Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta Recipe: Easy, Creamy and Flavorful

Delicious Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta served in a bowl with herbs
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Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta Recipe: Easy, Creamy and Flavorful — On a crisp fall evening, the scent of browned butter and roasted garlic feels like a warm blanket. I remember stirring a pan of this pasta while leaves fell outside the kitchen window, and everyone in the house paused their busy evening to tuck into a bowl. If you love cozy, comforting meals with a hint of rustic charm, you’ll find this dish becomes a seasonal favorite. For another bright, buttery chicken pasta idea with veggies, you might enjoy this twist on Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken & Broccoli: Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken & Broccoli.

Ingredients for Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta Recipe: Easy, Creamy and Flavorful
This Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta Recipe: Easy, Creamy and Flavorful brings together rich butter, tender chicken, and silky pasta for a weeknight winner. Gather:

  • 12 oz pasta (linguine, fettuccine, or your favorite)
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (optional)
  • 1 lemon, zested and juiced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup chicken stock
  • 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
  • Optional: red pepper flakes for heat, roasted mushrooms, or baby spinach

Step-by-Step Instructions for Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta Recipe: Easy, Creamy and Flavorful
Follow these steps to make the Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta Recipe: Easy, Creamy and Flavorful with confidence. Prep and cook in about 30–40 minutes.

  1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta until al dente according to package directions. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.
  2. Sear the chicken: While pasta cooks, season chicken with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, warm 1 tablespoon olive oil and 2 tablespoons butter. Sear chicken pieces until golden and cooked through, 4–6 minutes. Remove and set aside.
  3. Build the sauce: In the same skillet, lower heat to medium and add remaining butter and oil. