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Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta: Your New Favorite Weeknight Dinner

This one-pan cowboy butter chicken pasta combines juicy chicken, al dente pasta, and a rich creamy garlic butter sauce with a hint of spice. Perfect for busy weeknights, it delivers restaurant-quality flavor with minimal cleanup.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 550

Ingredients
  

Ingredients
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
  • 8 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your favorite)
  • 4 tbsp butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 3/4 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Season cubed chicken with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter 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.
  2. In the same skillet, add remaining butter and minced garlic. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Add cayenne pepper, oregano, and red pepper flakes, stirring constantly for 30 seconds to bloom the spices.
  3. Add chicken broth and pasta to the skillet. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is al dente and most liquid is absorbed.
  4. Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until sauce thickens slightly. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan if desired.

Notes

Don't overcrowd the pan when cooking chicken. Use freshly grated Parmesan for better melting. Save starchy pasta water to thin sauce if needed. Let dish rest for a few minutes after cooking for sauce to thicken.