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

Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta - Creamy Garlic Butter Sauce Recipe

Bring the bold flavors of the Wild West to your dinner table with this incredible one-pan Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta that combines tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a rich, buttery sauce infused with garlic and herbs. This recipe comes together quickly in a single skillet for a comforting meal perfect for busy weeknights.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 580
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

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

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
  2. While pasta cooks, season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and paprika. 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.
  3. In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
  4. Add chicken broth to the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low.
  5. Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, cayenne pepper (if using), dried parsley, and oregano. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
  6. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add the drained pasta and toss everything together, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to thin the sauce.
  7. Cook for another 2 minutes until everything is heated through and well combined. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

Cook pasta just until al dente as it will continue cooking in the sauce. Cut chicken into uniform pieces for even cooking. Use reserved pasta water to create a silkier sauce that clings to noodles. Add pasta water or broth if sauce is too thick, or simmer longer if too thin.