Go Back
one-pan-cowboy-butter-chicken-pasta_feature

Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta - Creamy One Pan Dinner Recipe

This one-pan cowboy butter chicken pasta combines tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a rich creamy garlic butter sauce for maximum flavor with minimal cleanup. The cowboy butter sauce features garlic, herbs, and spices that create a bold, comforting sauce that coats every bite perfectly.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 650
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

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

Method
 

Instructions
  1. In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. Add cubed 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 chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
  3. Add pasta to the skillet, ensuring it's mostly submerged in the liquid. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and cook for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is al dente.
  4. Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, dried parsley, and black pepper. Return cooked chicken to the skillet and simmer for 2-3 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
  5. Season with salt to taste and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve immediately while hot.

Notes

Use good quality Parmesan cheese that you grate yourself for better melting and smoother sauce. For spicier dish, increase cayenne pepper gradually. Leftovers store well for up to 3 days and reheat with splash of chicken broth to refresh sauce.