Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta

If you’re craving something creamy, buttery, and bursting with flavor, Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta is exactly what you need in your life. Picture this: tender pieces of juicy chicken, perfectly coated in a rich, garlicky, buttery sauce, all tossed together with pasta and a sprinkling of fresh herbs. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a cozy hug on a plate—comforting, indulgent, and just downright delicious. Trust me, once you taste it, you’re going to want to make it again and again.

This recipe combines all the good stuff: a buttery sauce with a hint of spice, tender chicken, and pasta that soaks up all that creamy goodness. It’s quick, easy, and perfect for a weeknight dinner that’ll leave you feeling like a gourmet chef. Ready to get cooking? Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta

Bold Flavor: The cowboy butter sauce is packed with garlic, herbs, and a touch of heat, making every bite exciting.
Creamy and Comforting: The rich, creamy sauce hugs the chicken and pasta, creating the ultimate comfort food.
Simple Ingredients: This dish uses ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen, making it super easy to throw together.
Quick and Easy: It’s a 30-minute meal, perfect for busy weeknights but impressive enough for a weekend dinner.
Crowd-Pleasing: Whether you’re cooking for your family or having friends over, this dish is always a winner.

Ingredients in Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta

This dish comes together with a mix of simple but flavorful ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

Chicken Breasts

Tender, juicy chicken breasts are the star of the show, adding protein and heartiness to the dish.

Butter

Of course, the rich, creamy cowboy butter sauce wouldn’t be complete without plenty of butter to create that luscious, silky texture.

Garlic

Garlic is a must! It infuses the butter with bold, savory flavor.

Red Pepper Flakes

A touch of heat that adds just the right amount of spice. You can adjust the heat level based on your preference.

Fresh Parsley and Chives

Fresh herbs bring color and brightness to the dish, and the flavor is a perfect complement to the buttery sauce.

Lemon Juice

A squeeze of lemon balances out the richness and adds a pop of fresh acidity.

Pasta

Your choice of pasta (linguine, spaghetti, or penne) to soak up all that cowboy butter goodness.

Parmesan Cheese

For a bit of salty, nutty flavor that takes the dish over the top.

Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Instructions

Here’s how to create this flavor-packed Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta from start to finish:

Cook the Pasta

Start by boiling a large pot of salted water and cooking your pasta according to the package directions. Once done, drain and set aside, saving a bit of pasta water for later if needed.

Cook the Chicken

While the pasta cooks, season your chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and any other spices you like. Heat some olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the pan is hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for 6-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside to rest.

Make the Cowboy Butter Sauce

In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in the lemon juice, chopped parsley, and chives, then let the sauce simmer for another 1-2 minutes. Add a bit of pasta water if the sauce needs loosening up.

Combine the Pasta and Chicken

Slice the cooked chicken into strips or bite-sized pieces, then add it back into the skillet with the butter sauce. Toss in the cooked pasta and mix everything together until the pasta is fully coated in the sauce. If you want it extra creamy, you can stir in some grated Parmesan cheese at this point, allowing it to melt into the sauce.

Serve and Enjoy

Plate your pasta, and don’t forget to garnish with extra parsley, chives, and a sprinkle of Parmesan. Serve it up hot, and enjoy the creamy, buttery goodness!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4-6
Calories per serving: Approximately 500-600 calories (depends on portion size and specific ingredients used)

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

How to Serve Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta

With a Simple Salad: A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette pairs beautifully with the richness of this pasta.
Garlic Bread: Serve with warm garlic bread or crusty bread to soak up any leftover buttery sauce—yum!
Roasted Vegetables: Roasted vegetables like broccoli, zucchini, or asparagus would add a nice touch of color and texture alongside the pasta.
Wine Pairing: A glass of white wine, like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc, complements the creamy butter sauce perfectly.

Additional Tips

Adjust the Spice Level: If you love heat, feel free to add more red pepper flakes or even a dash of cayenne pepper to the sauce for an extra kick.
Use Chicken Thighs: If you prefer dark meat, chicken thighs are a great substitution. They’re juicy and flavorful and will work wonderfully in this dish.
Make It Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta if you’re following a gluten-free diet. The cowboy butter sauce will still be just as delicious!
Meal Prep: This dish stores well for leftovers! Keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I make this ahead of time?
A1: While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can cook the chicken and prepare the sauce ahead of time. Simply combine everything when you’re ready to serve.

Q2: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A2: Absolutely! You can use any pasta shape you prefer. Penne, fettuccine, or even spaghetti work great for this recipe.

Q3: Can I add vegetables to this dish?
A3: Yes! Feel free to toss in some sautéed spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or even roasted bell peppers for added flavor and texture.

Q4: Can I make this without chicken?
A4: Of course! You can swap the chicken for shrimp or even use just the creamy cowboy butter sauce with pasta for a vegetarian option.

Q5: How do I store leftovers?
A5: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen up the sauce.

Conclusion

Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta is comfort food at its finest—rich, creamy, and bursting with bold flavors. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish is sure to impress. The combination of buttery chicken, garlicky sauce, and tender pasta is an absolute winner every time. So grab your skillet, and get ready to enjoy a plate of pure deliciousness!

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