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Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta

A hearty pasta dish featuring tender chicken in a rich, buttery garlic sauce, perfect for a comforting dinner.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 600

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 2 pieces chicken breasts, diced
  • 8 oz pasta of your choice (penne or rotini work great)
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter Divided use
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley
  • Salt and pepper to taste
For Serving
  • Parmesan cheese For serving
  • Fresh herbs For garnish (optional)

Method
 

Cooking Pasta
  1. Start by bringing a large pot of water to a boil. Add a pinch of salt, then toss in your pasta. Cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, keeping a little pasta water for later.
Cooking Chicken
  1. In a large skillet over medium heat, add half of the unsalted butter. Once melted, add the diced chicken, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook for about 6-7 minutes or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
Adding Flavor
  1. Stir in the minced garlic, smoked paprika, onion powder, and dried parsley. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the garlic is fragrant.
Combining Ingredients
  1. Reduce the heat to low and add the cooked pasta to the chicken skillet. Pour in the remaining butter and a splash of reserved pasta water. Toss everything together so that the pasta is coated with the rich, buttery sauce.
Serving
  1. Plate your Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta and sprinkle generously with Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs, if desired.

Notes

Feel free to swap out the chicken for diced turkey or tofu to suit your preferences. Make sure the chicken is cooked thoroughly before mixing in the pasta to avoid chewy bites. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to a month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and heat in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or extra butter as needed.