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Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta

Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta is a bold and creamy comfort food recipe made with tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a rich garlic butter sauce infused with Dijon, lemon, and parmesan. This cowboy butter chicken dish is perfect for easy chicken dinner recipes and makes one of the most satisfying chicken meals for busy weeknights. If you love creamy pasta recipes with big flavor, this recipe will quickly become a family favorite.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 12 oz penne or fettuccine pasta
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley

Method
 

  1. Cook the Pasta:
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
  3. Season the Chicken:
  4. Pat chicken dry and season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
  5. Cook the Chicken:
  6. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook chicken for 5–6 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove from pan and slice.
  7. Prepare the Cowboy Butter Sauce:
  8. In the same skillet, melt butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes.
  9. Make It Creamy:
  10. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in parmesan cheese until melted and sauce thickens.
  11. Combine Everything:
  12. Add cooked pasta and sliced chicken back into the skillet. Toss to coat evenly. Add reserved pasta water as needed to loosen sauce.
  13. Serve:
  14. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.

Notes

Stir in spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for variation.
Adjust spice level by increasing or decreasing red pepper flakes.
Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat gently with a splash of milk or cream to maintain creaminess.