why make this recipe
Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta is a comforting weeknight meal that balances rich, buttery flavors with savory seasoned chicken and a creamy sauce. It’s fast, crowd-pleasing, and versatile—perfect when you want something impressive without a lot of fuss.
introduction
This cowboy-inspired pasta combines tender bite-sized chicken, garlic-infused butter, a touch of heat from red pepper flakes, and a silky cream-and-Parmesan sauce tossed with your favorite pasta. It’s straightforward to prepare, adaptable to what you have on hand, and delivers big, satisfying flavor.
how to make Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta
Follow these clear steps to turn simple ingredients into a luscious, homestyle pasta dinner.
Ingredients :
- Pasta of your choice (e.g., penne or fettuccine) – 12 ounces
- Chicken breast – 1 pound, boneless and skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Butter – 4 tablespoons (unsalted is recommended for better flavor control)
- Garlic – 4 cloves, minced
- Onion – 1 medium, diced
- Heavy cream – 1 cup (or substitute with coconut milk for a lighter option)
- Chicken broth – 1 cup (low-sodium preferred)
- Parmesan cheese – 1 cup, grated
- Italian seasoning – 1 tablespoon
- Red pepper flakes – 1 teaspoon (adjust to taste)
- Salt and pepper – to taste
- Fresh parsley – for garnish (optional)
Directions :
- 🔵 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 (typically 8–10 minutes). Once cooked, reserve 1 cup of pasta water, drain the pasta, and set it aside. - 🔵 Sauté Chicken
In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the diced chicken pieces and season with salt and pepper. Cook for about 6–8 minutes until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, stirring occasionally. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. - 🔵 Create the Sauce
In the same skillet, add the remaining butter and sauté the minced garlic and diced onion until translucent (about 3–4 minutes). This step infuses the butter with flavor, making your sauce deliciously aromatic. - 🔵 Add Cream and Broth
Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Add the Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes. Let the sauce simmer gently for about 5 minutes until it thickens slightly. If it becomes too thick, use your reserved pasta water to adjust the consistency. - 🔵 Combine Pasta and Chicken
Return the cooked chicken and drained pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Toss everything together to ensure the chicken and pasta are coated in the creamy sauce, and let it cook for another 2 minutes to meld the flavors. - 🔵 Serve
Finally, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top and let it melt into the dish. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving to add a pop of color. Enjoy your Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta warm!
how to serve Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta
Serve hot straight from the skillet or plate individual portions. Add extra grated Parmesan, a grind of black pepper, and chopped parsley for brightness. Pair with a simple green salad and crusty bread to soak up the sauce, and a crisp white wine or iced tea to complete the meal.
how to store Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta
Cool the pasta to room temperature, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of milk, cream, or reserved pasta water to restore creaminess. You can also freeze for up to 2 months, though texture may change slightly; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
tips to make Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta
- Pound chicken pieces uniformly so they cook evenly.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for better melting and flavor.
- Reserve pasta water—its starch helps thicken and bind the sauce.
- Don’t overboil the pasta; slightly undercooked (al dente) will finish cooking in the sauce and hold up better.
- Taste and adjust seasoning at the end; cream can mute salt, so you may need a bit more.
variation (if any)
- Make it smoky: add a pinch of smoked paprika or use smoked sausage slices.
- Make it lighter: substitute half-and-half or coconut milk for heavy cream and use olive oil instead of some butter.
- Add veggies: spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, mushrooms, or roasted red peppers work beautifully.
- Go cheesy: stir in cream cheese or swap part of the Parmesan for Pecorino Romano for a sharper kick.
FAQ
Q: Can I use thighs instead of breast?
A: Yes — boneless, skinless thighs add extra juiciness and flavor; adjust cooking time until they’re cooked through.
Q: Is there a dairy-free option?
A: Substitute coconut milk for cream and use dairy-free Parmesan alternatives; use olive oil in place of some butter.
Q: How can I make this spicier?
A: Increase red pepper flakes, add cayenne, or stir in a spoonful of hot sauce to taste.
Conclusion
For a close variation and extra inspiration, see this recipe for Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine – I Am Homesteader, which offers another take on the same buttery, garlicky concept.
Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
Method
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente (typically 8–10 minutes). Once cooked, reserve 1 cup of pasta water, drain the pasta, and set it aside.
- In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the diced chicken pieces and season with salt and pepper. Cook for about 6–8 minutes until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, stirring occasionally. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the remaining butter and sauté the minced garlic and diced onion until translucent (about 3–4 minutes).
- Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Add the Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes. Let the sauce simmer gently for about 5 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- If it becomes too thick, use your reserved pasta water to adjust the consistency.
- Return the cooked chicken and drained pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed, and toss everything together to ensure the chicken and pasta are coated in the creamy sauce. Cook for another 2 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top and let it melt into the dish. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving to add a pop of color.
