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

Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta - One Pan Garlic Butter Chicken Dinner

This cowboy butter chicken pasta brings together the bold flavors of garlic butter sauce with tender chicken and perfectly cooked pasta in one simple skillet. It's the ultimate weeknight dinner that feels like comfort food but comes together in just 30 minutes with a creamy sauce infused with garlic, herbs, and a hint of spice.
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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 chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 8 oz pasta (penne or fettuccine work well)
  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

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 half of the Cajun seasoning. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon butter. 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 remaining butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in remaining Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes if using.
  4. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until smooth and creamy.
  5. Return cooked chicken to the skillet along with the cooked pasta. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water as needed to reach your desired sauce consistency. Cook for 2-3 minutes until heated through.
  6. Stir in fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Notes

Use room temperature butter and cream for a smoother sauce that won't separate. Don't overcook the pasta - it will continue cooking in the sauce. Adjust the spice level by increasing or decreasing the Cajun seasoning. For extra flavor, use homemade chicken broth instead of store-bought.