Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta (penne or rotini)
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp chili powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 4 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Cook pasta in salted water until al dente; drain and set aside.
- Season chicken with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook chicken until browned and cooked through; remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant.
- Add chicken broth and simmer 2 minutes, scraping up browned bits.
- Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan, and lemon juice until smooth.
- Return chicken and pasta to the skillet; toss to coat evenly.
- Finish with parsley and serve hot.
Notes
- Add red pepper flakes for extra heat.
- Swap cream for half-and-half for a lighter sauce.
Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta is bold, buttery comfort food with a kick of smoky spice. Juicy, seasoned chicken is pan-seared until golden, then tossed with tender pasta in a rich cowboy butter–inspired sauce loaded with garlic, butter, herbs, and a hint of heat.
A splash of cream and Parmesan transforms the sauce into something silky and indulgent, while fresh lemon juice cuts through the richness for balance. Every bite is savory, slightly spicy, and deeply satisfying. This dish comes together quickly with simple ingredients, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you still want big flavor. It’s hearty without being heavy, endlessly customizable, and guaranteed to be a hit with anyone who loves buttery sauces and bold seasoning. Serve it straight from the skillet for an easy, crowd-pleasing dinner that feels indulgent and fun.
