Introduction

Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta is an easy, creamy, and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken with a rich, buttery sauce and perfectly cooked pasta. This comforting meal comes together quickly, making it ideal for a satisfying weeknight dinner.

The dish shows a close-up of wide, flat pasta noodles coated in a creamy, light orange sauce with visible specks of black pepper. On top, there are several pieces of grilled chicken with a golden brown crust, some parts slightly charred, adding a textured look. The whole dish is sprinkled with fresh green herbs, likely parsley, and grated white cheese that stands out against the sauce. In the background, there is a slice of lime partially visible, adding a pop of green. The dish is served in a white bowl on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

12 ounces pasta of your choice (e.g., penne or fettuccine)
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 medium onion, diced
1 cup heavy cream (or substitute with coconut milk)
1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain and set the pasta aside.
Step 2: In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 6-8 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside.
Step 3: In the same skillet, add the remaining butter. Sauté the minced garlic and diced onion until translucent, about 3-4 minutes, to develop a flavorful base for the sauce.
Step 4: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Stir to combine, then add Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes. Let the sauce simmer gently for about 5 minutes until it slightly thickens. Use reserved pasta water to thin the sauce if needed.
Step 5: Return the cooked chicken and drained pasta to the skillet. Season with additional salt and pepper if necessary. Toss everything well to coat the chicken and pasta with the creamy sauce, and cook for another 2 minutes to meld the flavors.
Step 6: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top, allowing it to melt into the dish. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving for a touch of color and freshness.

Tips & Variations

Use chicken thighs instead of breast for a juicier, more flavorful result.
For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or half-and-half.
Add sautéed mushrooms or spinach for extra veggies and texture.
Adjust the red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level or omit for a milder taste.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce if it thickens too much.

How to Serve

A close-up top view of a white bowl filled with creamy pasta coated in a thick orange-yellow sauce, topped with browned, grilled chicken pieces scattered evenly on top. The pasta strands are twisted and coated smoothly with the sauce, showing a glossy texture. Small green parsley leaves are sprinkled over the chicken and pasta for color contrast. There are also specks of black pepper sprinkled on the dish. The bowl sits on a softly blurred white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, feel free to use your favorite pasta shape such as penne, fettuccine, or rotini. Just adjust cooking times according to the package instructions.

How can I make this dish dairy-free?

Replace the butter with a dairy-free alternative and use coconut milk or another plant-based cream substitute. Omit the Parmesan or use a dairy-free cheese alternative to keep the creamy flavor.