Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Cheese Spaghetti

Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Cheese Spaghetti combines juicy, golden chicken with a bold garlic-herb butter sauce and silky, cheesy pasta. It is a comforting dinner that looks impressive but comes together with simple ingredients.

Recipe Overview

• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cook time: 25 minutes
• Total time: 40 minutes
• Servings: 4

Ingredients

For the Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites

• 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes, or to taste
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
• 1 teaspoon chopped fresh chives

For the Creamy Cheese Spaghetti

• 12 ounces spaghetti
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1/2 cup reserved pasta water, as needed
• Fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions

1. Cook the spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti until al dente according to the package directions. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain.
2. Season the chicken: Pat the chicken pieces dry. Toss them with smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
3. Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer and cook for 3–4 minutes per side, or until deeply golden and cooked through to 165°F (74°C). Work in batches if needed. Transfer to a plate.
4. Make the cowboy butter: Reduce the heat to medium. Add butter and minced garlic to the same skillet. Cook for 30 seconds, then stir in Dijon mustard, lemon juice, red pepper flakes, parsley, and chives.
5. Coat the chicken: Return the chicken bites to the skillet and toss until evenly coated in the cowboy butter. Keep warm over low heat.
6. Prepare the cheese sauce: In a separate large pan, melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium-low heat. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Stir in the heavy cream and cream cheese until smooth.
7. Add the cheese: Reduce the heat to low. Add cheddar, Parmesan, and smoked paprika. Stir until melted and creamy. Season with salt and pepper. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time if the sauce is too thick.
8. Finish the pasta: Add the drained spaghetti to the cheese sauce and toss until every strand is coated.
9. Serve: Place the creamy cheese spaghetti on a platter with the cowboy butter chicken bites. Spoon any remaining butter sauce over the chicken and garnish with fresh parsley.

Helpful Tips

• Pat the chicken dry before seasoning so it browns instead of steaming.
• Do not overcrowd the skillet; cook in batches for a better golden crust.
• Keep the cheese sauce over low heat after adding the cheese to prevent it from becoming grainy.
• For a milder dish, omit the red pepper flakes. For extra heat, add a little cayenne pepper.

This recipe was created to match the dish shown in the photo. Ingredient amounts can be adjusted to your taste.