Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta
Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta is a comforting dish that brings together tender chicken, rich buttery sauce, and pasta all in one bowl. It's got a bit of a kick with…
Tip: save now, cook later.Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta is a comforting dish that brings together tender chicken, rich buttery sauce, and pasta all in one bowl. It’s got a bit of a kick with some spices, and the butter makes everything wonderfully smooth and flavorful. The sauce wraps around every bite of pasta and chicken, making it just so satisfying.
I love making this dish when I want something quick but still feels special. The best part is how the butter sauce comes together with simple ingredients and makes the chicken taste like it’s full of bold, farmhouse flavor. I usually toss in some fresh herbs on top for a little brightness.
Whenever I serve this pasta, I like to add a side of crunchy bread to soak up any extra sauce—it never goes to waste! It’s a meal that feels cozy and a bit indulgent, perfect for sharing with family or friends after a busy day. I bet once you try it, it’ll become a go-to recipe for weeknights too.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great here because they cook quickly and stay tender. If you prefer, chicken thighs add more flavor and juiciness.
Butter & Olive Oil: Butter gives the sauce richness, while olive oil helps brown the chicken nicely. You can swap olive oil for avocado or vegetable oil if you like.
Spices (Paprika, Chili Powder, Cayenne): These give a mild smoky heat. If you want less spice, reduce the cayenne. Smoked paprika can be swapped for regular paprika for less smoky flavor.
Heavy Cream & Parmesan: This combo makes the sauce creamy and cheesy. For a lighter version, try half-and-half or a milk-cheese blend, but expect a thinner sauce.
Egg Noodles / Pasta: Egg noodles work well, but feel free to use fettuccine, penne, or any pasta you love.
How Do I Make Sure the Chicken Stays Tender and Flavorful?
Cooking chicken just right is key! Here’s what works well:
- Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces for quick, even cooking.
- Season chicken evenly before cooking to boost flavor all around.
- Heat the pan and oil properly before adding chicken—this helps get a nice golden crust.
- Cook chicken over medium-high heat without overcrowding the pan; give the pieces space so they brown instead of steam.
- Remove chicken as soon as it’s cooked through (no pink inside) to prevent dryness.
These steps keep your chicken juicy and tasty in every bite!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large pot – perfect for boiling pasta without crowding it, so it cooks evenly.
- Large skillet or frying pan – you’ll cook the chicken and sauce in one pan for easy cleanup.
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula – great for stirring the sauce without scratching your pan.
- Colander – essential for draining the pasta quickly and safely.
- Measuring spoons and cups – helps you get the spice and cream measurements just right.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap chicken for shrimp to add a light seafood twist that cooks quickly and pairs well with the creamy sauce.
- Add sautéed bell peppers or mushrooms for extra veggies and a nice textural contrast.
- Use smoked sausage slices instead of chicken for a smoky, hearty variation that’s full of flavor.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack along with Parmesan for a richer, melty cheese experience.
Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 oz egg noodles or pasta of choice
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley (plus extra fresh parsley for garnish)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt, divided
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for brightness)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 20 minutes to cook, so you can have a creamy, flavorful meal ready in around 35 minutes. The prep steps and cooking happen mostly at the same time, making this perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the egg noodles or your favorite pasta and cook until al dente according to the package directions. Drain and set aside so it’s ready when the sauce is done.
2. Cook the Chicken:
While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with half the salt, pepper, smoked paprika, chili powder, cayenne pepper, oregano, and dried parsley. Toss to coat evenly. Cook the chicken in the skillet until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Make the Sauce:
In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Sauté the chopped onion until soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits at the bottom of the pan. Let the broth simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.
4. Finish the Sauce and Combine:
Turn the heat to medium-low and stir in the heavy cream. Let it gently simmer, thickening for 3-5 minutes. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Taste the sauce and add more salt or pepper if needed.
Add the cooked chicken back into the sauce, warming it through for about 2 minutes. Then, toss the cooked pasta into the skillet, stirring everything together so the noodles are coated in the creamy, buttery sauce.
5. Serve and Garnish:
For a touch of freshness, stir in a splash of lemon juice if you like. Serve the pasta hot, sprinkled generously with fresh chopped parsley and a little freshly cracked black pepper. Enjoy the comforting, creamy flavors!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw the chicken completely before cooking. Thaw it overnight in the fridge or use the cold water method in a sealed bag for faster thawing. Pat it dry before seasoning to help it brown nicely.
Can I Substitute Heavy Cream with Something Lighter?
Absolutely! You can use half-and-half or whole milk, but keep in mind the sauce will be thinner and less rich. To thicken, you might need to simmer the sauce a bit longer or add a small amount of cornstarch slurry.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftover pasta and chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, warm gently on the stove or microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce if it has thickened too much.
Can I Add Vegetables to This Dish?
Yes! Sautéed bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach make great additions. Add them right after cooking the onions to give them time to soften before adding the liquid ingredients.
