Go Back
cowboy-butter-chicken-pasta-recipe--easy--creamy-and-flavorful---k-popkitchen_feature

Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta: Easy Creamy and Flavorful Dinner Recipe

This cowboy butter chicken pasta combines tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a rich, creamy sauce infused with garlic, herbs, and a touch of spice. It's the perfect weeknight dinner that comes together in under 30 minutes and delivers restaurant-quality flavors right to your table.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 580
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Ingredients
  • 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 8 oz pasta (fettuccine, linguine, or bowtie work well)
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
  • 1 tsp dried parsley
  • 1/2 tsp dried thyme
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/4 cup pasta water.
  2. Season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, melt remaining butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits.
  4. Reduce heat to medium and add heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, cayenne pepper, dried parsley, and thyme. Stir continuously until the sauce thickens slightly, about 3-4 minutes.
  5. Return cooked chicken to the skillet and add the cooked pasta. Toss everything together until well coated in the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time until desired consistency is reached.
  6. Garnish with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately while hot.

Notes

For the best flavor, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese rather than pre-shredded. The anti-caking agents in pre-shredded cheese can prevent it from melting smoothly into the sauce. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk or cream to refresh the sauce consistency.