Print

Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta

Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta
Print Recipe

Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta is a creamy and savory dish that combines tender chicken, rich buttery sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta for a comforting and hearty meal. Ready in under 30 minutes, it features a luscious cowboy butter sauce made with butter, garlic, herbs, cream, and Parmesan cheese, delivering bold, indulgent flavors perfect for weeknights or entertaining.

Ingredients

Scale

Proteins

  • 1 lb chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces

Pasta

  • 8 oz penne or rotini pasta

Sauce Ingredients

  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp fresh herbs (parsley or thyme), chopped
  • 1 cup heavy cream or half and half
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • Salt, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prep and Season the Chicken: Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and season generously with salt, pepper, and paprika to lock in flavor and prepare the chicken to absorb the buttery sauce.
  2. Cook the Pasta: Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining to adjust the sauce consistency if needed.
  3. Make the Cowboy Butter Sauce: In a large skillet, melt butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Stir in fresh herbs, heavy cream, and grated Parmesan cheese, whisking until smooth and slightly thickened to create a luscious sauce.
  4. Combine Chicken and Sauce: Add the cooked chicken into the skillet with the sauce, stirring to coat the chicken evenly. Let it simmer for a few minutes to blend all flavors perfectly.
  5. Mix Pasta and Serve: Toss the drained pasta into the skillet, mixing gently so every piece is coated with the rich cowboy butter sauce. Add reserved pasta water a splash at a time if the sauce is too thick. Garnish as desired and serve immediately.

Notes

  • Use room temperature chicken for even cooking and juicier bites.
  • Do not overcook the pasta; aim for al dente to avoid sogginess.
  • Fresh herbs like parsley or thyme provide a brighter flavor.
  • Use high-quality unsalted butter for the richest taste.
  • Add reserved pasta water to adjust the sauce thickness as needed.
  • For leftovers, store in an airtight container refrigerated up to 3 days or freeze up to 2 months.
  • Reheat gently on low heat with a splash of milk or cream to restore creaminess—avoid microwaving directly.

Nutrition

Keywords: Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta, creamy chicken pasta, buttery chicken pasta, family dinner, quick weeknight meal, hearty pasta recipe

Find it online: https://withnora.com/cowboy-butter-chicken-pasta/