Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta

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When the week gets busy and dinner needs to be fast, flavorful, and satisfying, this Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta is the perfect solution. With tender chicken, rich butter sauce, and a creamy, herb-infused finish, it’s a dish that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. Best of all, it’s ready in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for hectic weeknights or cozy family dinners. Whether you’re craving comfort food or looking to impress guests, this recipe delivers every time.

Ingredients

For the Pasta

• 8 oz pasta (use gluten-free pasta if needed)

For the Chicken

• 1 lb chicken breast, diced
  (plant-based chicken works for vegan option)

For the Sauce

• 4 tbsp butter (non-dairy butter for vegan option)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 cup heavy cream (coconut milk for dairy-free option)
• 1 cup chicken broth (vegetable broth for vegetarian option)
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese (nutritional yeast for vegan option)
• 2 tsp Italian seasoning
• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions For Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add pasta and cook for 8–10 minutes until al dente.
3. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain and set pasta aside.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

1. Heat 2 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add diced chicken, season with salt and pepper.
3. Cook for 6–8 minutes until golden and cooked through.
4. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatics

1. Add remaining butter to the skillet.
2. Sauté garlic and onions for 3–4 minutes until fragrant.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce

1. Pour in heavy cream and broth.
2. Add Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes.
3. Simmer for 5 minutes until sauce thickens.

Step 5: Combine Everything

1. Return chicken and pasta to the skillet.
2. Toss to coat evenly in the sauce.
3. Add reserved pasta water if needed to loosen sauce.

Step 6: Serve

1. Plate the pasta.
2. Top with Parmesan and parsley.
3. Serve warm and enjoy!

Pro Tips

• Perfect Chicken: Cook until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• Creamy Sauce Fix: Add reserved pasta water slowly if sauce becomes too thick.
• Fresh Flavor: Use fresh garlic and quality butter for the best taste.
• Veggie Boost: Add spinach, broccoli, or bell peppers for extra nutrition.
• Heat Control: Adjust red pepper flakes to match your spice level.

Why This Recipe Works

This dish is a winner because it blends comfort, speed, and flavor in one pan. The butter-based sauce coats every bite, while garlic and Italian herbs bring deep savory notes. It’s easy to customize, making it perfect for families with different tastes and dietary needs.

Substitutions & Variations

Dairy-Free

• Use coconut milk or cashew cream instead of heavy cream.

Gluten-Free

• Swap regular pasta for gluten-free pasta.

Extra Veggies

• Add spinach, broccoli, or bell peppers for color and nutrition.

Spicy Version

• Increase red pepper flakes or add jalapeños.

Cheesy Twist

• Use feta or goat cheese instead of Parmesan.

Protein Swap

• Use shredded rotisserie chicken or tofu for a different twist.

Make-Ahead, Storage & Reheating Guide

Make-Ahead

• Cook pasta and chicken up to 3 days ahead.
• Store sauce separately in the fridge for up to 2 days.

Storage

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freeze portions for up to 2 months.

Reheating

• Reheat on low heat with a splash of broth to revive the creamy texture.

Serving Ideas For Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta

• Garlic Bread – perfect for soaking up sauce
• Fresh Salad – adds crunch and freshness
• Roasted Vegetables – balances richness
• Steamed Broccoli – light and nutritious
• White Wine – pairs beautifully with the creamy sauce
• Lemon Sorbet – great palate cleanser after a rich meal

Nutrition (Per Serving Estimate)

• Calories: 450
• Carbs: 55g
• Protein: 30g
• Fat: 15g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Calcium: 200mg

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different pasta type?

Yes! Penne, fettuccine, or rigatoni work perfectly.

How do I keep the sauce from splitting?

Keep the heat medium-low and stir constantly while simmering.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Absolutely — use veggie chicken, vegetable broth, and dairy-free substitutes.

Is this dish freezer-friendly?

Yes! Freeze in airtight containers for up to 2 months.

What can I do if the sauce is too thin?

Let it simmer longer to thicken, or add a small amount of Parmesan.

Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta is the ultimate weeknight comfort meal — quick, creamy, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re cooking for family or meal prepping for the week, this dish is guaranteed to satisfy. With simple ingredients and easy steps, it’s the perfect dinner when you want something cozy and delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.

Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta

Olivia taling

Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta is a comforting, flavor-packed dinner made with tender chicken, buttery garlic sauce, and a rich, creamy finish. Ready in just 30 minutes, this stovetop pasta delivers bold, savory flavor perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family meals.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian-inspired

Servings 4 servings

Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

• large pot
• large skillet
• colander
• wooden spoon or tongs

Ingredients

  

• 8 oz pasta
• 1 lb chicken breast, diced
• 4 tbsp butter
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

 

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
• Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 6–8 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
• Add the remaining butter to the skillet. Sauté the garlic and onion for 3–4 minutes until soft and fragrant.
• Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Stir in Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes, then simmer for 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
• Return the cooked chicken and pasta to the skillet. Toss until evenly coated, adding reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.
• Remove from heat. Garnish with Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley, then serve warm.

Notes

Reserve pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency as needed. Cook chicken just until done to keep it juicy. This recipe is easy to adapt for gluten-free, dairy-free, or vegetarian diets using simple substitutions.

Keyword 30 minute pasta dinner, cowboy butter chicken pasta, creamy chicken pasta, easy comfort food pasta

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