Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta Recipe: Easy, Creamy and Flavorful

Name: Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 12 ounces pasta of your choice (e.g., penne or fettuccine); 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces; 4 tablespoons unsalted butter; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 medium onion, diced; 1 cup heavy cream (or coconut milk for a lighter option); 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth; 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning; 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste); Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Jack

Update : January 11, 2026

Delicious Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta served in a bowl, showcasing creamy sauce and garnishes

why make this recipe

Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta is a delightful dish that combines the heartiness of pasta with tender chicken, all wrapped in a creamy, flavorful sauce. It’s an easy recipe that doesn’t require fancy ingredients or long preparation times, making it perfect for busy weeknights or a comforting family meal. The buttery sauce, seasoned with garlic and Italian herbs, creates a rich flavor that will have everyone asking for seconds. Plus, it’s a complete meal in one pot, which means less cleanup for you!

how to make Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta

Ingredients:

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

Directions:

Cook the Pasta
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). Once cooked, reserve 1 cup of pasta water, drain it, and set it aside.
Sauté Chicken
In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the diced chicken pieces and season with salt and pepper. Cook for about 6-8 minutes until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, stirring occasionally. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Create the Sauce
In the same skillet, add the remaining butter and sauté the minced garlic and diced onion until translucent (about 3-4 minutes). This step infuses the butter with flavor, making your sauce deliciously aromatic.
Add Cream and Broth
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. If it becomes too thick, use your reserved pasta water to adjust the consistency.
Combine Pasta and Chicken
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 in the creamy sauce, and let it cook for another 2 minutes to meld the flavors.
Serve
Finally, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top and let it melt into the dish. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving to add a pop of color. Enjoy your Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta warm!

how to serve Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta

Serve this dish hot, directly from the stovetop. It pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad or some crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. You can also sprinkle additional cheese or red pepper flakes on top for extra flavor.

how to store Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta

To store leftovers, let the pasta cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, consider freezing the pasta. Just make sure to keep it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.

tips to make Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta

Adjust the spice level by adding more or less red pepper flakes based on your taste preferences.
For a lighter version, you can use coconut milk instead of heavy cream.
Make sure not to overcook the chicken; a few minutes of cooking time is all it needs if cut into small pieces.

variation (if any)

You can customize this recipe by adding vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms for extra nutrition and flavor. You can also swap the chicken for shrimp or a plant-based protein for a different twist.

FAQs

Q: Can I use whole grain pasta?
A: Yes, whole grain pasta works well in this recipe. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions.

Q: How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
A: Simply substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk and use dairy-free Parmesan cheese.

Q: Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
A: While it’s best served fresh, you can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time. Just cook the pasta and combine everything shortly before serving.