Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta

I remember one particularly chaotic Tuesday. You know the kind—soccer practice ran late, the toddler decided finger-painting the dog was a great idea, and I still had a mountain of laundry to tackle. The last thing I wanted to do was fight the “what’s for dinner?” battle.

That’s when I threw together the first version of this incredible Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta. I melted some butter, tossed in a bunch of zesty spices from my pantry, added some juicy chicken, and stirred it all through hot pasta. The result was pure magic.

The kitchen filled with an aroma of garlic, herbs, and a little kick of spice that brought everyone running. That night, this delicious Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta wasn’t just dinner; it was a win. It’s a hearty, flavor-packed meal that feels special but comes together in about 30 minutes. Now, this easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta recipe is our family’s go-to for a guaranteed clean-plate-club night.

Why You’ll Love This Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta Recipe

This isn’t just another pasta dish; it’s a flavor explosion waiting to happen. If you’re looking for a new weeknight staple, this Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta is about to become your best friend. Here’s why my family and I are completely obsessed with it:

• Incredibly Flavorful: The star of the show is the cowboy butter sauce. It’s a rich, savory blend of butter, garlic, lemon, and a medley of herbs and spices. It perfectly coats every piece of chicken and pasta.
• Quick & Easy: From start to finish, you can have this amazing dinner on the table in about 30 minutes. It’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you crave something wholesome and delicious without the fuss.
• Family-Approved: It has a little kick, but it’s easily adjustable. My kids devour this meal, and I love that it’s packed with protein. This Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta satisfies both picky eaters and adventurous palates.
• Simple Ingredients: You probably have most of what you need for the cowboy butter sauce right in your pantry! No strange or hard-to-find items are required for this fantastic recipe.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here is exactly what you need to create this amazing Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta. The ingredients are simple, but together they create something truly special.

For the Chicken & Pasta:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 12 oz pasta of your choice (penne, fusilli, or fettuccine work great)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Cowboy Butter Sauce:

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh chives
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice, freshly squeezed
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to your spice preference)
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving

Substitutions & Variations

One of the best things about this Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta recipe is how easily you can adapt it to your family’s tastes or what you have on hand.

• Protein Swaps: Not in the mood for chicken? This cowboy butter sauce is fantastic with shrimp, steak tips, or even sliced sausage. For a vegetarian option, try it with pan-seared mushrooms or chickpeas.
• Make it Spicier (or Milder): If you love heat, feel free to add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper. For a milder version of this spicy cowboy butter chicken pasta, simply reduce the red pepper flakes to 1/4 teaspoon or omit them entirely.
• Different Pastas: Any pasta shape works! I love using shapes like fusilli or rotini because the spirals grab onto that delicious cowboy butter sauce. Fettuccine or linguine are also excellent choices.
• Herb Variations: While I love the classic parsley and chives combo, you could also add a little fresh thyme or rosemary to the sauce for a different flavor profile. Dried herbs work in a pinch, just use about one-third the amount of fresh.
• Creamy vs. Lighter Sauce: For an extra rich and creamy cowboy butter pasta, you can add a bit more heavy cream. If you prefer a lighter sauce, use half-and-half or whole milk instead, but be aware the sauce won’t be as thick. This recipe for Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta is very forgiving!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make the most delicious Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta your family has ever tasted. It’s easier than you think!

1. Cook the Pasta: First, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Just before draining, be sure to reserve about 1 cup of the starchy pasta water. This is a secret weapon for a silky sauce! Drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Prepare and Cook the Chicken: While the pasta is cooking, pat the chicken cubes dry with a paper towel. In a small bowl, toss the chicken with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until it’s evenly coated. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer and cook for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
3. Make the Cowboy Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add the stick of butter and let it melt. Once melted, add the minced garlic and cook for about 30-60 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
4. Build the Flavor: Stir in the chopped parsley, chives, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, and oregano. Let the spices toast in the butter for about a minute to really bring out their flavor. The aroma will be absolutely incredible! This is the heart of your Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta sauce.
5. Make it Creamy: Slowly pour in the heavy cream while stirring constantly. Then, add 1/2 cup of the reserved pasta water. This will help the sauce emulsify and become wonderfully smooth. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 2-3 minutes, until it starts to thicken slightly.
6. Combine Everything: Stir the grated Parmesan cheese into the sauce until it has melted completely. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Finally, add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss everything together until the chicken and pasta are thoroughly coated in the glorious cowboy butter sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add another splash of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
7. Serve and Enjoy: Serve your perfect Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta immediately, garnished with extra fresh parsley and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.

