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Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta

Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta
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Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta is a creamy, hearty, and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken breasts cooked in a rich buttery garlic sauce, tossed with perfectly cooked pasta and finished with Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs. This easy one-pot meal is perfect for weeknight dinners, offering comforting flavors that appeal to both kids and adults alike.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 2 skinless, boneless chicken breasts

Butter Sauce

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

Pasta

  • 8 ounces penne or rotini pasta

Herbs and Seasonings

  • 2 green onions or handful of chives, chopped
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

Instructions

  1. Prepare and Cook the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken from the pan and set aside.
  2. Make the Cowboy Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and minced garlic. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until aromatic but not browned. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer while stirring constantly. Allow the sauce to thicken slightly, then stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
  3. Cook the Pasta: Boil pasta in salted water according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and add directly to the skillet with the sauce. Toss thoroughly to ensure all pasta is coated with the creamy butter sauce.
  4. Combine and Finish: Slice the cooked chicken into strips or bite-sized pieces and return to the skillet. Mix gently to combine all ingredients evenly. Sprinkle with chopped green onions or chives on top and serve immediately.

Notes

  • Use a warm pan to sear chicken for better texture and flavor.
  • Cook pasta to al dente to avoid mushiness and help sauce absorption.
  • Add garlic after removing chicken to prevent burning and maintain flavor.
  • If sauce gets too thick, loosen it with a splash of pasta cooking water.
  • Add fresh herbs at the end of cooking to preserve their flavor and color.

Nutrition

Keywords: Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta, creamy chicken pasta, one-pot pasta, easy dinner, weeknight meal, butter sauce, family friendly, comfort food

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