Go Back

Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta

Creamy, buttery, and packed with bold garlic-herb flavor, this Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta is a quick and comforting meal perfect for busy weeknights. Juicy chicken, rich butter sauce, and tender pasta come together in just 30 minutes using simple pantry ingredients.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Resting time 5 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6 people
Calories 650 kcal

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

  1. 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.
  2. Chicken Choice: Thighs will yield a more flavorful and juicier result, but breasts are leaner and work perfectly.
  3. Customize the Heat: Adjust the chili flakes to your preference. For extra smoky flavor, add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
  4. Herb Freshness: Fresh herbs (parsley, thyme, oregano) make a significant difference in the brightness of the cowboy butter sauce.
  5. Add Veggies: For extra nutrition, add chopped spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms when sautéing the shallots.
  6. 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.
  7. Cowboy Butter Versatility: The cowboy butter sauce mixture is also fantastic on steak, shrimp, or roasted vegetables.