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Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta – The Ultimate Comfort Dish

Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta

Buttery, spicy, and packed with flavor, this Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta is designed to transform stressful weeknights into cozy dining experiences. The secret lies in the cowboy butter—a flavorful compound butter that combines herbs, spices, and lemon to elevate the dish from ordinary to extraordinary. Ready in under 30 minutes, this comforting meal features tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a luxurious creamy sauce.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Ingredients
  • ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter softened
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 2 cloves garlic finely minced
  • 1 tbsp chopped parsley
  • 1 tbsp chopped chives
  • 2 tsp fresh thyme leaves
  • 1 tsp sweet paprika
  • 1 tsp salt
  • pinch red pepper flakes
  • ½ lemon juice and zest
  • 12 oz (340g) pasta (I used linguine)
  • 2 tsp salt
  • 6 chicken thighs (skinless and boneless)
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 1 tbsp olive oil (or as needed)
  • 1 large shallot (finely diced)
  • 1 cup (150g) sliced bell peppers (mix of red, yellow and orange)
  • 4 cloves garlic (sliced)
  • 4 tbsp cowboy butter (or more to taste)
  • ½ cup (120ml) cream (heavy / double)
  • 4 tbsp Parmesan (freshly grated)
  • 2 tbsp parsley (finely chopped)

Equipment

  • large skillet or chef's pan
  • large pot
  • small bowl

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Make the cowboy butter: Combine all the ingredients together in a small bowl and set aside. This can be made in advance and kept in the fridge until needed. You will only need to use about half of the butter in the pasta recipe.
  2. Prepare the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to the boil. Add the pasta and cook according to pack instructions or until al dente. Reserve some of the pasta water before draining the pasta.
  3. Prepare the rest of the dish while the pasta cooks. Cut the chicken thighs into strips or bite-sized pieces. Season with the paprika, garlic powder, salt and pepper.
  4. Heat olive oil in a large skillet or chef's pan and quickly sear the chicken over medium-high heat. This will take about 4 minutes – you don't have to cook the chicken all the way through.
  5. Lower the heat a notch. Add the shallots, garlic and sliced peppers and continue to cook, stirring frequently, until the vegetables have softened and chicken is cooked through.
  6. Stir in the cowboy butter and add the linguine, tossing to combine in the buttery sauce.
  7. Add the cream, grated Parmesan and chopped parsley and stir well to combine. Have a taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
  8. Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side and some extra Parmesan cheese and perhaps some garlic bread. Serious comfort food vibes!

Notes

Reserve pasta water before draining to adjust sauce consistency. The cowboy butter can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Serve immediately with lemon wedges and extra Parmesan.