Looking for a quick, flavorful dinner? This Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta is creamy, buttery, and packed with savory goodness. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s perfect for weeknight meals or impressing guests!
If you love creamy pasta dishes, check out my One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta for another quick and flavorful weeknight meal.
Why We Love This Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Quick & Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Rich & Creamy: The buttery garlic sauce coats every bite of chicken and pasta for maximum flavor.
- Customizable: Add extra vegetables, switch proteins, or adjust spice to your liking.
- Restaurant-Quality at Home: Deliciously indulgent flavors without complicated techniques.
- Family-Friendly: Loved by adults and kids alike, a guaranteed hit at dinner.
For a lighter, garlicky twist, try my Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta. It’s rich, comforting, and ready in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients You Will Need:
- 12 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your favorite)
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 1 cup heavy cream (or coconut milk for a lighter option)
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Equipment Need
- Knife and cutting board
- Large pot (for boiling pasta)
- Large skillet or sauté pan (for sauce)
- Wooden spoon or spatula (for stirring)
- Measuring cups and spoons
Step-by-Step Instructions: Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your choice of pasta (penne or fettuccine works best) and cook until al dente. Before draining, reserve ½ cup of pasta water to adjust the sauce later if needed. Set the pasta aside once done.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Season bite-sized chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then cook until they turn golden brown and are fully cooked, roughly 5–7 minutes. Transfer the chicken to a plate and keep it warm.
Step 3: Sauté Onion and Garlic
Using the same skillet, add the remaining butter. Sauté the diced onion and minced garlic for 3–4 minutes until fragrant and translucent. This step builds a flavorful base for the sauce.
Step 4: Prepare the Sauce
Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Stir in Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Let the sauce simmer gently for 5 minutes until it thickens slightly, creating a rich, creamy base.
Step 5: Combine Chicken and Pasta
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add the pasta and toss everything together to coat evenly in the sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water. Finish by stirring in Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and velvety.
Step 6: Serve
Plate the pasta and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve immediately to enjoy the creamy texture and rich flavors at their best.
Serving Suggestions
- Sprinkle extra Parmesan and parsley for added flavor and color.
- Serve alongside garlic bread or a crusty baguette.
- Pair with a fresh green salad to balance richness.
- Add roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus for a healthy touch.
Pair your pasta with my crispy Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders for a complete, delicious dinner.
Expert Tips
- Butter choice matters: Unsalted butter lets you control seasoning better.
- Cook chicken properly: Avoid overcrowding the skillet to ensure even browning and juiciness.
- Enhance richness: A teaspoon of cream cheese can make the sauce extra silky.
- Adjust spice: Red pepper flakes can be added or reduced to suit your taste.
- Pasta texture: Always cook pasta al dente for the best sauce absorption.
FAQs About This Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta Recipe
1. Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes! Cooked pasta and sauce can be stored separately in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently and add a splash of milk or cream to bring back creaminess.
2. Can I substitute the chicken with another protein?
Absolutely! Shrimp, turkey, or even tofu work well. Adjust cooking time accordingly to ensure proper doneness.
Final Thoughts
This Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta is a rich, indulgent, and comforting meal that is surprisingly easy to prepare. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, the creamy garlic butter sauce, tender chicken, and flavorful pasta combine to create a dish everyone will love. With simple ingredients and expert tips, it’s a recipe you’ll want to make again and again.
Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta | Creamy & Delicious
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your choice)
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 cup heavy cream (or coconut milk for a lighter version)
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, adjust to taste)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- Cook the chicken: Melt 2 tbsp butter in a skillet. Season chicken with salt and pepper, cook until golden and cooked through (5–7 minutes). Remove and set aside.
- Sauté onion and garlic: In the same skillet, add remaining butter. Cook onion and garlic for 3–4 minutes until soft and fragrant.
- Make the sauce: Add heavy cream, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Simmer 5 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
- Combine pasta and chicken: Return chicken to skillet, add pasta, and toss to coat in sauce. Add reserved pasta water if sauce is too thick. Stir in Parmesan cheese until creamy.
- Serve: Plate pasta and garnish with parsley. Serve immediately.
