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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 with tender chicken and a smoky, mildly spicy kick. This quick and easy recipe combines juicy chicken breasts or thighs with a luscious buttery sauce, smoked paprika, and cayenne, all tossed with perfectly cooked pasta. It’s a comforting yet bold-flavored meal perfect for weeknight dinners or casual entertaining.

Ingredients

Scale

Proteins

  • 2 large chicken breasts or thighs, boneless and skinless

Pasta

  • 8 oz fettuccine, penne, or rotini pasta

Sauce

  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter (plus extra for cooking chicken)
  • 3 cloves garlic, freshly minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Garnish

  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts or thighs with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and a pinch of cayenne pepper if you prefer more heat. In a large skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side depending on thickness. Remove from pan and slice into bite-sized pieces, retaining the buttery crust.
  2. Cook the Pasta: While the chicken cooks, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your chosen pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/4 cup of pasta water for later use if needed.
  3. Make the Cowboy Butter Sauce: In the same pan used for the chicken, melt the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Slowly pour in the heavy cream, stirring constantly to create a smooth, silky sauce. Add smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer gently for 3-5 minutes until it thickens slightly.
  4. Combine Everything: Return the sliced chicken to the pan and toss in the buttery sauce until well coated. Add the cooked pasta and gently mix, ensuring every piece is covered with the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and let it melt into the sauce for a rich cheesy finish.
  5. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the freshly chopped parsley over the top before serving for a burst of color and fresh herb flavor. Serve hot and enjoy your flavorful Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta.

Notes

  • Use unsalted European-style butter for the creamiest, richest flavor.
  • Don’t overcook the chicken; sear just until cooked through to keep it tender and juicy.
  • Reserve pasta water to loosen the sauce if it becomes too thick and help it cling better to the pasta.
  • Adjust cayenne pepper gradually to control the heat level according to your preference.
  • Always use fresh minced garlic for the best aroma and depth of flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: cowboy butter chicken pasta, creamy chicken pasta, spicy butter pasta, smoked paprika pasta, quick chicken pasta recipe

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