Saddle up for a flavor-packed meal with this Spicy Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta with Garlic Herb Drizzle! This dish brings together tender chicken strips, perfectly cooked pasta, and a rich, spicy cowboy butter sauce with a zesty garlic herb drizzle. It’s bold, comforting, and just the right amount of fiery—perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special gathering with friends.

Ingredients

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
• 8 oz pasta (penne or rotini recommended)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
• Optional: Grated Parmesan cheese for serving

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
2. Season and Cook the Chicken: Season the chicken strips with paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken strips and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until golden and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C). Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Make the Cowboy Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and melt the butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in Dijon mustard, lemon juice, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes. Cook for another minute, stirring to combine. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to reach desired consistency.
4. Combine Pasta and Chicken: Add the cooked pasta and chicken strips back to the skillet. Toss everything together to coat evenly in the cowboy butter sauce. Cook for 1-2 minutes to warm through.
5. Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and sprinkle with chopped parsley for a fresh, herby drizzle. For an extra touch, top with grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve hot and enjoy the spicy, garlicky goodness!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Spicy Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta is a flavor explosion, blending the smoky heat of paprika and cayenne with the rich, buttery sauce and a zesty garlic kick. The dish is quick to whip up, customizable with your favorite pasta, and sure to satisfy spice lovers and comfort food fans alike. It’s a perfect fusion of bold cowboy vibes and classic pasta night!

Got a crowd to feed? Double the recipe and serve with a side of garlic bread or a crisp green salad. Let us know how this dish spices up your dinner table in the comments below! 🌶️🍝

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Pro Tip: Adjust the cayenne pepper and red pepper flakes to dial up or down the heat to your liking. For an extra creamy twist, stir in a tablespoon of cream cheese with the sauce!