If a silky, flavor-packed dinner that’s ready in a flash sounds like your dream meal, you’re going to fall head-over-heels for Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta. This dish wraps juicy chicken, twirly noodles, and a punchy cowboy butter sauce together in a big, comforting hug – all in just about 30 minutes!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Serious Weeknight Magic: This Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta is ready in well under 30 minutes, so you can have restaurant-quality comfort food without the wait.
- Bold, Buttery Flavor: The cowboy butter is a zesty flavor bomb—think herby, garlicky, and citrusy with just enough spice to keep you coming back for another bite.
- Satisfyingly Creamy: Just a splash of cream and a shower of Parmesan make the sauce gloriously rich without weighing it down.
- Totally Customizable: Mix in any veggies you love or adjust the spice—this pasta plays by your rules!
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the reasons I adore Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta is just how approachable the ingredient list is. Each one is chosen to layer in flavor, texture, and irresistible color for a dish that’s as fun to look at as it is to eat.
- Unsalted Butter: The backbone of cowboy butter; use a good-quality butter for rich, velvety flavor.
- Dijon Mustard: Adds a subtle tang and depth that’s absolutely essential in the cowboy butter blend.
- Fresh Herbs (parsley, chives, thyme): These bring garden-fresh lift and an appealing burst of green to your sauce.
- Paprika & Red Pepper Flakes: For warmth, spice, and that signature cowboy kick.
- Lemon Juice & Zest: Delivers brightness and keeps the sauce from feeling too heavy.
- Chicken Thighs: Juicy, flavorful, and tender every time—plus, they soak up the cowboy butter like a dream.
- Pasta (linguine): Long noodles that grab onto all that luscious, buttery sauce. Feel free to substitute your favorite pasta shape.
- Shallot & Garlic: The aromatic base that adds gentle sweetness and savory depth.
- Bell Peppers: A rainbow of peppers brings sweet crunch and vibrant color.
- Heavy Cream & Parmesan: Combines with the cowboy butter for an irresistibly creamy, cheesy finish.
- Olive Oil: For sautéing and keeping the flavors lively.
- Salt, Black Pepper, Garlic Powder: Pantry staples that perfect every bite.
Variations
The beauty of Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta is how easy it is to make it your own. Whether you’re craving an extra veggie hit or want a lighter alternative, these simple variations have you covered.
- Go Veggie: Swap chicken for sautéed zucchini, mushrooms, or even chickpeas for a delicious vegetarian twist.
- Spice It Up: Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the cowboy butter for serious heat lovers.
- Lighter Touch: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, or skip the cream completely—the silky sauce here is more forgiving than you think!
- Swap the Noodles: This works beautifully with penne, fettuccine, or even orzo if you want a fun pasta shape.
How to Make Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta
Step 1: Make the Cowboy Butter
In a small bowl, mash together the softened unsalted butter, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, herbs, paprika, salt, red pepper flakes, and a hit of lemon juice and zest. This golden spread is your superpower—make extra if you can, because it’s wildly addictive smeared on bread or veggies too!
Step 2: Prep and Cook the Pasta
Set a big pot of salted water to boil and cook your linguine until just shy of al dente (the pasta will finish in the sauce). Reserve a cupful of the starchy cooking liquid before draining—this is secret sauce insurance!
Step 3: Sear the Chicken
While the pasta cooks, slice chicken thighs into strips and season generously with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet and quickly sear the chicken pieces over medium-high heat until golden, about 4 minutes—don’t worry about cooking them through just yet!
Step 4: Vegetables Hit the Pan
Lower the heat and toss in diced shallot, sliced bell peppers, and garlic. Cook, stirring frequently, until the peppers are softened and the chicken is cooked through. This should take another 5 minutes or so—by now, your kitchen will smell irresistible.
Step 5: Toss with Cowboy Butter and Finish the Sauce
Add several generous dollops of cowboy butter straight into the skillet and toss in the drained linguine. Add the cream and freshly grated Parmesan and swirl everything together until the pasta is glossy and indulgently coated. If the sauce seems too thick, loosen it with a splash of reserved pasta water until dreamy. Taste and adjust salt or lemon as needed!
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Sprinkle over lots of chopped parsley, serve with extra cheese and lemon wedges, and get ready for that first forkful—Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta is pure weeknight magic. Don’t forget some crusty bread to mop up every last drop.
Pro Tips for Making Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta
- Room Temperature Butter: For the silkiest cowboy butter, be sure your butter is truly soft before mixing—it’ll blend with the herbs and spices much more smoothly.
