BEST COWBOY BUTTER CHICKEN PASTA

Imagine twirling your fork into a creamy, slightly spicy, and utterly savory bowl of pasta, studded with juicy chicken and coated in a vibrant cowboy butter sauce. This Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta is a flavor explosion you won’t soon forget, and the best part? It’s surprisingly easy to whip up, even on the busiest weeknights! I promise, this will become a new family favorite.

The Magic Behind Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta

Okay, friend, let’s talk about why this Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta is about to become your new go-to recipe. It’s all about that cowboy butter – a luscious blend of melted butter, herbs, spices, and a touch of heat that transforms ordinary pasta into something extraordinary. And when you combine it with tender chicken and perfectly cooked pasta? Pure magic!

What Makes This Recipe Special?

You might be thinking, “Another chicken pasta recipe?” But trust me, this is different. The cowboy butter sauce elevates it beyond the ordinary. It’s got that perfect balance of richness, spice, and herbaceousness that keeps you coming back for more. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile – you can easily adapt it to your own tastes and preferences.

Ingredients – Your Cowboy Butter Arsenal

For the Chicken:

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Cowboy Butter Sauce:

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves, chopped
• 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tsp red pepper flakes (or more, to taste)
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1/4 cup chicken broth
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Pasta:

• 1 lb pasta (fettuccine, linguine, or your favorite shape)
• Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions – Let’s Get Cooking!

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente.
3. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining. This is liquid gold, my friend!
4. Drain the pasta and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

1. In a medium bowl, toss the chicken pieces with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Make sure each piece is coated evenly.
2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan – you may need to do this in batches.
4. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Cowboy Butter Sauce

1. In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
3. Stir in the thyme, rosemary, and parsley. Cook for another minute, allowing the herbs to release their aroma.
4. Add the red pepper flakes, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir to combine.
5. Pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice. Bring to a simmer and cook for a few minutes, until the sauce slightly thickens.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 4: Combine Everything

1. Add the cooked pasta and chicken to the skillet with the cowboy butter sauce.
2. Toss to coat everything evenly. If the sauce seems too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
3. Continue to cook for a minute or two, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

1. Serve the Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta immediately, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley.
2. Get ready for the compliments!

Pro Tips and Variations – Make It Your Own!

Spice It Up (or Tone It Down)

Not a fan of spice? Reduce the amount of red pepper flakes, or omit them altogether. On the other hand, if you like a fiery kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a splash of hot sauce to the cowboy butter sauce.

Add Some Veggies

Want to sneak in some extra nutrients? Feel free to add some sautéed vegetables to the pasta. Bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, or spinach would all be delicious additions. Just sauté them in the skillet before adding the chicken.

Cheese, Please!

While Parmesan cheese is a classic topping, feel free to experiment with other cheeses. A sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese or some shredded mozzarella would also be fantastic. You could even try a bit of goat cheese for a tangy twist.

Creamy Dreamy

For an even creamier sauce, stir in a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half at the end. This will make the sauce extra rich and decadent.

Pasta Alternatives

If you’re not a fan of fettuccine or linguine, feel free to use your favorite pasta shape. Penne, rotini, or even shells would work well in this recipe.

Serving Suggestions – Complete the Meal

This Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta is delicious on its own, but it’s even better when paired with a simple side dish. A crisp green salad or some garlic bread would be perfect accompaniments.

Storing and Reheating – For Leftover Lovers

If you have any leftovers (which is unlikely!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave or warm in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water if needed to loosen the sauce.

Explore More Pasta Perfection

If you’re a pasta fanatic like me, you’ll definitely want to check out some of my other favorite pasta recipes. For a creamy and comforting dish, try my Boursin Chicken Pasta. Or, if you’re craving something light and flavorful, my Chicken Scampi Pasta is a must-try. Don’t forget the Chicken Pesto Pasta for a vibrant green option! Another fantastic option is Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta. Craving something hearty? Give my Chicken Rigatoni a try. And for a comforting classic, you can’t go wrong with my Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta.

Final Thoughts – You’ve Got This!

So, there you have it – my foolproof recipe for Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta. I know you’re going to love it as much as I do. Now go ahead, grab your ingredients, and get cooking! I can’t wait to hear what you think!

Best Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta

This Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta recipe delivers a creamy, spicy, and savory dish that’s quick and easy to make. Tender chicken and perfectly cooked pasta are coated in a vibrant cowboy butter sauce, creating a flavor explosion perfect for weeknight meals.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings: 4

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 700

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste
• 1 lb pasta fettuccine, linguine, or favorite shape
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves, chopped
• 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tsp red pepper flakes or more, to taste
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1/4 cup chicken broth
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Equipment

• large pot
• colander
• Medium bowl
• large skillet
• Measuring spoons
• Measuring cups
• wooden spoon or spatula
• fork

Method

 

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente.
3. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
4. Drain the pasta and set aside.
5. In a medium bowl, toss the chicken pieces with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Make sure each piece is coated evenly.
6. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
7. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan – you may need to do this in batches.
8. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
9. In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
10. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
11. Stir in the thyme, rosemary, and parsley. Cook for another minute, allowing the herbs to release their aroma.
12. Add the red pepper flakes, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir to combine.
13. Pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice. Bring to a simmer and cook for a few minutes, until the sauce slightly thickens.
14. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
15. Add the cooked pasta and chicken to the skillet with the cowboy butter sauce.
16. Toss to coat everything evenly. If the sauce seems too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
17. Continue to cook for a minute or two, allowing the flavors to meld together.
18. Serve the Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta immediately, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley.

Notes

For a spicier dish, add cayenne pepper or hot sauce. Vegetables like bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, or spinach can be added. For a creamier sauce, stir in heavy cream or half-and-half at the end. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the microwave or skillet, adding broth or water if needed.