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Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta

Bold and buttery chicken pasta tossed in a garlicky cowboy butter sauce with herbs, lemon, and a touch of heat. Comforting, flavorful, and easy enough for weeknights.
Prep Time: 15 minutesCook Time: 25 minutesTotal Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4Cuisine: American / Comfort FoodCourse: Main DishCalories: ~560 per serving

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Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • Chicken
  • 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Pasta
  • 12 oz short pasta penne, rigatoni, or rotini
  • ½ cup reserved pasta water
  • Cowboy Butter Sauce
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon chili flakes adjust to taste
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped

Method
 

  1. Cook pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.
  2. Season chicken with paprika, salt, and pepper.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken until golden and cooked through. Remove and slice.
  4. Lower heat and add butter to the skillet. Once melted, add garlic, Italian seasoning, and chili flakes. Cook until fragrant.
  5. Stir in lemon juice and parsley.
  6. Add pasta and sliced chicken back to the skillet. Toss to coat, adding pasta water as needed for a silky sauce.
  7. Taste, adjust seasoning, and serve hot.