Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta: 30-Minute Bold, Buttery, Irresistibly Zesty Weeknight Dinner
Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta combines tender chicken, buttery garlic sauce, herbs, lemon, and a hint of heat, tossed with pasta for a bold and satisfying 30-minute meal.
Ingredients
1 lb chicken breasts or thighs, sliced
8 oz pasta (linguine, penne, or your choice)
1 tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper
½ tsp paprika
¼ tsp cayenne (optional)
6 tbsp unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
Zest and juice of 1 lemon
½ tsp red pepper flakes
¼ cup chopped parsley
1 tbsp chopped chives
¼ cup grated parmesan (optional)
Instructions
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Cook pasta until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, drain.
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Season chicken with paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Sear in olive oil until cooked. Remove and set aside.
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In same pan, melt butter. Add garlic, cook 1 min. Stir in mustard, lemon juice and zest, red pepper flakes, parsley, and chives. Simmer 2–3 min.
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Return chicken and add pasta. Toss with sauce, adding pasta water as needed.
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Stir in parmesan (if using). Serve hot, topped with extra herbs.
Notes
Use fresh lemon for brightness. Adjust heat to preference. Add cream for a richer sauce.