Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta – Easy Creamy One-Pan Dinner Recipe
Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta – Easy Creamy One-Pan Dinner Recipe
This cowboy butter chicken pasta is the ultimate weeknight dinner that combines tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a rich, creamy butter sauce with just the right amount of spice. Everything cooks in one pan, making cleanup a breeze while delivering restaurant-quality flavor your whole family will love.
If you enjoy easy one-pan dinners, you’ll also love our Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta that’s ready in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 8 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your favorite shape)
- 4 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
Step 2: While pasta cooks, season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and paprika. Heat olive oil in a large skillet 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.
Step 3: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Step 4: Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. This adds incredible flavor to your sauce.
Step 5: Reduce heat to low and stir in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, cayenne pepper, dried parsley, and onion powder. Simmer gently for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
Step 6: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet along with the cooked pasta. Toss everything together until well coated in the creamy cowboy butter sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
Step 7: Garnish with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately while hot.
Expert Tips
Customize the spice level: The cayenne pepper gives this dish its signature “cowboy” kick. For a milder version, reduce the cayenne to 1/4 teaspoon or omit it entirely. For extra heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Pasta selection: While penne works beautifully, you can use any pasta shape you prefer. Short pasta like fusilli or rigatoni hold the sauce well, while fettuccine or linguine create a more elegant presentation.
Make it ahead: This dish reheats beautifully. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream or broth to refresh the sauce.
If you’re looking for more creamy pasta inspiration, try our Cajun Chicken Spaghetti for another flavorful one-pot meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts? Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add even more flavor and remain juicy. Just adjust cooking time as thighs may take slightly longer to cook through.
How can I make this dish vegetarian? Simply omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can add mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini for a delicious vegetarian version.
What sides go well with cowboy butter chicken pasta? This rich pasta pairs beautifully with a simple green salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables like broccoli or asparagus.
For another delicious chicken dinner option, check out our Crispy Parmesan Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce that’s perfect for busy weeknights.
Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta – Easy Creamy One-Pan Dinner Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
- While pasta cooks, season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and paprika. Heat olive oil in a large skillet 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.
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. This adds incredible flavor to your sauce.
- Reduce heat to low and stir in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, cayenne pepper, dried parsley, and onion powder. Simmer gently for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet along with the cooked pasta. Toss everything together until well coated in the creamy cowboy butter sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately while hot.
