DINNER

Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta Recipe: Easy, Creamy and Flavorful

Chef Olivia

January 15, 2026
4 min read

Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta Recipe: Easy, Creamy and Flavorful

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Why Make This Recipe

Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta is a deliciously easy recipe that combines the rich flavors of butter, garlic, and creamy sauce with tender chicken and pasta. Perfect for a weeknight meal or a cozy gathering, this dish is packed with flavor while remaining simple to prepare. Whether you are a busy parent or a beginner in the kitchen, you’ll find this recipe both rewarding and satisfying.

How to Make Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta

Ingredients:

Pasta of your choice (e.g., penne or fettuccine) – 12 ounces
Chicken breast – 1 pound, boneless and skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces
Butter – 4 tablespoons (unsalted is recommended for better flavor control)
Garlic – 4 cloves, minced
Onion – 1 medium, diced
Heavy cream – 1 cup (or substitute with coconut milk for a lighter option)
Chicken broth – 1 cup (low-sodium preferred)
Parmesan cheese – 1 cup, grated
Italian seasoning – 1 tablespoon
Red pepper flakes – 1 teaspoon (adjust to taste)
Salt and pepper – to taste
Fresh parsley – for garnish (optional)

Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta Recipe: Easy, Creamy and Flavorful

Directions:

Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente (typically 8-10 minutes). Once cooked, reserve 1 cup of pasta water, drain it, and set it aside.
Sauté Chicken
In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the diced chicken pieces and season with salt and pepper. Cook for about 6-8 minutes until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, stirring occasionally. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Create the Sauce
In the same skillet, add the remaining butter and sauté the minced garlic and diced onion until translucent (about 3-4 minutes). This step infuses the butter with flavor, making your sauce deliciously aromatic.
Add Cream and Broth
Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Add the Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes. Let the sauce simmer gently for about 5 minutes until it thickens slightly. If it becomes too thick, use your reserved pasta water to adjust the consistency.
Combine Pasta and Chicken
Return the cooked chicken and drained pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Toss everything together to ensure the chicken and pasta are coated in the creamy sauce, and let it cook for another 2 minutes to meld the flavors.
Serve
Finally, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top and let it melt into the dish. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving to add a pop of color. Enjoy your Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta warm!

How to Serve Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta

This dish is great served hot right from the skillet. You can add more Parmesan cheese on top and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a beautiful finish. Pair it with a simple side salad or garlic bread to make a complete meal.

How to Store Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta

If you have leftovers, store any remaining pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it slowly on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to help loosen the sauce.

Tips to Make Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta

Make sure to season your chicken well for the best flavor.
Keep an eye on the sauce as it simmers; stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
You can substitute the heavy cream with a lighter option like coconut milk for a unique twist.

Variation

Try adding some vegetables like spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor and nutrients. You can also use shrimp or a different protein in place of chicken if you prefer.

FAQs

Can I use whole wheat pasta instead of regular pasta?
Yes, whole wheat pasta can be a healthier option and works well with this recipe.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely! Use coconut milk instead of heavy cream and skip the Parmesan cheese or find a dairy-free alternative.

How spicy is this dish?
The red pepper flakes add some heat, but you can adjust the amount to fit your taste. You can also leave them out if you prefer a milder flavor.