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Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta - Quick Weeknight Dinner & Meal Prep Recipe

This creamy cowboy butter chicken pasta brings bold Western flavors to your dinner table in just 30 minutes, combining tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a rich herb-infused butter sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep, this one-pan wonder delivers restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort using pantry staples.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 550
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Ingredients
  • 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 12 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your favorite shape)
  • 4 tbsp butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tbsp fresh chives, chopped
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 tbsp olive oil

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining. Set aside.
  2. Season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in dried oregano and red pepper flakes. Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer.
  4. Add cooked pasta and chicken back to the skillet. Stir in Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time until desired consistency is reached. Cook for 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through and well combined.
  5. Garnish with additional fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately for the best creamy texture.

Notes

This pasta stores beautifully for up to 4 days in airtight containers. Choose pasta shapes with ridges or curves like penne, rigatoni, or fusilli—they hold the creamy sauce better than smooth varieties. Fresh herbs make a difference in elevating the cowboy butter flavor profile.