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

Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta - Easy Creamy Western Dinner Recipe

This easy creamy pasta dish combines tender chicken, bold seasonings, and a rich butter sauce that delivers restaurant-quality results in about 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights, it features savory chicken with aromatic garlic, zesty lemon, and just the right amount of spice for a comforting and exciting meal.
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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 (fettuccine or penne work well)
  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Cook the pasta according to package directions in salted water. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/4 cup of pasta water.
  2. While pasta cooks, season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and half of the smoked paprika. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and 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 butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
  4. Add the remaining smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, dried parsley, and onion powder to the butter. Stir for 30 seconds to toast the spices.
  5. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
  6. Add the lemon juice and Parmesan cheese, stirring until the cheese melts into the sauce.
  7. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet along with the cooked pasta. Toss everything together, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to thin the sauce.
  8. Garnish with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately while hot.

Notes

Don't overcrowd the pan when cooking chicken - cook in batches if necessary for even browning. Use the pasta water - the starchy water helps the sauce cling to the pasta. Adjust the heat level by increasing or decreasing the cayenne pepper. Fresh garlic is key - it provides much better flavor than pre-minced garlic. Serve immediately as the pasta will continue to absorb the sauce.