If you’re craving a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, you have to try this Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta Recipe. It brings together tender chicken strips bathed in a rich, garlicky buttery sauce and tangled among perfectly cooked pasta. The combination of smoky paprika, a hint of heat from chili flakes, and the creamy Parmesan finish makes every bite irresistible. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or impressing friends on the weekend, this dish delivers comfort and flavor in one delightful bowl.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients just right is key to nailing this Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta Recipe. Each item here plays a crucial role, from the aromatic garlic and smoky paprika giving a flavorful punch, to the creamy Parmesan and butter that deliver that luscious texture and richness.
- Chicken breasts: Sliced into strips, they cook quickly and remain juicy in the sauce.
- Olive oil: Provides a light, fruity base for sautéing the chicken.
- Butter: The star of the cowboy butter sauce, adding richness and smooth texture.
- Garlic: Freshly minced to bring fragrant notes that elevate the entire dish.
- Smoked paprika: Adds a deep, smoky character essential to the cowboy flavor profile.
- Chili flakes: Optional but gives a subtle kick to keep the palate interested.
- Italian seasoning: Blends herbs that complement both chicken and creamy sauces beautifully.
- Salt and black pepper: Fundamental in seasoning to highlight all other flavors.
- Chicken broth: Helps build the sauce’s base while keeping it light and savory.
- Heavy cream: Creates that luxurious, creamy consistency you crave.
- Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated for richness and a slightly nutty finish.
- Pasta (penne, fusilli or spaghetti): Your canvas for soaking up that luscious cowboy butter sauce.
- Fresh parsley: Chopped as a bright, herbaceous garnish to balance the richness.
- Lemon juice: Optional, but a splash adds fresh brightness to lift the flavors.
How to Make Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a roaring boil. Choose your favorite pasta shape—penne or fusilli trap the sauce nicely, but spaghetti works wonderfully too. Cook according to package directions until just tender. Once cooked, drain well, but keep half a cup of pasta water reserved; it’s a magic ingredient you’ll use to adjust the sauce’s thickness later on.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat while you season the chicken strips with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and that aromatic Italian seasoning. Once the pan is hot, add the chicken pieces. Cook them for about 6 to 7 minutes until they turn golden and are cooked through. Taking the chicken out at the perfect moment ensures juicy, tender meat that soaks up the sauce beautifully. Set the chicken aside for now.
Step 3: Make the Cowboy Butter Sauce
In the same skillet, melt your butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and let it cook for a minute or two until you can smell that wonderful garlicky aroma—this step brings so much flavor. Pour in the chicken broth and allow it to simmer gently for a few minutes, concentrating the flavors and giving you a luscious base for the sauce.
Step 4: Finish the Sauce
Now, pour in the heavy cream and raise the heat slightly to bring everything to a simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and cook for an additional couple of minutes while the sauce thickens into that rich, creamy dream. If it feels too thick, don’t forget to add some of the reserved pasta water a little at a time—this makes your sauce silky and perfect for enveloping every strand of pasta.
Step 5: Combine the Pasta and Chicken
Return the golden chicken strips back into the skillet, nesting them right into the creamy sauce. Add your cooked pasta as well, and toss everything gently so each piece is coated with that velvety cowboy butter goodness. This is also the moment to add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice if you like a touch of brightness cutting through the richness.
Step 6: Serve It Up
Everything smells amazing by now! All that’s left is plating up and garnishing with fresh parsley. Dive in immediately while it’s warm and creamy. This is the kind of dish that tastes even better when eaten with good company and a smile.
How to Serve Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley chopped finely brings a burst of color and herbaceous lift that cuts through the buttery richness perfectly. For a little zest, a final drizzle of lemon juice or even some extra Parmesan sprinkled on top can elevate the dish beautifully. These small finishing touches transform your plate from delicious to truly memorable.
