Name: Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 500 g (1 lb) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for spice preference); 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup chicken broth; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese; 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley, plus more for garnish; Juice of half a lemon; 340 g (12 oz) fettuccine or pasta of choice

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Introduction

Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta is a creamy, flavorful dish that combines tender chicken with a rich, garlicky butter sauce. It’s quick to prepare and perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal. The smoky spices give it a hearty twist you’ll love.

A white plate holds a single serving of wide egg noodles forming the base layer with a pale yellow, slightly curled texture. On top, thick pieces of browned chicken are coated in a rich, creamy orange sauce mixed with visible specks of seasoning, spreading evenly over the noodles. The dish is garnished with finely chopped fresh green parsley sprinkled all over, along with a light dusting of grated white cheese concentrated in the center. The plate sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

500 g (1 lb) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for spice preference)
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley, plus more for garnish
340 g (12 oz) fettuccine or pasta of choice
Juice of half a lemon

Instructions

Step 1: Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper.
Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken pieces and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Reduce the heat to medium and add the butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Step 4: Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the skillet bottom.
Step 5: Stir in the heavy cream and let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes.
Step 6: Gradually add the Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until melted and smooth.
Step 7: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to combine with the sauce. Add the lemon juice and chopped parsley, stirring to mix.
Step 8: Cook the pasta according to package instructions in a separate pot. Drain and add to the skillet, tossing to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce and chicken.
Step 9: Cook for another 2-3 minutes to ensure the pasta is well coated and heated through.
Step 10: Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan and parsley if desired.

Tips & Variations

For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream.
Try adding sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers for extra flavor and texture.
If you prefer less heat, reduce or omit the cayenne pepper.
Use fresh garlic instead of garlic powder for a more pronounced garlic flavor in the chicken seasoning.

Storage

Store leftover Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth if the sauce has thickened. Avoid microwaving directly to keep the sauce creamy.

How to Serve

The image shows a close-up view of a silver frying pan filled with a creamy yellow sauce with a smooth texture, covering several pieces of golden-brown seared chicken. The chicken pieces are cut into bite-sized chunks scattered evenly in the sauce, sprinkled with small green chopped herbs, adding a fresh touch. The pan handle extends toward the left, resting on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, any pasta you like works well, such as penne, linguine, or rigatoni. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can prepare the chicken and sauce separately and store them in the fridge. Combine with freshly cooked pasta just before serving for the best texture and flavor.