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Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta

Creamy cowboy butter chicken pasta made with juicy chicken, tender pasta, garlic, herbs, and a buttery sauce with a hint of spice. A bold, comforting dinner ready in under 40 minutes.
Prep Time: 10 minutesCook Time: 25 minutesTotal Time: 35 minutesServings: 4Category: Main DishCuisine: American-InspiredMethod: Stovetop

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Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • For the Chicken & Pasta
  • 1½ lbs boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-size pieces
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon chili flakes optional
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
  • 12 oz pasta penne, rotini, or rigatoni
  • ½ cup reserved pasta water
  • For the Cowboy Butter Sauce
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • ½ teaspoon dried parsley
  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ cup heavy cream or half-and-half
  • Optional: grated Parmesan cheese for serving

Method
 

  1. Cook the Pasta
  2. Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, drain, and set aside.
  3. Cook the Chicken
  4. Season chicken with salt, pepper, paprika, and chili flakes. Heat oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
  5. Make the Cowboy Butter Sauce
  6. Reduce heat to medium. Add butter to the skillet and let it melt. Stir in garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add herbs and cream, stirring gently.
  7. Combine
  8. Return chicken to the skillet. Add cooked pasta and reserved pasta water as needed. Toss until everything is evenly coated and creamy.
  9. Serve
  10. Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve hot, garnished with Parmesan if desired.