Introduction

Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta is a creamy, flavorful dish that combines tender chicken with a rich, buttery sauce. It’s a comforting meal that’s easy to make and perfect for weeknight dinners. The smoky spices and fresh parsley add a delicious twist to classic chicken pasta.

A white bowl filled with a base layer of wide, ruffled yellow pasta noodles arranged in a loose circle. On top, chunks of browned chicken are coated in a creamy orange sauce speckled with herbs. The sauce spreads evenly over the chicken and noodles, with fresh green herb bits scattered throughout. A topping of finely grated white cheese is sprinkled in the center, adding texture and brightness. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

500 g (1 lb) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for spice preference)
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley, plus more for garnish
340 g (12 oz) fettuccine or pasta of choice
Juice of half a lemon

Instructions

Step 1: Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper.
Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken pieces and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Reduce the heat to medium and add the butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Step 4: Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
Step 5: Stir in the heavy cream and let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes.
Step 6: Gradually add the Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until the sauce is smooth and the cheese has melted.
Step 7: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to combine with the sauce. Add the lemon juice and chopped parsley, stirring to mix.
Step 8: In a separate pot, cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and add it to the skillet, tossing to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce and chicken.
Step 9: Cook for another 2-3 minutes to ensure the pasta is well combined and heated through.
Step 10: Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan and parsley if desired.

Tips & Variations

For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce will be less rich.
Add sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers for extra veggies and flavor.
Use smoked gouda or sharp cheddar cheese instead of Parmesan for a different cheesy twist.
Adjust cayenne pepper to control the heat level according to your preference.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce if it has thickened. Avoid microwaving to keep the sauce creamy.

How to Serve

A white plate holds a generous serving of creamy pasta with flat, wide noodles arranged in a loose circular shape. On top, there are several browned pieces of chicken covered in a rich, orange-tinted sauce that looks smooth and thick. The dish is sprinkled with finely grated white cheese scattered mostly in the center, and chopped fresh green parsley is evenly spread across the top, adding bright color contrast. The edges of the noodles peek out from under the sauce and chicken, showing a soft, slightly curled texture. The photo is taken on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta?

Yes, you can use any pasta you like such as penne, linguine, or rigatoni. Just cook according to the package instructions and toss with the sauce.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead but it’s best to combine with the pasta right before serving to keep the pasta from getting soggy.