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Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta - Your New Favorite Weeknight Dinner

This Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta combines tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and an incredibly flavorful garlic butter sauce—all cooked in just one pan for maximum convenience and minimal cleanup. Inspired by the bold flavors of cowboy butter sauce, this dish delivers a creamy, slightly spicy, and absolutely addictive meal that transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality meal in under 30 minutes.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 650
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Ingredients
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 8 oz penne pasta (or your favorite short pasta)
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
  2. Reduce heat to medium and add butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
  3. Add uncooked pasta to the skillet along with chicken broth. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is al dente and most liquid is absorbed.
  4. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Cook for 2-3 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
  5. Stir in dried parsley, adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

Short pasta like penne, rigatoni, or fusilli work best as they hold the creamy sauce perfectly. Control the red pepper flakes based on your preference for spiciness. Don't overcook the pasta as it will continue cooking in the sauce. Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor and melting properties.