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One Pan Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta - Easy 30-Minute Dinner Recipe

This One Pan Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta combines tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a luxurious garlic butter sauce all made in a single skillet for an easy 30-minute dinner. The recipe delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal cleanup by building flavor layers through searing chicken and creating a creamy cowboy butter sauce using garlic, butter, spices, and pasta water.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 485
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Ingredients
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 8 oz pasta of choice (penne, fettuccine, or bow-tie work well)
  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Season chicken pieces generously with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes until golden brown on all sides. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
  2. In the same skillet, add pasta and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 12-15 minutes until pasta is al dente, stirring occasionally. Add more water if needed to keep pasta covered.
  3. Push pasta to one side of the skillet and melt butter in the empty space. Add minced garlic, red pepper flakes, and oregano. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, mixing everything together.
  4. Return chicken to the skillet along with any accumulated juices. Stir to combine and cook for 2-3 minutes until sauce thickens slightly and chicken is heated through. Stir in fresh parsley and adjust seasoning if needed.
  5. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley for garnish. This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad or garlic bread.

Notes

Cut chicken pieces uniformly for even cooking; adjust red pepper flakes for spice preference; use fresh minced garlic for best flavor; add pasta water if sauce becomes too thick; let dish rest 2-3 minutes after cooking for flavors to meld