Nothing says comfort quite like the sizzle of chicken in a buttery garlic sauce. This COWBOY BUTTER CHICKEN PASTA is a whirlwind of flavors that’ll have your family gathered at the table in no time. It’s winning hearts everywhere, thanks to its creamy goodness and quick prep time!
Imagine silky linguine coated in a rich butter sauce, dotted with juicy chicken pieces and a hint of spice. This dish comes together in just 30 minutes, making it a lifesaver on busy nights. It’s like a dish straight from a cozy steakhouse, but you can whip it up in your own kitchen using pantry staples you probably have on hand.
I started making this back in 2018 when my kiddos needed something hearty after soccer practice. The first time I served it, my husband declared it “the best pasta ever.” The trick? Toss the pasta directly in the skillet with the butter sauce to soak up all that flavor. Trust me, it’s a game changer for busy weeknights!
Thomas Baker
Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta: Quick and Irresistible
Enjoy a delicious and speedy meal with this Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta. This recipe combines creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine flavors with the ease of a weeknight dinner. Perfect as an Easy Cowboy Butter Garlic Chicken Pasta, this dish delivers comforting tastes in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy evenings or family gatherings.
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
Method
Fill a large pot with salted water and bring it to a strong boil. Add your chosen pasta and cook until just tender, following the package directions, usually around 8 to 10 minutes. Save a cup of the pasta water before draining and set it aside.
Melt half the butter in a big skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then cook them in the butter for 6 to 8 minutes until golden and fully cooked, stirring now and then. Remove the chicken from the skillet and keep it warm.
Add the remaining butter to the same skillet, then cook the garlic and onions together until they are soft and translucent, which should take about 3 to 4 minutes. This builds a flavorful base for your sauce.
Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring everything well. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes. Let the sauce bubble gently for about 5 minutes so it thickens a bit. If it seems too thick, loosen it with some reserved pasta water.
Put the cooked chicken and pasta back into the skillet with the sauce. Taste and season with extra salt and pepper if needed. Stir everything together thoroughly to coat the pasta and chicken, allowing the flavors to blend for 2 more minutes.
Sprinkle the grated Parmesan over the warm pasta and let it melt into the sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley if you’d like, then serve your Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta hot and enjoy the rich, creamy goodness!
Notes
For a lighter twist, substitute heavy cream with coconut milk. Keep leftover pasta refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth or water to refresh the sauce.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Quick and Easy: With just 30 minutes from start to finish, this Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta is perfect for busy weeknights.
Comforting Flavors: A creamy, rich sauce mixed with savory chicken evokes nostalgia with every bite.
One-Pan Wonder: Enjoy fewer dishes to wash, and a meal that feels indulgent without the fuss.
Kid-Approved: This family favorite will have everyone rushing to the table.
Key Ingredients & Tools
Gathering your ingredients is a breeze with this recipe. Here’s what you’ll need:
12 ounces of pasta (penne or fettuccine works best)
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
4 tablespoons unsalted butter for richness
4 cloves minced garlic for a flavor kick
1 medium diced onion for sweetness
1 cup heavy cream, or coconut milk for a lighter option
1 cup low-sodium chicken broth for moisture
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese to finish off the dish
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning and 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes for depth and spice
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish, if desired
Don’t forget your trusty skillet and a large pot for boiling the pasta! A wooden spoon and a colander are also handy to have.
How It Works: Step-by-Step
Cook the Pasta: Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add your pasta and cook until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Don’t forget to reserve a cup of that starchy pasta water before draining!
Sauté the Chicken: In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Toss in your diced chicken and season with salt and pepper. Cook for about 6-8 minutes until golden brown and cooked through, then remove and set aside.
Create the Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the remaining butter. Sauté the garlic and onion for 3-4 minutes until fragrant. Your kitchen will smell heavenly!
Add Cream and Broth: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, mixing well. Stir in Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes, then let it simmer for 5 minutes to thicken slightly.
Combine Pasta and Chicken: Return the chicken and drained pasta to the skillet, stirring everything together to ensure each piece is well coated. Add a splash of reserved pasta water as needed to adjust the sauce’s thickness.
Serve: Finally, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese on top, letting it melt slightly, and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve warm and enjoy the cozy flavor!
Tweaks and Substitutions
For a lighter touch: Swap heavy cream with coconut milk.
Spice it up: Add more red pepper flakes for a spicy Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta.
Vegetarian option: Replace chicken with mushrooms or zucchini for a delightful veggie dish.
Cheese swaps: Mix in mozzarella or cheddar if Parmesan isn’t on hand.
Storage Tips
Storage Method
Description
Refrigerate
Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove and add a splash of chicken broth or cream to refresh the sauce.
Freeze
Perfect for meal prep! Freeze in individual portions for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Serving Suggestions
This Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette, or some crusty bread to soak up that delicious sauce. It’s a delightful meal that can transport you to a cozy dinner on the porch just as easily as it serves your family at the kitchen table.
Feeling adventurous? Try adding a squeeze of zesty lemon to brighten things up! It’s the perfect touch alongside this creamy and heartwarming dish.
Expert Says
The combination of rich flavors in Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta not only delights the palate but also adds essential nutrients. Chicken provides a lean source of protein, while the butter enhances the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins. This dish creates a balanced meal when paired with whole-grain pasta and veggies.
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The Road to My Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta
This Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta took me countless attempts before it finally hit all the right notes! I remember a particularly memorable trial where I accidentally oversalted the butter; the lesson was definitely learned! Now, it’s creamy, flavorful, and the perfect balance of indulgence and health for family weeknight dinners.
FAQs ( Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta )
How long does it take to cook this meal?
This recipe can be prepared in just about 30 minutes, making it perfect for a quick and delicious weeknight dinner. You’ll love how fast and easy it is to make while still being packed with flavor.
What type of pasta is best for this dish?
For this meal, linguine or fettuccine work wonderfully as they hold onto the creamy sauce well. You can also use penne or bowtie pasta for a great texture!
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can prepare the sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator for a day or two. Just cook the pasta fresh when you’re ready to serve for the best texture and flavor.
Can I add vegetables to the pasta?
Absolutely! Bell peppers, spinach, or broccoli would be excellent additions to this dish. Just sauté them briefly with the chicken for a nutritious boost.
Conclusion
You’ll love how this COWBOY BUTTER CHICKEN PASTA comes together in just 30 minutes, filling your kitchen with buttery, garlicky aromas that evoke a warm “welcome home.” Creamy, comforting, and oh-so-satisfying, it’s a meal everyone will adore.
Want to mix things up? Try adding some fresh spinach for a pop of color, or serve it with a sprinkle of zesty lemon for an extra kick. If you have leftovers, just reheat with a splash of broth to keep that sauce dreamya trick I learned from my aunt’s kitchen!
Have fun cooking and let me know how yours turns outdid you tweak anything? I’d love to see your photos and hear your stories. Don’t forget to save this recipe for when you need a delicious, quick meal that feels like a warm hug. Happy cooking!
