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Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta

Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta
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Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta is a quick and easy weeknight meal combining tender chicken, a rich buttery spice blend, and creamy sauce tossed with your favorite pasta. Ready in under 30 minutes, this family-friendly dish features smoky paprika, a hint of cayenne, and fresh parsley, creating a comforting yet flavorful dinner perfect for busy evenings or casual entertaining.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Seasonings

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Sauce

  • 3 tablespoons butter, divided
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Pasta and Garnish

  • 8 ounces fettuccine, linguine, or preferred pasta
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces or strips. Season evenly with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper to develop the signature cowboy flavor.
  2. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving 1 cup of pasta water for adjusting the sauce later if needed.
  3. Sauté the Chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds to 1 minute, being careful not to burn it. Add the seasoned chicken pieces and cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring frequently, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
  4. Make the Butter Sauce: Reduce the heat to low and add the remaining tablespoon of butter to the pan along with the heavy cream. Stir continuously to combine and let simmer gently until the sauce thickens slightly. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts into the sauce and creates a creamy, silky texture.
  5. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta directly into the skillet with the sauce and chicken. Toss well to coat every strand thoroughly. If the sauce is too thick, gradually stir in some reserved pasta water until the desired consistency is reached. Finish with fresh parsley and a final crack of black pepper before serving.

Notes

  • Choose high-quality butter to elevate the flavor of the dish.
  • Do not overcook the chicken; cook only until it is no longer pink inside to keep it juicy.
  • Reserve pasta water to help the sauce cling to the pasta and achieve a creamier texture.
  • Mince garlic finely and add early to infuse its aroma without burning it.
  • Adjust spice levels by adding cayenne pepper gradually according to your heat preference.

Nutrition

Keywords: Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta, quick chicken pasta, creamy chicken pasta, weeknight dinner, buttery pasta sauce

Find it online: https://cherrycooks.com/cowboy-butter-chicken-pasta/