Description
Are you ready to elevate your weeknight dinners with a dish that’s satisfying, comforting, and bursting with bold flavor? Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta combines tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a rich, buttery cream sauce infused with garlic, herbs, and a touch of heat. Inspired by hearty cowboy-style flavors, this dish comes together quickly and delivers big taste with minimal effort.
Perfect for busy nights or casual entertaining, this creamy chicken pasta is guaranteed to become a family favorite. One bite, and everyone will be asking for seconds.
Ingredients
12 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or rotini)
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
4 tbsp unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 medium onion, diced
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tbsp Italian seasoning
1 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter.
Add the chicken pieces and cook for 5–6 minutes until golden and cooked through.
Stir in the diced onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened.
Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine.
Add Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper.
Let the sauce simmer for 5–7 minutes until slightly thickened.
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat evenly.
Stir in the Parmesan cheese until the sauce becomes creamy and smooth.
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Notes
Reserve a little pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed.
Add smoked paprika or cayenne for extra heat and depth.
Swap heavy cream with coconut milk for a lighter dairy-free version.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 610 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 36 g
- Saturated Fat: 19 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 34 g
- Cholesterol: 145 mg
Keywords: cowboy butter chicken pasta, creamy chicken pasta, easy weeknight pasta