- Pasta Water Is Gold: Always save a cup of pasta water before draining. A splash or two at the end will make your sauce shiny and help it cling to every strand.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Chicken: Sear your chicken in batches if needed to get that gorgeous golden crust; crowding leads to steaming, not browning.
- Check for Doneness: Use an instant-read thermometer and pull chicken off the heat as soon as it hits 165°F for juiciest, most flavorful results.
How to Serve Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley and extra Parmesan is a must for Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta—the green and the cheese not only brighten every plate, but make the dish feel instantly special. A few lemon wedges on the side add a fresh pop for those who love citrusy zing.
Side Dishes
This pasta is pure comfort food all on its own, but I love to round it out with a crisp green salad or some simply roasted broccoli. And of course, don’t hold back on the crusty garlic bread—perfect for swiping up every buttery drop!
Creative Ways to Present
Serve Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta family-style in a giant bowl for easy twirling, or portion into shallow pasta plates and top with a flourish of extra herbs. For a fun dinner party twist, let guests top their servings with extra cowboy butter, chili flakes, or a squeeze of lemon right at the table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The sauce stays luscious, and it may just taste even better after the flavors have had time to mingle.
Freezing
You can freeze individual portions of Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta for up to 2 months. For best results, allow to cool completely first, and know that the sauce may separate ever-so-slightly on thawing but will come back together when reheated gently.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or extra cream to help the sauce regain its silky consistency. Stir frequently and heat just until warmed through to keep the chicken juicy.
FAQs
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Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs in Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta?
Absolutely! While chicken thighs are extra juicy and more flavorful, boneless, skinless chicken breasts work well—just keep an eye on them as they cook so they stay tender and don’t dry out.
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Is cowboy butter very spicy?
Cowboy butter is designed to deliver a zesty kick but isn’t overwhelmingly spicy—most of the heat comes from red pepper flakes, which you can adjust up or down depending on your preference.
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Can I make the cowboy butter ahead of time?
Yes! Cowboy butter actually gets more flavorful as it sits. You can make it up to a week in advance and store it in the fridge, ready to scoop into pastas, drizzle over veggies, or slather on bread.
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What’s the best way to make a lighter version of Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta?
For a lighter spin, swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or even a splash of milk, and load up on extra veggies like spinach and cherry tomatoes. You can also reduce the amount of cowboy butter slightly for a fresher feel.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving the ultimate feel-good pasta that bursts with flavor, look no further than Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta. It’s bold, buttery, and guaranteed to bring big smiles to your table—give it a whirl tonight and let this new favorite work its comfort-food magic!
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Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Stovetop
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta is a delicious and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken with a rich and buttery sauce. The cowboy butter adds a unique twist to traditional pasta dishes, making it a perfect meal for any day of the week.
Ingredients
Cowboy Butter:
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley
- 1 tbsp chopped chives
- 2 tsp fresh thyme leaves
- 1 tsp sweet paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- Pinch of red pepper flakes
- 1/2 lemon, juice and zest
Pasta:
- 12 oz (340g) pasta, linguine recommended
- 2 tsp salt
Chicken:
- 6 chicken thighs, skinless and boneless
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil, or as needed
- 1 large shallot, finely diced
- 1 cup (150g) sliced bell peppers, mix of red, yellow and orange
- 4 cloves garlic, sliced
- 4 tbsp cowboy butter
- 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream
- 4 tbsp Parmesan, freshly grated
- 2 tbsp parsley, finely chopped
Instructions
- Make the cowboy butter: Combine all the cowboy butter ingredients in a small bowl and set aside.
- Prepare the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve some pasta water before draining.
- Prepare the chicken: Cut the chicken thighs into strips or bite-sized pieces. Season with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Cook the chicken: Sear the chicken in a skillet with olive oil until browned. Add shallots, garlic, and bell peppers. Cook until vegetables are softened.
- Combine ingredients: Stir in cowboy butter, then add cooked pasta, cream, Parmesan, and parsley. Mix well.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve immediately with lemon wedges, extra Parmesan, and garlic bread.
This can be made in advance and kept in the fridge until needed. You will only need to use about half of the butter in the pasta recipe.
Notes
- Feel free to add more veggies to the cowboy butter sauce like zucchini, spinach, or cherry tomatoes.
- The pasta water helps create a silky sauce with a velvety texture without excessive cream. Add to your preference.
- Ensure chicken reaches 165°F (75°C) internal temperature for doneness.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days and reheat as needed.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 972 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 1390mg
- Fat: 60g
- Saturated Fat: 31g
- Unsaturated Fat: 24g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 67g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 47g
- Cholesterol: 244mg
