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Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta

Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta

Julia
This Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta is a bold, creamy pasta dish packed with garlicky butter, fresh herbs, and just the right kick of spice. Tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a silky cowboy-butter-inspired sauce come together in about 30 minutes, making this an easy yet impressive dinner for busy weeknights or casual entertaining. Rich without being heavy, this pasta delivers big flavor in every bite.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes

Ingredients
  

  • Main Ingredients
  • 1½ lb boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 12 oz pasta penne, rotini, or fettuccine
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter
  • ¾ cup heavy cream
  • ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • Flavor Base & Seasonings
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tsp red pepper flakes adjust to taste
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
  • 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Pantry Staples
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • ½ cup reserved pasta water
  • Chicken broth optional, for thinning sauce

Instructions
 

  • Cook the pasta
  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
  • Season and cook the chicken
  • Pat chicken dry and season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken in a single layer and cook 4–5 minutes, flipping once, until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
  • Make the cowboy butter sauce
  • Reduce heat to medium. Add butter to the skillet. Once melted, stir in garlic and red pepper flakes; cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
  • Add Dijon mustard, lemon juice, parsley, and thyme.
  • Add cream and cheese
  • Pour in heavy cream and stir until smooth. Add Parmesan and stir until melted and slightly thickened.
  • Combine everything
  • Return chicken to the skillet and toss to coat. Add cooked pasta and a splash of reserved pasta water as needed. Toss until the sauce evenly coats the pasta.
  • Finish and serve
  • Remove from heat, rest for 2 minutes, then garnish with extra parsley and Parmesan.

Notes

  • Keep heat at medium once cream is added to prevent sauce separation.
  • Pasta water helps bind and smooth the sauce—don’t skip it.
  • Adjust lemon and red pepper flakes to taste before serving.