Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta: Easy Creamy Western Dinner Recipe

Get ready to wrangle some serious flavor with this cowboy butter chicken pasta! This one-pan wonder combines tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a rich, spicy garlic butter sauce that will have your taste buds doing the Texas two-step. Perfect for busy weeknights when you want restaurant-quality flavor without the fuss.

What makes cowboy butter so special? It’s that perfect blend of garlic, herbs, and a touch of heat that transforms ordinary ingredients into something extraordinary. This recipe comes together in about 30 minutes, making it ideal for those evenings when you need something delicious and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients

• 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 8 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your favorite shape)
• 4 tbsp butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 tbsp olive oil

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.

Step 2: While pasta cooks, season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and half the smoked paprika. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.

Step 3: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in remaining smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, oregano, and onion powder.

Step 4: Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.

Step 5: Add cooked pasta and chicken back to the skillet. Toss to coat in the sauce, adding reserved pasta water as needed to reach desired consistency.

Step 6: Stir in Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan on top.

Expert Tips for Perfect Cowboy Butter Pasta

Don’t overcrowd the pan: When cooking the chicken, make sure not to overcrowd the skillet. Cook in batches if necessary to ensure each piece gets nicely browned rather than steamed.

Reserve pasta water: The starchy pasta water is liquid gold for creating a silky, emulsified sauce. It helps the sauce cling perfectly to every strand of pasta.

Adjust the heat: Cowboy butter should have a kick, but you can control the spice level. Start with less cayenne and add more to taste. For extra heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.

If you love this creamy pasta dish, you might also enjoy our creamy pesto chicken pasta bake for another easy family dinner option.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different protein? Absolutely! This cowboy butter sauce pairs beautifully with shrimp, beef strips, or even just vegetables for a meatless version.

How do I store leftovers? Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth or cream to refresh the sauce.

Can I make this gluten-free? Yes! Simply use your favorite gluten-free pasta and ensure your chicken broth is gluten-free. The sauce itself is naturally gluten-free.

For more one-pan dinner inspiration, check out our one-pot salmon pasta or our creamy Tuscan salmon pasta for restaurant-quality meals at home.

Looking for more chicken pasta recipes? Our Monterey chicken spaghetti offers another delicious comfort food option that’s perfect for busy weeknights.

Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta: Easy Creamy Western Dinner Recipe

This cowboy butter chicken pasta combines tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a rich, spicy garlic butter sauce in a one-pan wonder that comes together in about 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights, it features a flavorful blend of garlic, herbs, and a touch of heat that transforms ordinary ingredients into something extraordinary.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Calories: 520

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Ingredients

• 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 8 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your favorite shape)
• 4 tbsp butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 tbsp olive oil

Method

 

Instructions

1. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. While pasta cooks, season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and half the smoked paprika. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in remaining smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, oregano, and onion powder.
4. Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
5. Add cooked pasta and chicken back to the skillet. Toss to coat in the sauce, adding reserved pasta water as needed to reach desired consistency.
6. Stir in Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan on top.

Notes

Don’t overcrowd the pan when cooking chicken – cook in batches if necessary. Reserve pasta water for silky, emulsified sauce. Adjust cayenne pepper to control spice level.