Name: Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces; 8 oz (225 g) penne pasta; 4 tablespoon unsalted butter; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard; 1 teaspoon lemon zest; 2 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley; ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes; ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese; Salt and black pepper to taste

Hey y'all! If you love rich, garlicky flavors and crave comfort food with a bold, savory twist, this Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta is calling your name. With tender Chicken bites, a creamy, zesty cowboy butter sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that's ideal for weeknights, potlucks, or whenever you want a cozy, flavor-packed meal. Ready to dig in? Let’s get cooking!

Why You'll Love This

Creamy, buttery sauce with a garlicky kick makes every bite irresistible.
Easy, one-pan method saves time and kitchen cleanup.
Packed with juicy chicken for a protein-rich, satisfying meal.
Customizable with your favorite vegetables or pasta shape.
Ready in under 40 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights!

Ingredients

12 oz (340 g) penne or rotini pasta
1.5 lbs (680 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
2 tablespoon olive oil
For the Cowboy Butter:
8 tablespoon (1 stick/113 g) unsalted butter, softened
5 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional, adjust to taste)
½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
2 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
Zest of 1 lemon
½ cup (120 ml) heavy cream
½ cup (50 g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Lemon wedges and extra herbs for serving (optional)

Directions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions (usually 9–11 minutes). Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare & Sear the Chicken

While the pasta cooks, season chicken pieces with smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add chicken and cook for 6–8 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken to a plate and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Cowboy Butter

In the same skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add minced garlic, cooking for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
Whisk in Dijon mustard, lemon juice, hot sauce, red pepper flakes, parsley, chives, smoked paprika, and lemon zest. Cook for 1–2 minutes until everything is combined.

Step 4: Create the Sauce & Combine Everything

Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Simmer on low heat for 2–3 minutes until the sauce becomes glossy and slightly thickened.
Add cooked pasta and chicken back to the skillet. Toss well, adding reserved pasta water as needed for a silky sauce.
Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve hot, garnished with lemon wedges and extra fresh herbs if desired.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

Notes

Use freshly grated Parmesan for the smoothest, melty sauce.
Reserve the pasta water for adjusting sauce consistency—it helps bind everything!
You can swap heavy cream for half-and-half for a lighter sauce.

Variations

Spicy Cowboy Butter Pasta: Increase hot sauce or add a pinch of cayenne for extra heat.
Veggie-Loaded Version: Stir in sautéed bell peppers, spinach, or cherry tomatoes during the final toss.
Cheesy Bake: Finish assembled pasta with extra cheese and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 10 minutes until bubbly and golden.

Required Equipment

Large pot for boiling pasta
Large nonstick skillet or sauté pan
Measuring cups and spoons
Sharp knife and cutting board
Whisk and tongs

Storage Instructions

Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce.
Freezing is not recommended, as the sauce may separate upon thawing.

Suggested Pairings & Serving Recommendations

Pair with a simple green salad or steamed broccoli for freshness.
Serve with garlic bread or warm, crusty rolls to mop up extra sauce.
Add a glass of crisp white wine or iced tea to round out your meal.

Pro Tips

Don’t overcook the chicken—remove it from heat as soon as it’s no longer pink for juicy bites.
Use fresh lemon zest for the best bright, zippy flavor in your cowboy butter.
Toss pasta and chicken in the sauce over low heat for even coating without drying them out.

FAQ

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicy and flavorful—just adjust cook time as needed for doneness.

Is this recipe spicy?

It has a gentle kick from red pepper flakes and optional hot sauce, but you can adjust to your spice preference.

Can I make cowboy butter Chicken Pasta ahead of time?

You can cook the components ahead, then toss them together and reheat just before serving for best texture and taste.