Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta

Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta

Author: Arwa Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings Category: Pasta Cuisine: Italian Diet: Pescatarian

Ingredients

  • 500 g (1 lb) boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, adjust for spice preference
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley, plus more for garnish
  • 340 g (12 oz) fettuccine or pasta of choice
  • Juice of half a lemon
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Instructions

  1. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne. Toss so every piece gets love.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6 to 8 minutes.
  3. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  4. Lower the heat to medium and add the butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
  5. Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer, scraping up the browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
  6. Stir in the heavy cream and let the mixture simmer for another 2 to 3 minutes to thicken slightly.
  7. Gradually add the Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly until it melts and the sauce becomes smooth and glossy.
  8. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to combine with the sauce. Add the lemon juice and chopped parsley, then stir to mix everything together.
  9. In a separate pot, cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and add it straight to the skillet, tossing to coat evenly with sauce and chicken.
  10. Cook for another 2 to 3 minutes to ensure the pasta absorbs some sauce and heats through.
  11. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or a squeeze more lemon if you feel fancy. Serve immediately and garnish with extra Parmesan and parsley if desired.

Notes

  1. Reserve some pasta water for sauces. Tasting as you go ensures the dish stays balanced.