. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and 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 garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Add remaining smoked paprika, cayenne, oregano, and parsley, stirring to combine.
  4. Pour in chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and stir in heavy cream and parmesan cheese until smooth and creamy.
  5. Return cooked chicken to the skillet along with the drained pasta. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water as needed to reach your desired sauce consistency. Season with additional salt and pepper if needed.
  6. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra parmesan cheese before serving.

Notes

Don't overcrowd the skillet when cooking chicken to ensure proper browning. The fond (browned bits) adds depth of flavor. Stores beautifully for up to 4 days and flavors develop overnight. Add vegetables like broccoli, spinach, or mushrooms for customization.