Cowboy Butter Chicken Spaghetti in Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce

 Ingredients:

12 oz spaghetti

1 tbsp olive oil

2 tbsp butter

1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-size pieces

1 tsp smoked paprika

1/2 tsp chili flakes

1/2 tsp garlic powder

1/2 tsp onion powder

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp black pepper

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup shredded mozzarella

1/2 cup grated Parmesan

4 oz cream cheese, softened

1/2 tsp Italian seasoning

1/2 cup reserved pasta water

Directions:

1. Cook the spaghetti in salted boiling water until just tender. Before draining, save about 1/2 cup of the pasta water and set it aside.

2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and let it sit for a couple of minutes so it gets a nice golden color.

3. Sprinkle in the smoked paprika, chili flakes, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir and cook until the chicken is fully done, then move it to a plate.

4. In the same skillet, melt the butter and add the garlic. Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

5. Pour in the heavy cream and stir as it warms. Add the cream cheese and mix until smooth and fully melted.

6. Stir in the mozzarella and Parmesan until the sauce turns thick and creamy.

7. Add the Italian seasoning and give it a quick mix.

8. Add a little of the reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce slightly.

9. Add the cooked spaghetti and toss until every strand is coated in the sauce.

10. Return the chicken to the skillet or place it on top, then spoon extra sauce over everything before serving.