Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz of your favorite pasta (penne, fusilli, or spaghetti)
- 2 large chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional: chopped jalapeños or red pepper flakes for extra heat
Instructions
- Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, chili powder, and cumin.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken pieces and sauté until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Add the butter and stir until melted. Then, stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet along with the drained pasta. Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated with the rich cowboy butter chicken sauce. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. For extra heat, sprinkle chopped jalapeños or red pepper flakes.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to revive the sauce.
- For added flavor, serve this dish topped with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Sauté
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: High Protein
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 620 Kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 57g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 130mg