Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta
Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta is a hearty and comforting dish that brings together tender chicken, rich buttery sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta. It’s full of bold flavors like garlic, herbs,…
By Ava
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Reading time: 6 min
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Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta is a hearty and comforting dish that brings together tender chicken, rich buttery sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta. It’s full of bold flavors like garlic, herbs, and a little bit of spice that makes every bite super satisfying. The sauce is creamy but light, coating the noodles and chicken in a way that’s just impossible to resist.
I love making this dish because it feels like a treat without being too complicated. The butter sauce comes together quickly, and the chicken stays juicy and full of flavor. I usually toss in some fresh parsley or chives on top to add a pop of color and freshness—it really brightens the meal. It’s one of those recipes I keep coming back to when I want something filling but still homemade.
My favorite way to serve Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta is with a simple green side salad or steamed veggies—something fresh to balance out the buttery richness. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or a casual weekend dinner where everyone’s hungry and ready to dig in. I’ve shared this with friends a bunch of times, and it always gets a thumbs up and requests for seconds!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: I love using thighs here because they stay juicy and have more flavor than breast. If you prefer leaner, chicken breast works too—it just cooks faster and can dry out if overcooked.
Butter & Olive Oil: Butter gives rich creaminess, while olive oil helps with cooking at higher heat. You can swap olive oil for other neutral oils like avocado or vegetable oil.
Onion & Garlic: These build your flavor base. Yellow or sweet onions work best for that mild caramelized sweetness. Fresh garlic adds punch, but garlic powder can be a quick substitute.
Spices: Smoked paprika, chili powder, and cayenne give a mild smoky heat. Adjust cayenne to your spice comfort level or skip it if you prefer mild flavors.
Heavy Cream & Parmesan: Heavy cream makes the sauce smooth and rich. For a lighter option, try half-and-half, but the sauce will be less thick. Parmesan adds cheesy depth but Pecorino Romano can be a sharper alternative.
How Do You Sear Chicken Perfectly for This Dish?
Searing the chicken right makes a big flavor difference. Here’s how I do it:
- Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels to help them brown nicely.
- Season well with salt, pepper, and spices for even flavor.
- Heat the pan with a mix of olive oil and butter until hot but not smoking.
- Add chicken in a single layer without crowding—this helps get a golden crust.
- Let it cook undisturbed for about 3 minutes per side until browned, then remove chicken to avoid overcooking in the pan.
Taking your time here means more flavor and juicy chicken that stands up well in the creamy sauce.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large pot – for boiling the pasta perfectly al dente without sticking.
- Large skillet or sauté pan – ideal for searing chicken and making the butter sauce all in one pan.
- Tongs or slotted spoon – to easily turn and remove chicken pieces without losing sauce.
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula – great for stirring the sauce without scratching your pan.
- Colander – to drain the pasta quickly while reserving some pasta water for the sauce.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap chicken thighs for shrimp for a lighter, quicker-cooking seafood version.
- Add sautéed bell peppers or mushrooms for extra texture and a veggie boost.
- Stir in some crispy bacon or pancetta for smoky, salty crunch that pairs well with the creamy sauce.
- Use pepper jack or smoked cheddar instead of Parmesan for a sharper, bolder cheese flavor.
How to Make Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Pasta and Chicken:
- 12 oz linguine or fettuccine pasta
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
For The Seasonings and Sauce:
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- 1 tsp dried thyme or 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
- ½ tsp black pepper, freshly ground
- 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Sour cream or crème fraîche (optional, for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 20 minutes to cook, totaling roughly 30 minutes from start to finish. It’s a fairly quick and easy meal perfect for weeknights.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Pasta:
Fill a large pot with salted water and bring it to a boil. Add the linguine or fettuccine pasta and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Once done, drain the pasta, reserving about ½ cup of the cooking water, and set aside.
2. Searing the Chicken:
While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, chili powder, and cayenne pepper. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 5-6 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
3. Creating the Sauce:
In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the sliced onions and cook for 4-5 minutes until they soften and begin to caramelize. Add minced garlic and thyme, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Stir in the heavy cream and allow the sauce to simmer and thicken lightly for 3-4 minutes. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until it melts and the sauce is creamy.
4. Bringing It All Together:
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add the cooked pasta and toss everything together, using the reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce as needed. Make sure the pasta is fully coated in the buttery sauce and the chicken is evenly mixed in.
5. Serving:
Remove from heat and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley. Serve hot, optionally adding a dollop of sour cream or crème fraîche on the side for extra creaminess.
Enjoy your rich and tasty Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken thighs, but make sure to fully thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before cooking. Pat them dry to remove excess moisture for better searing.
Can I Substitute Heavy Cream?
If you want a lighter sauce, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce will be thinner and less rich. For a dairy-free option, use coconut cream for a different but delicious twist.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce if needed.
Can I Use Other Pasta Shapes?
Absolutely! While linguine or fettuccine work great, feel free to use penne, rigatoni, or your favorite pasta shape. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions.