Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta

why make this recipe

Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta is a quick, flavor-forward weeknight meal that brings a rich, savory sauce together with tender chicken and perfectly cooked linguine. It balances creamy, garlicky notes with bright cherry tomatoes and a buttery finish, making it satisfying enough for guests but easy enough for a busy evening.

how to make Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta

This recipe is straightforward: brown diced chicken in cowboy butter, add aromatics and tomatoes, create a simple cream sauce with chicken broth and heavy cream, then toss with cooked linguine so every strand is coated. It’s built for a single-skillet finish and comes together in about 20–30 minutes.

Ingredients :

• 8 oz linguine
• 2 tablespoons cowboy butter
• 1 lb chicken breast, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Directions :

1. Cook linguine according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, melt cowboy butter over medium heat.
3. Add diced chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
5. Add cherry tomatoes and cook for a few minutes until they begin to soften.
6. Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine.
7. Season with salt and pepper.
8. Add the cooked linguine to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce.
9. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

introduction

Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta blends the bold, seasoned richness of cowboy butter with everyday pantry ingredients to create a comforting pasta dish. The name nods to the savory butter base that gives the sauce its signature depth, while the cream and tomatoes keep the texture silky and bright. It’s adaptable and forgiving, great for cooks of any skill level.

how to serve Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta

Serve hot, straight from the skillet or plated with extra parsley sprinkled on top. A wedge of lemon on the side brightens the dish if desired. This pasta pairs well with a simple green salad, crusty bread for sopping up sauce, or roasted vegetables for a heartier meal.

how to store Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta

Cool leftovers to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3–4 days. To reheat, gently warm in a skillet over low heat with a splash of chicken broth or cream to revive the sauce and prevent drying. For longer storage, freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

tips to make Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta

• Dice chicken into uniform pieces so they cook evenly.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan when browning chicken — work in batches if needed to get a good sear.
• Use high-quality cowboy butter or season plain butter with a mix of garlic powder, smoked paprika, thyme, and a pinch of cayenne to mimic the flavor.
• If the sauce seems thin, simmer a minute longer to reduce; if too thick, add a splash of chicken broth.
• Taste and adjust salt and pepper at the end, especially if your cowboy butter is already seasoned.

variation (if any)

• Swap linguine for fettuccine, penne, or your favorite pasta shape.
• Add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for extra color and nutrition.
• For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream or use Greek yogurt stirred in off the heat for a tangy finish.
• Make it spicy by adding red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce while simmering the sauce.

FAQ

Q: Can I use thighs instead of chicken breast?
A: Yes — boneless, skinless thighs are juicier and remain tender, but adjust cooking time slightly as needed.

Q: Is cowboy butter the same as regular butter?
A: Cowboy butter is typically a seasoned butter blend (garlic, herbs, spices). If you don’t have it, mix softened butter with garlic, smoked paprika, thyme, and a pinch of cayenne.

Q: How can I make this dairy-free?
A: Use a dairy-free butter substitute and replace heavy cream with a full-fat coconut milk or a creamy non-dairy alternative, though the flavor will shift slightly.

Q: Can I prep this ahead?
A: You can dice the chicken and halve the tomatoes ahead of time. Cooked pasta and sauce are best made just before serving for optimal texture.

Conclusion

For a full take on a similar cowboy-butter-flavored pasta idea and extra serving inspiration, see this detailed recipe at Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine – I Am Homesteader.