Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta – Easy One Pan Creamy Dinner Recipe
Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta – Easy One Pan Creamy Dinner Recipe
This cowboy butter chicken pasta is the ultimate weeknight dinner solution that brings together tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a rich, creamy garlic butter sauce all in one pan. Perfect for busy families, this recipe comes together in under 30 minutes with minimal cleanup. The bold flavors of garlic, herbs, and a hint of spice make this dish a crowd-pleaser that will have everyone asking for seconds.
What makes this recipe special is the cowboy butter sauce – a luxurious blend of butter, garlic, fresh herbs, and a touch of red pepper flakes that coats every piece of chicken and pasta. It’s comfort food at its finest, delivering restaurant-quality flavors right from your own kitchen.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 8 oz penne pasta (or your favorite short pasta)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and half of the Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-7 minutes. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
Step 2: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Step 3: Add chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Stir in the pasta, making sure it’s submerged in the liquid. Cover and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is al dente.
Step 4: Reduce heat to low. Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, remaining Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Simmer gently for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
Step 5: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Stir to combine and heat through. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to reach your desired consistency.
Step 6: Remove from heat and stir in fresh parsley. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan cheese on top.
Expert Tips
Perfect Pasta Texture: For the best results, use a pasta that holds sauce well like penne, rigatoni, or fusilli. The starch from the pasta helps thicken the sauce naturally.
Customize the Heat: Adjust the red pepper flakes to your preference. For a milder dish, use just a pinch. For extra spice, add up to 1 teaspoon.
Meal Prep Friendly: 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 enjoy this creamy pasta dish, you might also love our Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta or our Cajun Chicken Spaghetti for another delicious one-pan meal option.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! This recipe works well with most short pasta shapes. Penne, rigatoni, farfalle, or shells all work beautifully. Just adjust the cooking time according to the pasta package instructions.
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 extra flavor and texture. For more vegetarian pasta inspiration, check out our Garlic Butter Green Beans and Mushrooms.
Can I freeze this pasta dish?
Cream-based sauces don’t freeze well as they can separate when thawed. It’s best enjoyed fresh or stored in the refrigerator for a few days.
For more easy dinner ideas, explore our collection of quick weeknight pasta recipes that the whole family will love.
Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta – Easy One Pan Creamy Dinner Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and half of the Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-7 minutes. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Stir in the pasta, making sure it’s submerged in the liquid. Cover and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is al dente.
- Reduce heat to low. Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, remaining Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Simmer gently for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Stir to combine and heat through. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to reach your desired consistency.
- Remove from heat and stir in fresh parsley. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan cheese on top.
