Description
This Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta is creamy, buttery, and packed with flavor—perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or cozy night in. Tender chicken, velvety sauce, and perfectly seasoned pasta come together in just 30 minutes, making it both indulgent and approachable.
Ingredients
12 oz pasta (penne or fettuccine)
2 large chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
4 tbsp butter
1 tbsp olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup chicken broth
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tsp Italian seasoning
¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Salt & pepper, to taste
Instructions
Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente; drain, reserving ½ cup pasta water.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil and sauté chicken with salt and pepper until golden and fully cooked.
Push chicken aside; add butter, garlic, and onion. Sauté until fragrant and slightly softened.
Stir in heavy cream, chicken broth, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes; simmer 2–3 minutes until sauce thickens.
Add cooked pasta and toss until coated; use reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
Remove from heat, sprinkle with fresh parsley, adjust seasoning, and serve warm.
Notes
Adjust spice by omitting or increasing red pepper flakes.
Swap chicken for shrimp, salmon, tofu, or vegetables.
Make a vegetarian version with sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers.
Gluten-free pasta works; cooking times may vary.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat gently with cream or broth.
Sauce can be made ahead and reheated before adding freshly cooked pasta
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner / Pasta
- Method: Sauté & Boil
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 560 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 610 mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 16 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 29 g
- Cholesterol: 115 mg
Keywords: Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta, creamy chicken pasta, quick dinner recipe, buttery pasta recipe