It’s always nice to have a cozy meal that comes together quickly, especially on busy weeknights. Cowboy butter chicken pasta is rich and creamy, with a touch of spice that makes it delightful for everyone at the table. This dish combines tender chicken, smooth sauce, and your choice of pasta for a comforting dinner everyone will love.

Why You Will Love This Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta

This dish checks all the boxes for a perfect family meal. It’s easy to make, so you can whip it up even after a long day. With simple ingredients and quick prep, this recipe is a win for the whole family. The combination of flavors is tasty, making it a go-to option for any weeknight dinner.

How to Make Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta

Making this dish is straightforward. You will cook the chicken in a skillet, create a creamy sauce, and mix it all with pasta. It’s a simple method that will leave you feeling accomplished. You can have a hearty meal ready in no time!

What You Need

500 g (1 lb) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for spice preference)
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley, plus more for garnish
340 g (12 oz) fettuccine or pasta of choice
Juice of half a lemon

Step-by-Step

Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken pieces and cook until they are browned and cooked through, approximately 6-8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
Stir in the heavy cream and let the mixture simmer for another 2-3 minutes.
Gradually add the Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until it has melted and the sauce is smooth.
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to combine with the sauce. Add the lemon juice and chopped parsley, stirring to mix.
In a separate pot, cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and add it to the skillet, tossing to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce and chicken.
Cook for another 2-3 minutes to ensure the pasta is well combined and heated through.
Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan and parsley if desired.

How to Serve Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta

This pasta dish pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or some warm garlic bread on the side. You can also sprinkle extra parsley or Parmesan on top for added flavor. It’s great for family dinners or casual gatherings with friends.

How to Store Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta

To keep leftovers fresh, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the pasta. Just make sure to cool it completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. When reheating, gently warm it on the stove with a splash of chicken broth or cream to bring back the creaminess.

Recipe Tips

Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and parsley enhance the flavor.
Pasta Choices: Fettuccine is great, but any pasta will work.
Adjust Spice: Customize the heat by adding more or less cayenne pepper.
Creaminess: Add a bit more cream if you prefer a richer sauce.
Don’t Overcook Chicken: Cook it just until done to keep it tender.

Variations & Swaps

Veggie Option: Swap chicken for sautéed mushrooms or zucchini for a vegetarian dish.
Cream Alternatives: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce.
Herb Swaps: Try adding basil or thyme for different flavor profiles.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce in advance. Store them separately and combine with fresh pasta right before serving for the best flavor and texture.

Is it okay to freeze leftovers?
Absolutely! You can freeze the cooked pasta and sauce together or separately. Just make sure it’s in an airtight container to prevent freezer burn.

How do I reheat this dish?
To reheat, place it in a skillet on low heat, stirring occasionally. You might want to add a little chicken broth or cream to help revive the sauce.

Can I use different types of pasta?
Yes, any pasta you like will work well. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions.

What should I avoid when making this recipe?
Be cautious not to overcook the chicken, as it can turn tough. Also, don’t let the cream boil too vigorously to prevent it from separating.