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One-Pan Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta

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A warm, garlicky butter sauce with seared chicken and pasta that absorbs all the rich flavors — perfect for a quick, comforting dinner.

Ingredients

  • 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 12 oz (340 g) dried pasta (penne, linguine, or fusilli)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter (for searing)
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced (or 1 cup mixed peppers)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced (divided)
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp chili powder (optional)
  • 1/2 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp kosher salt, plus more to taste
  • 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
  • 4 oz (115 g) cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter (for cowboy butter)
  • 2 tbsp finely chopped fresh parsley
  • Green onions or chopped parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken dry and toss with paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil and 2 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken until golden, about 3–4 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
  2. In the same skillet, add diced onion and bell pepper. Cook until softened, about 4–5 minutes.
  3. Add 2 minced cloves of garlic, cooking for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Pour in chicken broth to deglaze the skillet. Add dried pasta and bring to a simmer, cooking according to package instructions minus 2 minutes.
  5. Meanwhile, whisk together heavy cream, cream cheese, Parmesan, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice until smooth.
  6. When pasta is nearly al dente, return chicken to the skillet and pour cream mixture over everything. Cook until chicken is cooked through and pasta is al dente, about 2–3 more minutes.
  7. For cowboy butter, mash remaining 3 tbsp butter with final minced garlic, chopped parsley, and a little lemon juice. Stir into pasta off heat to melt into the sauce.
  8. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan and green onions/parsley on top.

Notes

Use half-and-half to lighten calories, or swap pasta types for more sauce cling. Substitute dairy-free options where needed.

Find it online: https://www.wholesomeeasy.com/one-pan-creamy-cowboy-butter-chicken-pasta/