Side Dishes
Keep sides simple so the pasta shines. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette offers refreshing contrast, or some roasted vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts add a lovely texture and earthy balance. Garlic bread on the side is always a classic, perfect for mopping up every last bit of that dreamy sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta Recipe in individual ramekins topped with a sprig of parsley and a lemon wedge. You can also toss some crunchy toasted breadcrumbs on top for unexpected texture or sprinkle chopped crispy bacon for extra savory indulgence. Making it look as good as it tastes is always a win in my book.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (not that it’s likely), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken, so adding a splash of milk or broth when reheating helps bring it back to that luscious consistency.
Freezing
This recipe freezes well but the texture of the pasta might soften slightly. If you plan to freeze, keep chicken and sauce combined but consider undercooking pasta slightly before mixing it in. Freeze in portions and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat to preserve creaminess and prevent the sauce from breaking. Stir frequently and add a little broth, cream, or pasta water as needed to refresh the sauce. Avoid using a microwave if possible, as it can dry out the chicken and pasta unevenly.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While penne, fusilli, or spaghetti work wonderfully, feel free to experiment with other shapes like fettuccine or rigatoni. Just make sure the pasta shape can hold the creamy sauce well for the best eating experience.
Is it possible to make this dish spicy?
Yes! You can increase the amount of chili flakes or even add a dash of cayenne pepper when seasoning the chicken. This will add a nice smoky heat that goes perfectly with the rich butter sauce.
Can I substitute heavy cream with something lighter?
You can try using half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce will be less rich and creamy. Adding a small amount of cream cheese can also help maintain creaminess if you want a lighter option.
How do I make sure the chicken stays tender and juicy?
Cutting the chicken into strips allows it to cook quickly and evenly. Be careful not to overcook it; remove from the pan as soon as it’s golden and no longer pink inside. Resting the chicken briefly also helps keep it juicy before combining with the sauce.
Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
Definitely! Use your favorite gluten-free pasta, and ensure your chicken broth is gluten-free as some brands contain additives. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making this recipe accessible for many diets.
Final Thoughts
There is something so wonderfully satisfying about the Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta Recipe – it’s cozy, flavorful, and comes together with ingredients you likely have on hand. It’s perfect for weeknights when you want something quick but indulgent and great for sharing with family or friends. Give this recipe a try and watch it become a beloved staple in your kitchen. Bon appétit!
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Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a rich and flavorful pasta dish featuring tender strips of chicken cooked in a creamy, buttery garlic sauce with a hint of smoked paprika and Italian seasoning. Perfectly tossed with your choice of pasta and garnished with fresh parsley and a touch of lemon juice for brightness, it’s a comforting and satisfying meal ready in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasonings
- 2 large chicken breasts, sliced into strips
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (optional, for heat)
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for brightness)
Pasta and Garnish
- 8 oz pasta (penne, fusilli, or spaghetti)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set aside, reserving half a cup of the pasta cooking water to adjust the sauce consistency later if needed.
- Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken strips with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, and chili flakes if using. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 6 to 7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the cowboy butter sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden, being careful not to burn it. Then stir in the chicken broth and allow it to simmer for 2 to 3 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Finish the sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and continue to cook for another 2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water to achieve your preferred consistency.
- Combine the pasta and chicken: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the sauce. Add the drained pasta and toss everything together to ensure the pasta and chicken are well coated with the luscious sauce. For an extra touch of brightness, add a squeeze of lemon juice and mix well.
- Serve: Garnish the dish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve immediately while hot and enjoy your delicious Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine!
Notes
- You can use penne, fusilli, or spaghetti pasta based on your preference.
- For extra heat, keep the chili flakes in the recipe; omit them if you prefer a milder dish.
- Reserve some pasta water to adjust the sauce thickness as needed.
- Lemon juice is optional but adds a nice brightness to balance the creamy sauce.
- Fresh parsley garnish adds a lovely color and fresh flavor.
- Cook chicken thoroughly until no longer pink inside and juices run clear for food safety.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
