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Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta (Rich, Bold & Flavor-Packed Comfort Meal)
Isla Marie

Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta

A rich and flavorful pasta dish made with juicy chicken and tossed in a bold cowboy butter sauce featuring garlic, herbs, lemon, and spices. It’s creamy, slightly tangy, and perfectly balanced for a comforting meal. Ideal for quick dinners or indulgent cravings.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 520
Ingredients Equipment Method Video Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken:
  • 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (cubed)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
For the Pasta:
  • 8 oz pasta penne, fettuccine, or preferred type
For the Cowboy Butter Sauce:
  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • ¼ cup reserved pasta water

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Skillet or frying pan
  • Mixing spoon or spatula
  • Colander
  • Knife
  • Cutting board

Method
 

Step 1. Cook Pasta
  1. Boil pasta according to package instructions. Reserve ¼ cup pasta water, then drain.
Step 2. Cook Chicken
  1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and paprika. Cook until golden and fully cooked, then remove and set aside.
Step 3. Make Sauce
  1. In the same skillet, melt butter. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant. Stir in lemon juice, Dijon mustard, paprika, and red pepper flakes.
Step 4. Combine Pasta
  1. Add cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce.
Step 5. Add Chicken and Cheese
  1. Return chicken to the pan. Add Parmesan cheese and reserved pasta water. Mix until the sauce becomes smooth and slightly creamy.
Step 6. Finish
  1. Stir in fresh parsley and adjust seasoning if needed.
Step 7. Serve
  1. Serve warm with extra Parmesan if desired.

Video

Notes

  • Use freshly grated Parmesan for best texture and flavor.
  • Add pasta water gradually to control sauce consistency.
  • Do not overcook chicken to keep it tender.
  • Adjust lemon juice or spice level to taste.
  • Can add cream for a richer version.