Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta

The rich, creamy sauce clings to each strand of pasta, creating a harmony of flavors that dance together in every bite. The smoky, tangy kick from the cowboy butter shines through, balanced perfectly with the succulent chicken, which has absorbed all those delicious seasonings. Each time you twirl the fork, you’re met with a little bit of everything—garlic, fresh herbs, and a slight heat from the red pepper flakes. It’s the kind of dish that wraps you in warmth, making you want to sit back, close your eyes, and savor the comfort of home-cooked goodness. And when that bite of crispy chicken mingles with the buttery sauce, it’s hard not to smile.

What makes this pasta even better is that it’s not just a meal; it’s a conversation starter. The cowboy butter chicken pasta is the kind of dish that draws people to the table, sparking laughter and stories over shared plates. Maybe it’s a weekend family dinner or a cozy night in with friends, but no matter the occasion, the flavors have a way of making everything feel special. And the best part? You can make it your own—add more spice, toss in extra veggies, or switch up the protein. The possibilities are endless, making it a true weeknight hero in the kitchen.

Key Ingredients in Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta

This dish comes together with a carefully chosen combination of ingredients, each one playing its part in creating that irresistible balance of flavors. From the smoky spices to the rich, creamy sauce, here’s what you’ll need to make your cowboy butter chicken pasta truly shine:

• Olive oil
  A simple, yet essential base for sautéing the chicken, olive oil adds a subtle richness and helps everything cook evenly without overpowering the other flavors.
• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  The star protein of the dish, the chicken absorbs all those smoky, garlicky, and spicy flavors, giving the dish its satisfying heartiness and tender texture.
• Garlic powder
  An easy way to infuse the dish with garlic flavor without worrying about chopping. It adds that comforting, aromatic warmth that you can’t get enough of.
• Onion powder
  A mild, savory note that deepens the overall flavor profile, blending seamlessly with the garlic powder to create a balanced seasoning mix.
• Smoked paprika
  This smoky spice brings a rich, earthy depth to the dish, perfectly complementing the heat of the red pepper flakes and adding that cowboy-inspired flair.
• Ground cumin
  A warm, slightly nutty flavor that ties the spices together and adds a bit of depth, making the overall taste more complex and irresistible.
• Salt
  The essential seasoning that enhances all the flavors and brings out the best in each ingredient, ensuring nothing gets lost in the mix.
• Black pepper
  A dash of black pepper gives a gentle kick of heat, marrying beautifully with the other spices and boosting the savory elements in the dish.
• Cayenne pepper
  Just a hint of heat to give the dish that signature fiery touch, balancing the richness of the sauce and keeping every bite exciting.
• Pasta (such as fettuccine or penne)
  The perfect vehicle for all that creamy sauce, pasta brings comfort and heartiness to the dish while soaking up all the flavorful goodness.
• Unsalted butter
  The foundation of the cowboy butter sauce, the butter adds richness and creaminess, making each bite melt in your mouth with that signature buttery texture.
• Garlic (minced)
  Fresh garlic, sautéed to perfection, gives the dish its bold, aromatic base, deepening the overall flavor profile and enhancing the richness of the butter sauce.
• Dijon mustard
  A touch of tang and a bit of sharpness that cuts through the richness of the butter, creating balance and adding a layer of complexity to the sauce.
• Lemon juice
  A fresh burst of acidity that brightens the sauce and helps balance the richness, making everything feel light and vibrant without losing that comfort factor.
• Fresh parsley
  A burst of color and freshness, parsley not only adds a lovely pop of green but also a hint of herbaceous flavor to brighten up the dish.
• Grated Parmesan cheese
  This savory, slightly nutty cheese melts beautifully into the sauce, adding creaminess and an extra layer of umami that rounds out the flavor profile.
• Heavy cream
  The key to achieving that rich, velvety sauce that coats the pasta just right. The heavy cream makes the sauce luxurious and indulgent, bringing everything together in one glorious bite.

Instructions

Serving Suggestions for Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta

• A Crisp Green Salad
  Balance out the richness of this creamy pasta with a light, refreshing green salad. Toss together some mixed greens, cucumber, and cherry tomatoes, drizzling a simple vinaigrette over the top. The tangy dressing will cut through the buttery sauce, adding a burst of freshness to each bite.
• Garlic Bread on the Side
  No pasta dish is complete without a slice of crispy garlic bread! Toast up some baguette slices with butter, minced garlic, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley. The crunchy, buttery bread will complement the pasta perfectly, perfect for mopping up any extra sauce left on your plate.
• Roasted Vegetables
  Add some hearty, roasted vegetables to your meal for a pop of color and flavor. Roasted broccoli, bell peppers, or zucchini bring a nice charred sweetness that pairs beautifully with the smoky chicken and creamy sauce. Plus, they’re an easy way to sneak in more veggies while still keeping things comforting.

