Experience a true comfort food classic with our Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta. This dish brings together tender, buttery chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a rich, smoky sauce that evokes the spirit of the wild west. Ideal for a cozy dinner, this recipe is designed to satisfy your cravings with layers of bold flavors, hearty textures, and a touch of cowboy charm.
Ingredients for Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Cowboy Butter Sauce:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a kick)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or your favorite shape)
- Fresh parsley or chives (chopped, for garnish)
Substitutions for Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta
- Chicken Alternatives: Use chicken breast or even turkey for a leaner option
- Dairy-Free Option: Replace heavy cream with coconut cream and use a dairy-free butter substitute
- Pasta Swap: Substitute with gluten-free pasta or whole wheat pasta for added nutrition
- Flavor Twist: Add a dash of smoked chipotle in the sauce for an extra smoky flavor
How to Make Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta
- Prepare the Chicken: Season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken until browned and fully cooked. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook the Pasta: Boil the pasta in salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Make the Cowboy Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Sauté minced garlic until fragrant, then add chicken broth, heavy cream, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, and red pepper flakes. Bring the sauce to a simmer and stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
- Combine & Serve: Return the chicken to the skillet and mix with the sauce. Toss in the cooked pasta until well coated. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed, and garnish with fresh parsley or chives before serving.
Mix-ins for Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta
- Veggie Boost: Add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or roasted red bell peppers
- Crunch Factor: Top with toasted breadcrumbs or crispy bacon bits
- Extra Cheese: Sprinkle additional Parmesan or a blend of your favorite cheeses for a richer flavor
Recipe Tips for Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta
- Even Cooking: Cut chicken into uniform pieces for consistent cooking
- Sauce Consistency: Simmer the sauce gently to allow flavors to meld without reducing too much
- Pasta Perfection: Reserve a little pasta water to thin the sauce if necessary
- Enhance the Smokiness: Use smoked paprika generously to intensify the cowboy flavor
Storage for Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days
- Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally; add a splash of cream or broth if the sauce has thickened
- Freezer: Although best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze individual portions for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently
Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta Variations
- Spicy Cowboy: Increase red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for more heat
- Veggie-Loaded: Incorporate roasted corn, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes for a colorful twist
- Herb Infused: Experiment with fresh basil or thyme in the sauce for additional depth of flavor
- One-Pot Wonder: Prepare the dish entirely in one pot by cooking the chicken, sauce, and pasta together, ideal for an easy cleanup
FAQs for Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes, chicken breast works well but may cook faster; adjust the cooking time accordingly.
How do I prevent the sauce from becoming too thick?
Add reserved pasta water or extra chicken broth to achieve your desired consistency.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
You can make the chicken and sauce in advance, then combine with freshly cooked pasta when ready to serve; however, reheated pasta may have a slightly different texture.
Is this recipe customizable for dietary restrictions?
Absolutely! Use gluten-free pasta, dairy-free alternatives, or lean proteins to fit your dietary needs.
Final Thoughts on Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta
This Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta is the ultimate comfort dish—a hearty, savory meal that brings the warmth and flavor of home cooking with a cowboy twist. Perfect for family dinners or a special treat after a long day, this recipe combines the richness of a creamy butter sauce with the smoky, robust flavors of perfectly seasoned chicken. Enjoy every bite and embrace the comfort of a truly satisfying meal!
Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta – The Ultimate Comfort Dish
This Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta is packed with bold, buttery, and garlicky flavors, combined with juicy chicken and a creamy, spicy sauce. It’s the ultimate comfort food, bringing together tender pasta, rich cowboy butter, and zesty seasonings for an irresistible dish!
Equipment
- Large skillet
- Medium pot
- Whisk
- Cutting board & knife
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 chicken breasts sliced into thin strips
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper optional, for heat
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Cowboy Butter Sauce:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes adjust to spice preference
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon honey
- ½ teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon chopped parsley
- ½ teaspoon chopped thyme
- ½ teaspoon chopped rosemary
For the Pasta:
- 12 ounces fettuccine or pasta of choice
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese grated
- ½ teaspoon salt adjust to taste
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For Garnish:
- Fresh chopped parsley
- Extra Parmesan cheese
- Lemon wedges optional
Instructions
Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta according to package instructions.
- Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
Cook the Chicken:
- Season chicken strips with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
Make the Cowboy Butter Sauce:
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in red pepper flakes, Dijon mustard, honey, lemon zest, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, parsley, thyme, and rosemary. Let simmer for 2 minutes.
Make the Creamy Pasta Sauce:
- Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine.
- Let simmer for 3-4 minutes, then mix in Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper.
- Add the cooked pasta and toss to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water little by little.
Combine & Serve:
- Return the chicken to the skillet and toss with the pasta.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese.
- Serve warm with lemon wedges on the side.
Notes
- Spicier Kick? Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
- Extra Creamy? Stir in 2 tablespoons of cream cheese.
- Lighter Version? Swap heavy cream for half-and-half.
- Protein Swap? Use shrimp, steak, or tofu instead of chicken.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
