Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta is the ultimate creamy comfort food packed with bold flavors, tender chicken, rich Parmesan cheese, and perfectly cooked pasta. This easy dinner recipe combines the zesty taste of cowboy butter with a creamy homemade sauce that feels restaurant-worthy while still being simple enough for busy weeknights.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich, creamy, and packed with bold buttery flavor
- Easy to prepare in under 40 minutes
- Family-friendly and satisfying
- Perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings
- Made with simple pantry ingredients
- Delicious balance of creamy, savory, tangy, and smoky flavors
Ingredients
- 1 (12-ounce) box penne pasta
- 5 tablespoons salted butter, divided
- 2 skinless, boneless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon cowboy butter seasoning
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon thyme leaves
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon dried parsley
- Extra Parmesan cheese for garnish
- Extra parsley for garnish
- Extra red pepper flakes for garnish
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook until tender but still firm to the bite, about 11 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt 1 tablespoon butter. Add the chicken pieces and cowboy butter seasoning. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt the remaining butter over medium heat. Stir in the heavy cream, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, lemon zest, onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, black pepper, salt, and thyme leaves.
- Simmer the sauce gently for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring frequently until slightly thickened.
- Slowly stir in the Parmesan cheese until fully melted and smooth.
- Return the chicken to the skillet and stir in the dried parsley.
- Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss everything together until the pasta is fully coated. Let the Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta cook on low heat for 2 to 3 more minutes.
- Garnish with additional Parmesan cheese, parsley, and red pepper flakes before serving.
Tips & Tricks
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the smoothest sauce.
- Add extra red pepper flakes if you enjoy a spicier pasta dish.
- Penne works perfectly, but rotini or rigatoni are also great choices.
- Avoid boiling the cream sauce aggressively to prevent curdling.
- Add a splash of pasta water if the sauce becomes too thick.
- For extra protein, add grilled shrimp alongside the chicken.
Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Difficulty: Easy
- Dietary Notes: Halal-friendly
Notes
- Substitute half-and-half for a lighter sauce.
- Fresh parsley can replace dried parsley for brighter flavor.
- Serve with garlic bread or a crisp green salad.
- Leftover Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta tastes even better the next day.
Nutrition
Approximate per serving:
- Calories: 620
- Protein: 34g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fat: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 3g
FAQ
What is cowboy butter seasoning?
Cowboy butter seasoning is a flavorful blend of garlic, herbs, spices, and buttery flavors often used for meats, seafood, and pasta dishes.
Can I make Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce and chicken ahead of time and reheat everything together before serving.
Can I use another type of pasta?
Absolutely. Rotini, rigatoni, fusilli, or fettuccine all work well in this creamy chicken pasta recipe.
How do I make this recipe spicier?
Add extra red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to increase the heat.
Can I freeze this pasta?
Yes, although cream-based sauces may slightly change texture after thawing. Store in an airtight container for up to 2 months.
Storage
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop or microwave with a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce.
Similar Recipes
Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta
Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta made with tender chicken, Parmesan cheese, and penne pasta.A quick and easy dinner recipe packed with buttery garlic flavor.Perfect for busy weeknights and family meals.
Ingredients
- 1 12-ounce box penne pasta
- 5 tablespoons salted butter divided
- 2 skinless boneless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon cowboy butter seasoning
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon thyme leaves
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon dried parsley
- Extra Parmesan cheese for garnish
- Extra parsley for garnish
- Extra red pepper flakes for garnish
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook until tender but still firm to the bite, about 11 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt 1 tablespoon butter. Add the chicken pieces and cowboy butter seasoning. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt the remaining butter over medium heat. Stir in the heavy cream, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, lemon zest, onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, black pepper, salt, and thyme leaves.
- Simmer the sauce gently for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring frequently until slightly thickened.
- Slowly stir in the Parmesan cheese until fully melted and smooth.
- Return the chicken to the skillet and stir in the dried parsley.
- Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss everything together until the pasta is fully coated. Let the Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta cook on low heat for 2 to 3 more minutes.
- Garnish with additional Parmesan cheese, parsley, and red pepper flakes before serving.
Notes
Substitute half-and-half for a lighter sauce.
Conclusion
Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta is a creamy, bold, and satisfying dinner recipe that comes together quickly with simple ingredients. The rich buttery sauce, tender chicken, and flavorful seasonings make this pasta dish perfect for weeknight meals, family dinners, or comforting leftovers. Once you try this recipe, it’s sure to become a regular favorite in your kitchen.