Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta is the ultimate weeknight comfort food—rich, creamy, and bursting with bold flavor. Made with tender chicken, buttery garlic sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta, this easy dinner comes together in just 30 minutes. When time is tight and cravings are real, this dish delivers big satisfaction with minimal effort.
Whether you’re skipping takeout, feeding a hungry family, or meal-prepping for the week, this recipe checks every box: quick, customizable, and irresistibly creamy.
Why You’ll Love This Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta
- Ready in 30 Minutes: Perfect for busy weeknights
- Ultra-Creamy Sauce: Butter and cream create restaurant-quality flavor
- High in Protein: Hearty and filling
- Customizable: Easy gluten-free or vegan swaps
- Family-Approved: A guaranteed crowd-pleaser
Ingredients for Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta
For the Pasta
- 12 oz pasta (any shape; gluten-free works well)
For the Chicken & Sauce
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 2 tbsp butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 tbsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
For the Finish
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley (optional)
How to Make Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta
- Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente (8–10 minutes). Reserve 1 cup pasta water, then drain. - Cook the Chicken
Heat butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add seasoned chicken and cook for 6–8 minutes until golden and fully cooked. Remove and set aside. - Build the Sauce
In the same skillet, sauté garlic and onion for 3–4 minutes until fragrant and translucent. - Make It Creamy
Add heavy cream, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 5 minutes until slightly thickened. - Combine Everything
Return chicken and pasta to the skillet. Toss well, adding reserved pasta water if needed for a silky sauce. - Serve
Top with Parmesan and fresh parsley. Serve hot.
Make-Ahead & Meal Prep Tips
- Cook pasta and chicken up to 24 hours in advance
- Store sauce separately to prevent sogginess
- Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth or cream
Expert Tips for Perfect Results
- Cook pasta al dente to avoid mushiness
- Don’t overcook chicken—165°F (75°C) is perfect
- Always reserve pasta water for sauce control
- Add garlic slowly to avoid bitterness
How to Store & Freeze
- Refrigerator: Store in airtight container up to 3 days
- Freezer: Freeze up to 2 months
- Reheat: Add broth or cream to restore texture
What to Serve with Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta
- Garlic bread
- Caesar salad
- Steamed broccoli
- Roasted vegetables
- Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio
Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta Variations
- Vegan: Use plant-based chicken + coconut milk
- Gluten-Free: Swap regular pasta for GF pasta
- Spicy: Add jalapeños or hot sauce
- Extra Veggies: Spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers
- Lemon Twist: Finish with lemon zest
- Crunchy: Top with toasted pine nuts or walnuts
Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta FAQs
Can I use any pasta shape?
Yes! Penne, fettuccine, rotini, or gluten-free pasta all work great.
How do I fix thick sauce?
Add reserved pasta water or broth a little at a time.
Is this freezer-friendly?
Absolutely—freeze up to 2 months for best quality.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes, use coconut milk and nutritional yeast instead of cream and Parmesan.
Is this good for meal prep?
Perfect! Just store sauce and pasta separately.
