Description
Tender chicken and pasta shells are smothered in a rich, savory cowboy butter sauce and a creamy three-cheese blend, creating a comforting and flavorful dish with a spicy kick.
Ingredients
- 1 lb large pasta shells
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook pasta shells according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Season chicken cubes with salt, pepper, and a pinch of smoked paprika. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook chicken until golden and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
- Reduce heat to medium. In the same skillet, melt butter. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, oregano, and thyme. Cook for 30 seconds to bloom the spices.
- Whisk in Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer.
- Pour in heavy cream and stir continuously. Add cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese, stirring until completely melted and sauce is smooth.
- Return cooked chicken and pasta shells to the skillet. Toss gently to coat everything evenly with the sauce. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until heated through.
- Season with additional salt and pepper if needed. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
You can customize the seasonings to taste. For extra heat, add more cayenne or a pinch of red pepper flakes. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Method: Main
- Cuisine: American