How to Make Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta | Creamy, Bold & Easy Dinner Recipe
If you love creamy pasta recipes with bold flavors, this Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta is going to become your new favorite comfort food. It combines juicy chicken, rich buttery sauce, garlic, herbs, and pasta into one irresistible dish. Inspired by the popular cowboy butter sauce, this recipe is quick, flavorful, and perfect for busy weeknights.
This easy chicken pasta recipe is made with simple pantry ingredients and delivers restaurant-style taste at home. Whether you’re cooking for family or guests, this dish always impresses without extra effort.
What Is Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta?
Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta is a fusion pasta recipe made with tender chicken breast cooked in a flavor-packed cowboy butter sauce. Cowboy butter is known for its mix of butter, garlic, herbs, spices, and a slight kick of heat. When combined with pasta and chicken, it creates a creamy, savory, and slightly spicy pasta dish.

This recipe is perfect if you enjoy:
- Creamy chicken pasta
- Garlic butter sauces
- One-pan meals
- Comfort food with bold flavor
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to make with step-by-step instructions
- Ready in under 40 minutes
- Family-friendly and customizable
- Perfect balance of creamy, buttery, and savory flavors
- Ideal for lunch, dinner, or meal prep
Ingredients for Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta
For the Chicken
- Boneless, skinless chicken breast (cut into bite-size pieces)
- Salt and black pepper
- Paprika
- Garlic powder
- Olive oil
For the Cowboy Butter Sauce
- Unsalted butter
- Fresh garlic (minced)
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Dijon mustard
- Lemon juice
- Fresh parsley
- Dried oregano
- Dried thyme
For the Pasta
- Pasta (penne, fettuccine, or rotini work best)
- Heavy cream
- Grated parmesan cheese
- Pasta water (as needed)
How to Make Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Boil pasta in salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve some pasta water, then drain and set aside.

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Step 2: Season and Cook the Chicken
Season chicken with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add chicken and cook until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove chicken from the pan and keep aside.

Step 3: Make the Cowboy Butter Sauce
In the same pan, melt butter over low heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant. Stir in red pepper flakes, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, oregano, and thyme. Mix well to create the cowboy butter base.

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Step 4: Add Cream and Cheese
Pour in heavy cream and let it simmer gently. Add parmesan cheese and stir until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.

Step 5: Combine Everything
Add cooked chicken and pasta to the sauce. Toss well until everything is coated. Add pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Finish with fresh parsley and extra parmesan cheese. Serve hot and enjoy!

Tips for the Best Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta
- Use fresh garlic for deeper flavor
- Don’t overcook the chicken to keep it juicy
- Adjust spice level by adding more or less red pepper flakes
- Reserve pasta water to control sauce thickness
- Serve immediately for the creamiest texture
Variations You Can Try
- Spicy Cowboy Pasta: Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce
- Cheesy Version: Mix in mozzarella or cheddar
- Vegetable Add-In: Mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers
- Protein Swap: Use shrimp or turkey instead of chicken
What to Serve With Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta
- Garlic bread or breadsticks
- Fresh green salad
- Roasted vegetables
- Lemon iced tea or cold drink
Storage and Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove or microwave with a splash of milk or cream to bring back the creamy texture.
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Final Thoughts
Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta is the perfect mix of comfort food and bold flavor. It’s creamy, garlicky, buttery, and incredibly satisfying. If you’re looking for an easy chicken pasta recipe that feels special, this dish is a must-try.
Add it to your weekly dinner rotation and enjoy a restaurant-quality meal at home—simple, delicious, and unforgettable
FAQs about chicken pasta
Can I use milk instead of cream?
Yes, but the sauce will be less rich and creamy.
What pasta works best for this recipe?
Penne, fettuccine, and rotini hold the sauce well.
Can I make this pasta ahead of time?
Yes, but it tastes best fresh. Reheat gently with added cream.
Is cowboy butter chicken pasta spicy?
It has mild heat, but you can easily adjust the spice level to your taste.
