Description
This Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta combines juicy, seasoned chicken with tender pasta in a rich garlic butter sauce made with Parmesan cheese, Dijon mustard, fresh herbs, and a touch of spice. It’s a creamy, satisfying dinner that’s easy enough for busy weeknights and impressive enough for entertaining.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cubed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon Cajun seasoning
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Cook the pasta until al dente and reserve ¼ cup of pasta water.
- Season the chicken with the spices.
- Sear the chicken until golden and cooked through.
- Melt the butter and cook the garlic until fragrant.
- Stir in the Dijon mustard, lemon juice, seasonings, and chicken broth.
- Add the heavy cream and simmer gently.
- Stir in the Parmesan cheese until smooth.
- Add the reserved pasta water if needed.
- Return the chicken to the skillet.
- Toss in the cooked pasta until fully coated.
- Garnish with parsley and extra Parmesan before serving.
Notes
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the smoothest sauce.
- Don’t overcook the chicken to keep it tender and juicy.
- Reserve pasta water before draining to help create a silky sauce.
- Fresh garlic provides the best flavor and aroma.
- Add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or broccoli for extra nutrition.
- Finish with fresh lemon juice just before serving for a brighter flavor.
- Leftovers reheat best over low heat with a splash of broth or cream.
Nutrition
- Calories: 645
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 690mg
- Fat: 36g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 145mg