Introduction

Enjoy a comforting and flavorful meal with this Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta. It combines tender chicken, creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta for a dish that’s both easy to make and satisfyingly rich.

Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta Recipe: Easy, Creamy, and Flavorful Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

12 ounces pasta of your choice (e.g., penne or fettuccine)
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 medium onion, diced
1 cup heavy cream (or coconut milk for a lighter option)
1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually 8 to 10 minutes. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.
Step 2: In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 6 to 8 minutes until golden brown and cooked through, stirring occasionally. Remove the chicken and set aside.
Step 3: Using the same skillet, add the remaining butter. Sauté the minced garlic and diced onion until translucent and fragrant, about 3 to 4 minutes.
Step 4: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, then stir in the Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes. Let the sauce simmer gently for about 5 minutes until slightly thickened. If the sauce becomes too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time to reach desired consistency.
Step 5: Return the cooked chicken and pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together to coat with the creamy sauce. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Cook for another 2 minutes to blend the flavors.
Step 6: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top, allowing it to melt into the dish. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, then serve warm.

Tips & Variations

Use low-sodium chicken broth to better control the saltiness of the dish.
Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk for a lighter, dairy-free version.
Add sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers for extra texture and flavor.
Adjust red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level for more or less heat.
Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best melting and flavor.

Storage

Store leftover Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or broth if the sauce has thickened too much.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, any pasta shape that holds sauce well, such as penne, fettuccine, or rotini, works perfectly with this recipe.

Is there a way to make this recipe dairy-free?

Absolutely. Substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk and use a dairy-free butter alternative to keep the sauce creamy and flavorful without dairy.

Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta Recipe: Easy, Creamy, and Flavorful Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 127 reviews

Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta is a creamy, flavorful dish combining tender chicken pieces with a rich butter and garlic sauce, tossed with your favorite pasta. This easy-to-make recipe balances the richness of butter and cream with the zing of Italian seasoning and a hint of spice from red pepper flakes, topped with Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley for a delicious home-cooked meal.

Author: Isabella
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

For the Pasta

12 ounces pasta of your choice (e.g., penne or fettuccine)

For the Chicken and Sauce

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 medium onion, diced
1 cup heavy cream (or coconut milk for a lighter option)
1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.
Sauté Chicken: In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add diced chicken pieces and season with salt and pepper. Cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
Create the Sauce: In the same skillet, add the remaining butter. Sauté minced garlic and diced onion until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. This infuses the butter with aromatic flavors.
Add Cream and Broth: Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring well. Add Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes. Let the sauce simmer gently for about 5 minutes until it thickens slightly. If too thick, adjust consistency using reserved pasta water.
Combine Pasta and Chicken: Return cooked chicken and drained pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Toss to coat everything evenly and cook for 2 more minutes to meld flavors.
Serve: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top, letting it melt into the dish. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve warm and enjoy your Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta!

Notes

Use unsalted butter to control the saltiness of the dish.
You can substitute heavy cream with coconut milk for a lighter or dairy-free option.
Adjust red pepper flakes to control the spiciness.
Reserve pasta water helps in adjusting sauce consistency and ensures the sauce clings to pasta better.
Use low-sodium chicken broth to manage overall salt content.
Fresh parsley adds color and freshness but is optional.

Keywords: Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta, creamy chicken pasta, easy chicken pasta recipe, butter chicken pasta, pasta with garlic butter sauce