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Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta

Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta
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Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta is a creamy, buttery pasta dish combining tender seasoned chicken breasts with a luscious sauce made from butter, heavy cream, smoked paprika, chili powder, garlic, and onion. Perfectly cooked penne or fettuccine pasta is tossed in this rich sauce and finished with Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley, delivering a bold yet comforting meal ready in under 30 minutes. Ideal for busy weeknight dinners, family meals, or casual gatherings, this versatile recipe can be easily customized to suit dietary preferences or ingredient availability.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 2 boneless chicken breasts

Dairy

  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Aromatics & Spices

  • 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Pasta & Herbs

  • 8 ounces penne or fettuccine pasta
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Optional Variations

  • Diced jalapeños for added spice
  • Spinach, bell peppers, or cherry tomatoes for extra veggies
  • Gluten-free pasta alternative
  • Alternative cheeses: sharp cheddar or mozzarella

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts evenly with smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Sear the chicken breasts until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side. Once done, remove from the skillet and set aside to rest.
  2. Cook the Pasta: While the chicken cooks, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne or fettuccine pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving a small cup of the pasta water, and set aside.
  3. Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until fragrant and translucent. Stir in the heavy cream, smoked paprika, chili powder, and a pinch of salt. Allow the sauce to gently simmer, thickening slightly as the flavors meld.
  4. Combine Everything: Slice the rested chicken into strips or bite-sized pieces and return them to the skillet with the sauce. Add the cooked pasta and toss well to coat every piece with the rich buttery sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen it to your desired consistency.
  5. Finish with Fresh Touches: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley over the pasta. Give everything one last gentle toss to combine and serve immediately, while warm and inviting.

Notes

  • Use room temperature chicken to ensure even searing without steaming.
  • Do not overcook pasta; keep it slightly firm for best texture in the creamy sauce.
  • Reserve pasta water to thin the sauce and add silkiness if needed.
  • Choose unsalted, high-quality butter for the best flavor and richness.
  • Adjust smoked paprika and chili powder gradually to control spice level.

Nutrition

Keywords: Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta, creamy chicken pasta, buttery chicken pasta, easy weeknight dinner, smoky pasta recipe, chicken pasta skillet

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