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- 2 chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces - 8 oz (225g) penne pasta - 3 tablespoons unsalted butter - 1 tablespoon olive oil The main ingredients in Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta Skillet are simple yet satisfying. Chicken breasts are the protein star here. I cut them into bite-sized pieces for quick cooking. Penne pasta adds a lovely shape and texture. The butter and olive oil bring rich flavors to the dish. - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste) - 1 cup chicken broth - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup fresh spinach Seasoning is key to making this dish pop. I use garlic for depth. Smoked paprika gives a warm, smoky taste. Onion powder adds sweetness, while garlic powder boosts flavor. Cayenne pepper adds a bit of heat, but adjust it to your liking. The chicken broth acts as a base, adding moisture. Fresh tomatoes and spinach bring brightness and nutrients. - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) Garnishing lifts the dish. Grated Parmesan cheese adds a creamy finish. I sprinkle fresh parsley on top for color and freshness. It makes the dish look inviting and adds a nice herbal note. - Cut the chicken breasts into small, bite-sized pieces. - Halve the cherry tomatoes and chop the fresh spinach. - Measure 8 oz of penne pasta and 1 cup of chicken broth. - Heat a large skillet over medium heat. - Melt 2 tablespoons of butter with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. - Add the chicken pieces to the skillet. - Season the chicken with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder. - Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes until it is brown and cooked through. - Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside. - In the same skillet, add 4 minced garlic cloves. - Sauté the garlic for 1-2 minutes until it smells great. - Pour in 1 cup of chicken broth, scraping the bottom to mix flavors. - Bring the broth to a simmer. - Add the penne pasta and mix it well. - Cook the pasta for 10-12 minutes until it is al dente. - If it gets too dry, add more broth or water. - Once the pasta cooks, return the chicken to the skillet. - Add the halved cherry tomatoes and fresh spinach. - Stir everything together for 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts. - Take the skillet off the heat. - Stir in the last tablespoon of butter and ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese. - Mix until creamy and well combined. - Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning if needed. To make sure your pasta is just right, follow the package time. Test a piece before draining to check if it’s al dente. This means it should be firm to the bite. If you overcook it, it can turn mushy in the skillet. To keep your chicken juicy, cut it into small pieces. This helps it cook faster and stay moist. Season it well with salt and spices. Cook it until it's golden brown, then remove it from the heat. This prevents it from drying out. Spices can make your dish pop. Consider adding herbs like thyme or oregano for more flavor. You can also add a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness. If you want heat, add more cayenne pepper or some red pepper flakes. Serve the pasta hot to enjoy its full flavor. This dish tastes best right after cooking. If you let it sit too long, it may dry out. You can add a splash of broth when reheating to keep it nice and creamy. Use a large skillet for even cooking. A cast-iron skillet works great. It holds heat well and gives a nice sear to the chicken. For utensils, have a good spatula and a wooden spoon handy. These will help you stir and mix ingredients without scratching your skillet. A set of measuring cups is also useful for precise ingredient amounts. {{image_2}} You can switch up the protein in this dish. Shrimp or tofu works great. Both options add a unique taste. If you're vegan, tofu is a smart pick. For gluten-free pasta, look for rice or corn-based options. They cook well and taste good too. Always check the package for cooking times. Feel free to play with the spices. Try using Italian seasoning for a new twist. You can also add some dried herbs for extra flavor. If you want a richer sauce, add heavy cream. This will make the dish creamy and smooth. Adjust the spice level to your taste. You can make this meal as a one-pot dish or bake it. For a baked version, transfer it to a baking dish before adding cheese. Bake at 350°F until bubbly. You may also add seasonal vegetables. Zucchini, bell peppers, or broccoli make great additions. Just toss them in when you add the spinach. After cooking, let the Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta cool down. Store leftovers in an airtight container. This keeps your pasta fresh for up to three days. Glass or plastic containers work well. They seal tightly and prevent spills. You can reheat your pasta in two ways: microwave or stovetop. For the microwave, place the pasta in a bowl. Cover it with a damp paper towel. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. For stovetop, warm a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth to keep it moist. Stir often to avoid sticking. If you want to freeze the pasta, let it cool completely first. Place it in a freezer-safe container. It stays good for about three months. When ready to eat, move it to the fridge overnight to thaw. To reheat, use the stovetop method for the best results. Add a bit of broth if it seems dry. How long does Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta Skillet take to make? It takes about 30 minutes to make. This includes prep and cooking time. You can enjoy a hearty meal in no time! Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes, you can make this dish ahead. Just store it in the fridge. Reheat it before serving for best results. Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe? Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just make sure to thaw it first. Cook it well to ensure it's safe to eat. Is there a dairy-free alternative for the butter and cheese? You can use vegan butter instead of regular butter. For cheese, try nutritional yeast or a dairy-free option. Is this dish suitable for a low-carb diet? No, this dish is not low-carb. The penne pasta adds carbs. You can swap it with zucchini noodles for a low-carb version. How can I make this recipe healthier? To make it healthier, use less butter and cheese. Add more veggies like bell peppers or broccoli. You can also use whole wheat pasta for added fiber. This blog post detailed how to make a tasty Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta Skillet. We covered main ingredients like chicken, penne pasta, and fresh veggies. You learned step-by-step cooking methods, plus tips to keep your chicken juicy and pasta perfect. We also discussed various ingredient swaps and storage tips to help you enjoy leftovers. In summary, this dish is easy to customize and store. Enjoy experimenting with flavors, and make it your own!

Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta Skillet

Discover the Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe that's perfect for Fast Week Night Dinners! This Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta Skillet combines tender chicken, creamy sauce, and fresh veggies for a delicious Fall Weekday Dinner. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s the ideal Quick Easy After Work Dinner that your family will love. Don’t miss out—save this recipe now! #PastaRecipe #WeeknightDinner #EasyCooking #ComfortFood
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Ingredients
  

2 chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

8 oz (225g) penne pasta

3 tablespoons unsalted butter

1 tablespoon olive oil

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon garlic powder

½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)

1 cup chicken broth

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup fresh spinach

Salt and pepper to taste

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of the butter and 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.

    Add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the skillet, seasoning with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper. Cook until the chicken is browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

      In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

        Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the skillet to release any caramelized bits. Bring to a simmer.

          Add the penne pasta to the skillet and stir to combine. Cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically about 10-12 minutes. If the mixture becomes too dry, add additional broth or water as needed.

            Once the pasta is cooked, return the chicken to the skillet. Add the halved cherry tomatoes and fresh spinach. Stir everything together until the spinach wilts and the tomatoes soften, about 2-3 minutes.

              Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the remaining tablespoon of butter and the grated Parmesan cheese until creamy and well combined.

                Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.

                  Prep Time: 10 min | Total Time: 30 min | Servings: 4

                    - Serving Suggestions: Serve the skillet hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley and additional Parmesan cheese if desired. For added flair, serve in rustic cast-iron bowls or on a wooden serving board.