How to Store Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta

When it comes to storing your delicious cowboy butter chicken pasta, the goal is to keep all that creamy goodness intact while ensuring it tastes just as amazing when you’re ready to enjoy it again. After all, this dish is so comforting, you’ll definitely want to savor it more than once!

To store leftovers, start by letting the pasta cool to room temperature. Once it’s cooled, transfer it to an airtight container. This will help lock in moisture, preventing the pasta from drying out in the fridge. Make sure the container is sealed tightly to keep the sauce from separating or absorbing any other odors from the fridge.

If you’re planning to enjoy the leftovers within the next couple of days, simply store it in the fridge. Cowboy butter chicken pasta will keep for about 3-4 days in the refrigerator. When it’s time to reheat, add a splash of milk or cream to bring back that velvety texture, and gently heat it on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. You can also microwave it, but be sure to cover it with a damp paper towel to retain moisture.

For longer storage, you can freeze the pasta, though keep in mind that the texture of the cream sauce may change slightly after thawing. To freeze, place the cooled pasta in a freezer-safe container or resealable bag. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat as usual. It’s perfect for those busy nights when you crave something hearty but don’t feel like cooking from scratch.

Conclusion

Well, there you have it! The cowboy butter chicken pasta—creamy, comforting, and full of bold flavors. It’s the kind of dish that’ll have you coming back for more, whether you’re cooking for the family or treating yourself to a cozy dinner. From the smoky chicken to that luscious, buttery sauce, every bite is pure happiness. And remember, this recipe is versatile, so feel free to get creative with your own twist! More heat, extra veggies, or even a new protein—this pasta loves to be personalized.

I hope you’re as excited to try this recipe as I am to share it with you. If you give it a go, I’d love to hear how it turned out or if you have any tips to share! Feel free to drop your thoughts, questions, or feedback in the comments below. It’s always a joy to connect with fellow food lovers and hear how you make these recipes your own. Happy cooking, and I can’t wait to hear all about your cowboy butter chicken pasta adventures!

Print Recipe

Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta

Author: Lily Anderson Courses: Dinner

Difficulty: Intermediate Prep Time 15 mins Cook Time 30 mins Total Time 45 mins

Calories: 700

Description

A creamy, buttery sauce with a kick of spice wraps around tender chicken and perfectly cooked pasta. The smoky, savory flavors of cowboy butter meld with garlic, herbs, and a touch of heat—each bite feels like a warm, flavorful hug!

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon onion powder

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

• 1 teaspoon ground cumin

• 1 teaspoon salt

• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon black pepper

• ¹⁄₄ teaspoon cayenne pepper

• 12 ounces pasta (such as fettuccine or penne)

• ¹⁄₂ cup unsalted butter

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

• 2 tablespoons lemon juice

• ¹⁄₄ cup chopped fresh parsley

• ¹⁄₄ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• ¹⁄₂ cup heavy cream

Instructions

1. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Season 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts with 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper on both sides.
3. Once the oil is hot, add the seasoned chicken breasts to the skillet.
4. Cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and fully cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F.
5. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside to rest for a few minutes before slicing it into strips or bite-sized pieces.
6. While the chicken is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
7. Add 12 ounces of pasta, such as fettuccine or penne, to the boiling water and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
8. Drain the pasta and set it aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water.
9. In the same skillet you cooked the chicken in, melt 1/2 cup of unsalted butter over medium heat.
10. Add 4 cloves of minced garlic to the melted butter and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
11. Stir in 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard and 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, mixing them into the butter and garlic.
12. Pour in 1/2 cup of heavy cream and stir to combine, letting the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes until it thickens slightly.
13. Add 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley and 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese into the sauce, stirring until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth.
14. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if necessary.
15. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing it gently in the sauce to coat evenly.
16. If the sauce seems too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta cooking water, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency.
17. Slice the cooked chicken and arrange it on top of the pasta.
18. Serve the cowboy butter chicken pasta immediately, garnished with extra parsley and Parmesan if desired.

Note

• Be careful not to overcook the chicken breasts to ensure they remain juicy and tender.
• For a spicier kick, increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add red pepper flakes to the dish.
• To make the dish lighter, you can substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream, though the sauce may be slightly less creamy.
• To add more texture and flavor, consider tossing in some roasted vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes.
• For a cheesy twist, mix in some shredded sharp cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese with the Parmesan for a richer sauce.

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