Got 30 mins? Then you’ve got time to make this amazing Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta that’ll blow your taste buds away. First time I made this, my kids literally fought over the leftovers. It’s become our go-to dinner when we want something quick but still super tasty.
The rich garlicky butter sauce coats every piece of pasta and chicken, creating this incredible combo that’s both comforting and exciting. What makes Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta special is how simple ingredients transform into something that tastes like it took hours to make. Trust me, you’ll want to bookmark this one.
Why You’ll Love This Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta
Making dinner shouldn’t be complicated. This Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta recipe solves the “what’s for dinner” problem when you’re tired but still want something delicious.
Last month, I made this for my sister who’s super picky, and she asked for the recipe before even finishing her plate. That’s when I knew this one was special.
You can easily swap ingredients based on what’s in your fridge. No fresh herbs? Use dried. Want it spicier? Add more red pepper flakes. The best homemade Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta adapts to what you have on hand.
Plus it’s ready in just 30 mins from start to finish. Who doesn’t love that?
Ingredients For The Best Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta
For the Cowboy Butter:
- Butter – Use unsalted so you can control the salt. Room temp works best
- Garlic – Fresh minced gives the strongest flavor but garlic powder works too
- Parsley – Adds freshness and color, dried works if that’s all you have
- Red pepper flakes – Gives that signature cowboy butter kick, adjust to your heat preference
- Lemon juice – Fresh is best but bottled works in a pinch
- Dijon mustard – Adds depth without being too mustardy
- Honey – Just a touch for balance, can sub with maple syrup
- Salt and black pepper – Kosher salt is my go-to
For the Pasta:
- Pasta – Fettuccine is my fave for this easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta but any pasta works
- Chicken breasts – Boneless skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Olive oil – For cooking the chicken
- Parmesan cheese – Freshly grated melts better than pre-shredded
- Heavy cream – Makes everything creamy and rich
- Chicken broth – Adds flavor to the sauce without making it too heavy
- Cherry tomatoes – Halved for bursts of acidity
- Fresh herbs – For garnish (optional)
How To Make Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta
This quick Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta recipe comes together in just a few simple steps:
- Cook the pasta – Bring large pot of salted water to boil and cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Save 1/2 cup pasta water before draining
- Make the cowboy butter – While pasta cooks, mix softened butter with minced garlic, chopped parsley, red pepper flakes, lemon juice, dijon, honey, salt and pepper in a bowl. Mix until combined. This is your amazing cowboy butter mixture
- Cook the chicken – Heat olive oil in large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 mins. Remove chicken and set aside
- Make the sauce – In same skillet, add half the cowboy butter mixture. Once melted, add heavy cream and chicken broth. Let simmer for 2-3 mins until slightly thickened
- Combine everything – Add cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss until pasta is well coated. If sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta water. Add cooked chicken and halved cherry tomatoes. Toss again
- Finish the dish – Add remaining cowboy butter on top and let it melt into the hot pasta. Sprinkle with freshly grated parmesan cheese and extra chopped parsley if desired
When you see the sauce coating the pasta and chicken perfectly, you’ll know it’s done. The whole kitchen will smell amazing at this point.
Delicious Variations of Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta
Want to switch things up? Try these awesome versions of this easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta recipe:
- Spicy Cowboy – Double the red pepper flakes and add sliced jalapeños for serious heat
- Seafood Twist – Swap chicken for shrimp or add both for a surf and turf version
- Veggie Loaded – Add mushrooms, bell peppers and spinach for extra nutrition
- Bacon Ranch – Add crumbled bacon and 1 tbsp ranch seasoning to the cowboy butter
- Lemon Herb – Double the lemon juice and add extra herbs like basil and thyme
If you love this recipe, you might also enjoy our Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta or Marry Me Chicken Pasta for more delicious pasta dinner ideas!
Frequently Asked Questions About Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta
Can I make Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta ahead of time?
You can prep components separately. Make cowboy butter up to 3 days ahead and store in fridge. Cook pasta and chicken separately, then reheat and combine with freshly made sauce when ready to serve. Complete dish is best fresh but leftovers keep in fridge for 2-3 days.
How do I store and reheat leftover Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta?
Store in airtight container in fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, add splash of chicken broth or cream to revive the sauce. Microwave in 30-second intervals stirring between, or reheat in skillet over medium-low heat.
Can I use different pasta shapes for this recipe?
Absolutely! Any pasta shape works great for homemade Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta. Penne, rigatoni, or bow ties hold the sauce well. Spaghetti or linguine work too. Just cook according to package directions.
Is there a way to make this Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta dairy-free?
Yes! Use dairy-free butter and coconut cream instead of heavy cream. Nutritional yeast can replace parmesan. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.
Can I use rotisserie chicken to make this easier?
Definitely! Using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken makes this quick Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta even faster. Just shred or chop about 2-3 cups and add when recipe calls for cooked chicken.
What can I serve with Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta?
This easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta pairs great with simple green salad, garlic bread, or roasted veggies. It’s hearty enough to be a complete meal on its own though.
How spicy is Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta?
The standard recipe has mild to medium heat from red pepper flakes. Adjust to your preference – use less for milder taste or add more for extra kick. You can even add hot sauce if you want it really spicy.
Make This Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta Your New Go-To Dinner
First time I made Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta was for a Sunday family dinner. My dad who usually complains about “fancy pasta” took seconds and then asked if there was more. That’s when I knew this recipe was a keeper.
What I love most about this dish is how it combines simple ingredients in a way that feels special. It’s perfect for busy weeknights but impressive enough for guests too.
Give this Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta a try and make it your own. Add your favorite veggies, adjust the spice level, or try different proteins. The cowboy butter sauce is so good you’ll want to put it on everything.
When your family asks what’s for dinner tonight, you now have the perfect answer. And trust me, they’ll be asking for this Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta again and again.
Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta
Equipment
- Large Pot
- Large skillet
- Mixing bowl
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Tongs
Ingredients
- For the Cowboy Butter:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tbsp chopped parsley or 1 tbsp dried
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes adjust to taste
- 2 tsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp honey
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- For the Pasta:
- 12 oz fettuccine or pasta of choice
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- Fresh herbs optional, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Boil salted water in a large pot. Cook pasta until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.
- Make the cowboy butter: In a bowl, combine softened butter, garlic, parsley, red pepper flakes, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
- Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Cook until golden and cooked through (5–7 minutes). Remove and set aside.
- Make the sauce: In the same skillet, add half the cowboy butter. Once melted, stir in heavy cream and chicken broth. Simmer 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Combine: Add cooked pasta to skillet and toss. Add reserved pasta water if needed. Add cooked chicken and cherry tomatoes. Toss again.
- Finish: Add remaining cowboy butter. Let melt into the pasta. Sprinkle with Parmesan and optional fresh herbs.
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