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

Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta: Easy Creamy Recipe with Bold Flavor

This Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta combines tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a rich, creamy butter sauce with just the right amount of spice. Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, this recipe comes together in under 30 minutes and delivers restaurant-quality flavor right in your own kitchen.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 520
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Ingredients
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 8 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your favorite shape)
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
  2. While pasta cooks, season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and half of 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, oregano, and parsley. Cook for another minute to toast the spices.
  4. Reduce heat to low and whisk in heavy cream. Add Parmesan cheese and stir until smooth. 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.
  5. Garnish with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately while hot for the best flavor and texture.

Notes

Don't skip reserving pasta water - the starchy water helps the sauce cling perfectly to the pasta. Adjust the heat by starting with less cayenne and adding more to taste. Fresh herbs work wonders - if you have fresh oregano or parsley, use 3 times the amount of dried for brighter flavor.