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Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta: Quick Dinner & Meal Prep Recipe

This delicious pasta dish combines bold Western flavors with creamy comfort, coming together in just 30 minutes for busy weeknights. It features tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a rich butter sauce infused with Southwestern spices, making it perfect for both quick family dinners and meal prep.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 550
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Ingredients
  • 12 oz pasta (penne, fusilli, or your favorite shape)
  • 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 3 tbsp olive oil, divided
  • 4 tbsp butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp chili powder
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
  2. Season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and half the smoked paprika. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, melt butter with remaining olive oil. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Add bell pepper and corn, cooking for 3-4 minutes until slightly softened. Stir in remaining spices (paprika, chili powder, oregano) and cook for another minute.
  4. Reduce heat to medium-low and pour in heavy cream. Add Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and smooth. Return chicken to the skillet along with cooked pasta. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water as needed to create a creamy sauce that coats everything evenly.
  5. Stir in fresh parsley and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan cheese for garnish.

Notes

This dish stores beautifully for up to 4 days in airtight containers. For best results when reheating, add a splash of milk or cream to restore the creamy texture. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it even more delicious the next day!