Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Cowboy butter is a zesty, flavorful compound butter made with garlic, lemon, mustard, and herbs, usually served with steak or seafood. In this recipe, it’s reimagined into a creamy pasta sauce that pairs beautifully with juicy chicken and tender pasta. The result is Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta: a rich, slightly spicy, and utterly comforting dish that feels indulgent yet approachable. I once made it with rigatoni instead of linguine, and the sauce clung to the pasta so well that it became my go-to shape for this recipe. Perfect for cozy weeknight dinners or even special occasions, this dish combines buttery comfort with bold flavors that stand out.
Print
Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta – A Bold and Comforting Fusion Dish
- Total Time: 40 mins
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta is a rich and zesty dish made with tender chicken, pasta, and a bold cowboy butter sauce infused with garlic, lemon, Dijon, and spices for a creamy, flavorful meal.
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine)
- 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- Season chicken with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter. Add garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Stir in Dijon mustard, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, and heavy cream. Simmer for 2–3 minutes.
- Add cooked pasta, reserved chicken, and parsley to the skillet. Toss to coat in the sauce, adding reserved pasta water if needed to loosen.
- Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and adjust seasoning to taste.
- Serve hot, garnished with extra parsley and Parmesan if desired.
Notes
- For extra heat, add cayenne pepper or more red pepper flakes.
- Use rotisserie chicken for a quicker version.
- Pair with garlic bread or a side salad for a full meal.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently with a splash of cream or broth.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American Fusion
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Chicken breast or thighs – Lean protein that soaks up the sauce’s bold flavors.
Pasta – Linguine, fettuccine, or rigatoni work beautifully to hold the rich sauce.
Butter – The base of cowboy butter, lending richness and silkiness to the sauce.
Garlic – Fresh garlic infuses the butter with savory depth.
Red pepper flakes – Add a subtle kick of spice to the sauce.
Dijon mustard – A sharp, tangy element that balances the butter’s richness.
Lemon juice and zest – Brighten the sauce and cut through its heaviness.
Fresh parsley – Adds freshness and color.
Paprika – A smoky, earthy note that ties the flavors together.
Chicken broth – Helps build the sauce while keeping it light enough to coat the pasta.
Heavy cream – Makes the cowboy butter sauce creamy and luxurious.
Parmesan cheese – Melts into the sauce for nutty, salty depth.
Salt and black pepper – Essential seasonings to balance and enhance all the flavors.
Directions
Begin by cooking pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
Meanwhile, season chicken with salt, pepper, and paprika. Heat a drizzle of oil in a skillet and cook chicken until golden brown and cooked through, about 6–7 minutes per side. Remove, rest briefly, then slice into strips.
In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant. Stir in Dijon mustard, lemon juice, zest, red pepper flakes, and parsley. Add chicken broth and let simmer for 2 minutes, then pour in heavy cream. Stir until smooth, then mix in Parmesan until melted and the sauce thickens slightly.
Toss in the cooked pasta, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if needed for a silky coating. Return the sliced chicken to the skillet and toss until everything is well combined. Garnish with extra parsley and Parmesan before serving.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 4 servings. Total time is approximately 35 minutes, making it weeknight-friendly.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore the sauce’s consistency. Freezing is not recommended, as the cream sauce may separate.
Variations and Customizations
Seafood Swap – Use shrimp or salmon instead of chicken for a coastal twist.
Spicy Kick – Add cayenne or extra chili flakes for more heat.
Herb Upgrade – Stir in fresh thyme or rosemary along with parsley.
Vegetable Boost – Add spinach, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes to make it heartier.
Lighter Version – Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
Cheesy Upgrade – Stir in extra Parmesan or even shredded mozzarella.
Smoky Flavor – Add smoked paprika or a dash of chipotle powder.
Low-Carb Option – Serve the cowboy butter chicken over zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash.
Grilled Chicken Version – Grill the chicken for a smoky, charred finish.
Bacon Lovers’ Twist – Add crispy bacon bits for extra flavor and crunch.
FAQs
What pasta shape works best?
Rigatoni, linguine, or fettuccine hold the sauce beautifully.
Can I make this ahead of time?
It’s best fresh, but you can prep the chicken and sauce separately, then combine when serving.
Is cowboy butter always spicy?
It’s mildly spicy from red pepper flakes, but you can adjust heat to taste.
Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes, rotisserie chicken works well for a shortcut.
Do I need heavy cream?
It makes the sauce creamy, but half-and-half or evaporated milk can be used.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, just use gluten-free pasta.
What sides go well with this dish?
A crisp green salad or garlic bread complements the richness.
Can I omit the Dijon mustard?
It adds tang, but you can leave it out if you prefer.
Can I freeze this pasta?
Not recommended—cream sauces often separate when frozen.
How do I make the sauce thicker?
Simmer a bit longer, or stir in extra Parmesan cheese.
Conclusion
Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta is a bold, creamy, and satisfying recipe that turns the flavors of cowboy butter into a full meal. With juicy chicken, tender pasta, and a zesty sauce that balances richness with spice, it’s a dish that feels comforting yet elevated. Perfect for weeknights, special dinners, or anytime you want to impress, this recipe is as versatile as it is delicious.
Looking for more tasty recipes? Visit our website for full details and follow us on Pinterest for daily food ideas to save and share