Go Back
Delicious Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta topped with fresh herbs and spices.

Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta

A creamy and comforting one-pan pasta dish that combines chicken, butter, and a rich sauce for a delightful family-friendly meal.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 600

Ingredients
  

Pasta and Chicken
  • 12 ounces Pasta of your choice (e.g., penne or fettuccine)
  • 1 pound Chicken breast, boneless and skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces
Sauce Components
  • 4 tablespoons Butter (unsalted recommended)
  • 4 cloves Garlic, minced
  • 1 medium Onion, diced
  • 1 cup Heavy cream (or substitute with coconut milk)
  • 1 cup Chicken broth (low-sodium preferred)
  • 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon Red pepper flakes Adjust to taste
  • Salt and pepper To taste
  • Fresh parsley For garnish (optional)

Method
 

Cooking the Pasta
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente (typically 8-10 minutes). Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
Sautéing the Chicken
  1. In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the diced chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and cook for about 6-8 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside.
Creating the Sauce
  1. In the same skillet, add the remaining butter and sauté the minced garlic and diced onion until translucent (about 3-4 minutes).
Adding Cream and Broth
  1. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Add the Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes. Let the sauce simmer gently for about 5 minutes until it thickens slightly. Use the reserved pasta water to adjust if it gets too thick.
Combining Pasta and Chicken
  1. Return the cooked chicken and drained pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Toss everything together to ensure the chicken and pasta are coated. Cook for another 2 minutes.
Serving
  1. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top and let it melt into the dish. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

This dish is perfect for leftovers and can be stored in the fridge for 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat on the stovetop, adding broth or cream if dry. Pro tip: Don’t skip toasting the garlic for added flavor!