Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta Recipe
If you love creamy pasta with bold, buttery flavors, this Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta Recipe is about to become your new favorite dinner. Inspired by the viral cowboy butter sauce, this dish combines juicy chicken, garlic butter, herbs, and a touch of spice with perfectly cooked pasta.
It feels indulgent but is surprisingly easy to make, even for beginners. The sauce comes together in one pan, making it perfect for busy weeknights or a comforting weekend meal. Rich, zesty, and full of flavor, this pasta recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Why You’ll Love It
- Creamy, buttery, and full of bold flavor
- Ready in just 30 minutes
- Uses simple pantry ingredients
- Perfect for weeknight dinners
- Easy to customize for spice lovers
Ingredients List
- 250 g (8 oz) pasta (penne, fusilli, or fettuccine)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon chili flakes (adjust to taste)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup chicken broth (or pasta water)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Boil pasta in salted water according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil and butter in a large pan over medium heat.
- Add chicken pieces, salt, pepper, paprika, and chili flakes.
- Cook chicken for 5–6 minutes until golden and fully cooked.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in Dijon mustard and lemon juice. Mix well.
- Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth. Simmer for 3–4 minutes.
- Add cooked pasta to the pan and toss to coat evenly.
- Sprinkle with parsley and Parmesan cheese.
- Serve hot and enjoy your cowboy butter chicken pasta.
Pro Tips & Variations
- Substitutions: Use shrimp instead of chicken or milk instead of cream for a lighter version.
- Flavor Upgrades: Add smoked paprika, garlic powder, or a splash of white wine.
- Make It Spicy: Increase chili flakes or add a dash of hot sauce.
- Make-Ahead Tip: Cook the chicken and sauce ahead, then reheat and add fresh pasta before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this cowboy butter chicken pasta hot with a fresh green salad or garlic bread. It pairs well with iced tea, lemonade, or a light sparkling drink. For dessert, try brownies, cheesecake, or a simple fruit parfait to balance the rich flavors.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 1 month (cream sauce may slightly change texture).
- Reheating: Reheat on the stove or microwave with a splash of milk or water.
FAQs
Can I use any type of pasta?
Yes, short or long pasta works well. Choose what you have on hand.
Is cowboy butter very spicy?
It’s mildly spicy. You can easily adjust the heat to your taste.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, use plant-based butter and cream alternatives.
Can I add vegetables?
Absolutely. Bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms work great.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes, just reduce or skip the chili flakes.
Conclusion
This Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta Recipe is rich, comforting, and incredibly easy to make at home. If you’re looking for a quick yet impressive meal, this one checks all the boxes. Try it once, and it might just become a regular on your dinner menu. If you make this recipe, don’t forget to share your experience in the comments and save it on Pinterest for later
Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta
Equipment
- Large pot (for pasta)
- Large skillet or Dutch oven (preferably oven-safe)
- Tongs
- Cutting board & knife
- Measuring spoons & cups
- Whisk or fork (for sauce)
- Microplane or garlic press optional
Ingredients
- 450g Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts or Thighs, Cut into 1-inch pieces
- 340g Short Pasta (e.g., penne, rigatoni, fusilli)
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil
- 4 tbsp Unsalted Butter
- 4 cloves Garlic, Minced
- 1/4 Red Onion, Finely Chopped
- 1/2 cup Sun-Dried Tomatoes, Chopped
- 1/3 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese, plus more for serving
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Cowboy Butter Sauce:
- 4 tbsp Unsalted Butter, Melted
- 2 tbsp Fresh Lemon Juice
- 1 tbsp Dijon Mustard
- 1 tbsp Smoked Paprika
- 1/2 tbsp Chili Flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp Fresh Thyme
- 1 tsp Fresh Oregano
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions for al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
- Sear Chicken: Season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken until golden brown and cooked through (5-7 minutes). Remove and set aside.
- Make Aromatics: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add 2 tbsp butter. Sauté shallot and sun-dried tomatoes for 2-3 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Create Sauce: Pour in the prepared cowboy butter sauce (mix all sauce ingredients in a bowl) and stir to combine with the aromatics.
- Combine: Add the drained pasta, cooked chicken, and Parmesan cheese to the skillet. Toss to coat everything in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a few tablespoons at a time until desired consistency is reached.
- Rest & Serve: Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes (allows flavors to meld and sauce to thicken slightly). Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Pasta Water is Gold: The starchy pasta water is crucial for creating a silky, emulsified sauce that clings to the pasta. Don’t skip it.
- Chicken Choice: Thighs will yield a more flavorful and juicier result, but breasts are leaner and work perfectly.
- Customize the Heat: Adjust the chili flakes to your preference. For extra smoky flavor, add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Herb Freshness: Fresh herbs (parsley, thyme, oregano) make a significant difference in the brightness of the cowboy butter sauce.
- Add Veggies: For extra nutrition, add chopped spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms when sautéing the shallots.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of water, broth, or cream to refresh the sauce.
- Cowboy Butter Versatility: The cowboy butter sauce mixture is also fantastic on steak, shrimp, or roasted vegetables.