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Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta

A delightful and creamy pasta dish with succulent chicken, perfect for weeknight dinners that satisfy everyone's cravings.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 700

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 12 oz pasta (penne or fusilli) Choose your favorite shape.
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs Cut into bite-sized pieces.
  • 1 cup unsalted butter Two sticks, at room temperature.
  • 3 cloves garlic Minced.
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika Adds a flavorful depth.
  • 1 tsp garlic powder For extra flavor.
  • 1 tsp onion powder Enhances the taste.
  • ¼ tsp black pepper Or to taste.
  • 1 cup heavy cream Provides a creamy texture.
  • Salt to taste Salt For seasoning.
  • Fresh parsley Fresh parsley For garnish.
  • Optional toppings: shredded cheese, crushed red pepper, or sliced green onions Customize as you like.

Method
 

Cooking the Pasta
  1. Boil a large pot of salted water. Once it’s bubbling, add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Cooking the Chicken
  1. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt a tablespoon of butter. Add the chicken pieces seasoned with salt and pepper. Cook until golden brown and cooked through (about 6-8 minutes). Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Creating the Sauce
  1. In the same skillet, add the remaining butter. Let it melt before adding minced garlic, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  2. Pour in the heavy cream, stirring well to combine all the flavors. Let the sauce simmer for about 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.
Combining
  1. Return the cooked chicken and pasta into the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta is fully coated in the creamy sauce. Adjust seasoning with salt if necessary.
Garnishing and Serving
  1. Serve hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley and optional toppings like cheese or crushed red pepper for a delightful kick!

Notes

For best results, consider chicken substitutions and keeping an eye on the garlic while making the sauce. Adding sautéed vegetables can enhance the dish.