Pro Tips for Success

Want to make sure your Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta is absolutely perfect every single time? Here are a few of my tried-and-true tips from one home cook to another.

• Don’t Skip the Pasta Water: I mentioned it before, but it’s worth repeating! The starchy water is the key to a restaurant-quality sauce. It helps the sauce cling to the pasta and makes it silky smooth instead of greasy.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: While dried herbs and bottled lemon juice work, using fresh garlic, fresh parsley, and freshly squeezed lemon juice will make a world of difference in the final flavor of your Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta.
• Don’t Crowd the Pan: When you cook the chicken, make sure it’s in a single layer in the skillet. If you overcrowd the pan, the chicken will steam instead of getting that beautiful golden-brown sear. Cook in batches if you need to.
• Toast Your Spices: Allowing the spices and herbs to cook in the melted butter for a minute before adding the cream really deepens their flavor. This small step adds a huge amount of complexity to this easy cowboy chicken pasta dish.

• Control the Heat: Garlic can burn quickly, which will make your sauce bitter. Keep the heat on medium or medium-low when you’re making the sauce to ensure everything cooks perfectly. This is the secret to a great Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta.

Storage & Reheating Tips

Leftover Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta is a fantastic next-day lunch! Here’s how to store and reheat it properly.

Storage: Allow the pasta to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Reheating: The sauce will thicken in the fridge. The best way to reheat this dish is in a skillet on the stovetop over medium-low heat. Add a splash of milk, cream, or chicken broth to the pasta to loosen the sauce and bring back its creamy texture as you stir it gently. You can also microwave it in short bursts, stirring in between, but the stovetop method prevents the chicken from becoming rubbery.

What to Serve With This Recipe

This Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta is a satisfying meal all on its own, but if you want to round it out, here are a few simple sides that pair beautifully with its bold flavors:

• Garlic Bread: A must-have for sopping up every last bit of that incredible cowboy butter sauce.
• A Simple Green Salad: A fresh salad with a light vinaigrette provides a nice, crisp contrast to the rich, creamy pasta.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted broccoli, asparagus, or green beans are easy and healthy additions that complement the meal perfectly.
• Steamed Veggies: A side of simple steamed green beans or peas also works wonderfully.

FAQs

Is this Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta recipe spicy?

This recipe has a mild to medium kick from the red pepper flakes and Dijon mustard. However, the spice level is completely customizable! For a spicier dish, increase the red pepper flakes. For a kid-friendly, non-spicy version of this Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta, you can reduce them to just a pinch or leave them out entirely.

Can I make the cowboy butter sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the cowboy butter sauce (through step 4) and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. When you’re ready to make your Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta, simply reheat the sauce base in a skillet, then continue with step 5 by adding the cream and pasta water before tossing with freshly cooked chicken and pasta.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs are a great alternative! They are very flavorful and stay wonderfully moist. Just cut them into bite-sized pieces and cook them until they are browned and cooked through.

The cooking time might be slightly longer than for chicken breasts. This variation on our classic Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta is also delicious.

What is cowboy butter?

Cowboy butter is a compound butter sauce that is traditionally served with steak. It’s a zesty, savory, and slightly spicy mixture of butter, garlic, lemon, mustard, and a variety of herbs and spices. We’ve adapted this incredible sauce to create a creamy and irresistible pasta dish, resulting in this amazing Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta.

Nutrition Information (per serving)

Please note that this is an estimate and can vary based on the specific ingredients used. This calculation is for one of six servings.

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	680 kcal
Protein	35g
Carbohydrates	52g
Fat	38g
Saturated Fat	21g
Sodium	450mg

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