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Quick and Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta Recipe

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3.9 from 9 reviews

This quick and easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta is a flavorful, creamy dish combining tender seasoned chicken with a rich butter and garlic sauce, tossed with pasta and fresh herbs. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner that feels indulgent but comes together fast.

Ingredients

Chicken and Seasoning

  • 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon pepper

Cowboy Butter Sauce

  • 6 tablespoons butter
  • 6 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ¾ cup Parmesan cheese

Herbs and Garnish

  • 2 tablespoons parsley, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon chives, chopped

Pasta

  • 12 ounces penne or rotini pasta

Instructions

  1. Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne or rotini pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta cooking water before draining the pasta thoroughly.
  2. Season Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry and season evenly on both sides with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
  3. Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side depending on thickness. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside to rest.
  4. Make Cowboy Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  5. Add Flavorings: Stir in the Dijon mustard, lemon juice, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes, mixing well to combine the flavors.
  6. Add Cream and Cheese: Pour in the heavy cream and sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese. Stir continuously until the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened.
  7. Return Chicken to Skillet: Slice or leave whole the cooked chicken and add it back into the skillet, coating it well with the buttery sauce.
  8. Toss with Pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing gently to combine and evenly coat with the sauce. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time if the sauce needs loosening.
  9. Finish with Herbs: Stir in the chopped parsley and chives, distributing the fresh herbs throughout the dish.
  10. Serve: Plate the pasta and chicken, optionally topping with extra Parmesan cheese and freshly cracked black pepper for garnish.

Notes

  • Use freshly grated Parmesan for best melting and flavor in the sauce.
  • Adjust crushed red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level.
  • Reserve pasta water is essential for thinning the sauce if it becomes too thick.
  • Chicken breasts can be sliced after resting for easier serving.
  • For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half but expect a less rich sauce.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Find it online: https://bitezly.com/quick-and-easy-cowboy-butter-chicken-pasta-recipe/