Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta: Your New Favorite Weeknight Dinner

Get ready for a flavor-packed dinner that will become your go-to weeknight meal! This cowboy butter chicken pasta combines tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a rich, creamy butter sauce with just the right amount of spice. Best of all, it cooks in one pan for easy cleanup.

If you enjoyed our Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta, you’re going to love this cowboy-inspired twist. The combination of garlic, herbs, and a touch of heat creates a comforting dish that’s anything but ordinary.

Ingredients

• 1 lb chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 8 oz pasta of your choice
• 4 tbsp butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp chopped parsley for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the chicken in a large skillet with 2 tablespoons of butter until golden brown and cooked through. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.

Step 2: Add the remaining butter and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Add the uncooked pasta directly to the skillet.

Step 4: Cover and cook for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed.

Step 5: Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, paprika, and cayenne pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens.

Step 6: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Expert Tips

For the best results, make sure your chicken pieces are uniform in size so they cook evenly. If you’re looking for more creamy pasta inspiration, check out our Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta recipe.

Adjust the cayenne pepper to control the spice level – start with less and add more if you prefer more heat. The Parmesan cheese adds a wonderful umami flavor that balances the spices perfectly.

FAQ

Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! Any short pasta like penne, fusilli, or farfalle works well in this recipe.

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

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While best served fresh, you can prepare the components ahead and combine when ready to serve. For another make-ahead chicken dish, try our Ultimate Monterey Chicken Spaghetti.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Absolutely! Just reduce or omit the cayenne pepper for a milder version that children will love.

Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta: Your New Favorite Weeknight Dinner

This cowboy butter chicken pasta combines tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a rich, creamy butter sauce with just the right amount of spice. Best of all, it cooks in one pan for easy cleanup and features garlic, herbs, and a touch of heat for a comforting dish that’s anything but ordinary.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Calories: 520

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Ingredients

• 1 lb chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 8 oz pasta of your choice
• 4 tbsp butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp chopped parsley for garnish

Method

 

Instructions

1. Cook the chicken in a large skillet with 2 tablespoons of butter until golden brown and cooked through. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
2. Add the remaining butter and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Add the uncooked pasta directly to the skillet.
4. Cover and cook for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed.
5. Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, paprika, and cayenne pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
6. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Notes

For best results, make sure chicken pieces are uniform in size so they cook evenly. Adjust cayenne pepper to control spice level – start with less and add more if preferred. Parmesan cheese adds wonderful umami flavor that balances the spices perfectly.