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

Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta: Creamy, Spicy Comfort in One Pan

This Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta combines tender chicken with a spicy Cajun-seasoned creamy butter sauce for a delicious one-pan meal ready in 30 minutes. The recipe features adjustable spice levels and versatile pasta options for a perfect weeknight dinner.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 650
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Ingredients
  • 1 lb chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
  • 1 tsp dried parsley
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 12 oz pasta (penne or fettuccine work best)
  • Fresh parsley for garnish
  • Extra Parmesan for serving

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Start by cutting your chicken breasts into even 1-inch cubes. In a medium bowl, combine the chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toss until evenly coated.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. 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. Pour in heavy cream, chicken broth, red pepper flakes, and smoked paprika. Whisk continuously until well combined.
  4. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add the cooked pasta (cooked according to package directions) and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir gently until the pasta is well coated with the creamy sauce and everything is heated through.
  5. Sprinkle with dried parsley and additional Parmesan cheese. Garnish with fresh parsley leaves before serving hot.

Notes

Adjust red pepper flakes for desired spice level - use 1/4 tsp for mild, 1 tsp for medium, or 2 tsp for extra spicy. Cook pasta al dente and use sauce-friendly shapes like penne or fettuccine. Add pasta water or broth if sauce becomes too thick.