Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta

Hey there, friend! Let’s talk about those nights when you’re running on fumes but you still want to put something truly delicious on the table. You know the ones I mean. Well, this Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta is here to be your new weeknight hero. It’s a comforting, flavor-packed dish that comes together in one pan with minimal fuss. The combination of tender chicken, smoky seasonings, and the richest butter sauce is just magical. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug but doesn’t leave you with a mountain of dishes to tackle afterward.

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta

• One-Pan Wonder: Who has time for a sink full of pots and pans? Everything cooks together in a single skillet for the easiest cleanup ever.
• Seriously Flavorful: It’s got that irresistible “cowboy butter” vibe—garlicky, a little spicy, and full of herby goodness.
• Family-Friendly: My kids gobble this one up every time. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for even the pickiest eaters.
• Weeknight Fast: From start to saucy finish, you’re about 30 minutes away from dinner being served.

Ingredients

Print

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 tbsp butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (adjust for spice preference)
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 8 oz fettuccine or linguine pasta, broken in half
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Optional Garnishes:

• Extra red pepper flakes
• Fresh parsley or chives
• A squeeze of fresh lemon juice

How to Make Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta

1. Season the chicken pieces generously with salt and pepper.
2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
3. In the same skillet, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes. Cook for about 1 minute, until fragrant.
4. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, and give it a good stir. Add the broken pasta to the skillet, making sure it’s mostly submerged in the liquid.
5. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover and let it cook for about 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and has absorbed much of the liquid.
6. Stir the cooked chicken back into the skillet. Add the Parmesan cheese and stir until the sauce becomes creamy and coats everything beautifully.
7. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed. Garnish with fresh parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan before serving.

Equipment

You’ll need just a few kitchen staples for this one-pan dinner: a large skillet (I love my trusty 12-inch cast iron for this) with a lid, a sharp knife for prepping the chicken, and a wooden spoon for stirring.

Tips & Variations

This recipe is wonderfully forgiving. Don’t worry if your sauce seems a little thin at first—it will thicken up as it sits and the pasta absorbs it. If you’re out of heavy cream, you can use half-and-half, though the sauce won’t be quite as rich. For a different twist, try adding some chopped sun-dried tomatoes or a handful of baby spinach at the end.

This dish became a fast favorite in our house after a particularly chaotic soccer practice night. I needed something fast, and this creamy pasta saved the day. Now, it’s my secret weapon for impressing last-minute guests without any stress.

Serving Suggestions

I love serving this hearty pasta with a simple side salad to balance the richness, like this Easy Italian Salad. A crusty piece of garlic bread is also fantastic for soaking up every last drop of that incredible cowboy butter sauce.

Nutrition Facts

(Approximate per serving) Calories: 645kcal | Carbohydrates: 46g | Protein: 38g | Fat: 34g | Saturated Fat: 17g | Cholesterol: 163mg | Sodium: 735mg

There you have it! A creamy, dreamy, and incredibly easy pasta dish that’s sure to become a regular in your dinner rotation. It’s the perfect solution for a busy night when you need comfort food fast.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! Penne, rigatoni, or even bowtie pasta would work great here. Just stick with a similar weight (8 oz) for the best results.

How should I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The pasta will continue to absorb the sauce, so you may want to add a splash of broth or cream when reheating it on the stove.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can prep the ingredients ahead of time (chop the chicken, mince the garlic) to make the cooking process even quicker. I don’t recommend fully cooking it too far ahead, as the pasta is best served fresh.

Is there a way to make this recipe less spicy?

Of course! Simply omit the crushed red pepper flakes entirely. The dish will still be packed with flavor from the garlic and smoked paprika. You can always add a little heat at the end for those who want it.