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Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta

Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta made with tender chicken, Parmesan cheese, and penne pasta.A quick and easy dinner recipe packed with buttery garlic flavor.Perfect for busy weeknights and family meals.
Prep Time 9 minutes
Course dinner
Cuisine American

Ingredients
  

  • 1 12-ounce box penne pasta
  • 5 tablespoons salted butter divided
  • 2 skinless boneless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 tablespoon cowboy butter seasoning
  • 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • Juice of 1/2 lemon
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon thyme leaves
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon dried parsley
  • Extra Parmesan cheese for garnish
  • Extra parsley for garnish
  • Extra red pepper flakes for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook until tender but still firm to the bite, about 11 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  • In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt 1 tablespoon butter. Add the chicken pieces and cowboy butter seasoning. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  • In the same skillet, melt the remaining butter over medium heat. Stir in the heavy cream, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, lemon zest, onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, black pepper, salt, and thyme leaves.
  • Simmer the sauce gently for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring frequently until slightly thickened.
  • Slowly stir in the Parmesan cheese until fully melted and smooth.
  • Return the chicken to the skillet and stir in the dried parsley.
  • Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss everything together until the pasta is fully coated. Let the Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta cook on low heat for 2 to 3 more minutes.
  • Garnish with additional Parmesan cheese, parsley, and red pepper flakes before serving.

Notes

Substitute half-and-half for a lighter sauce.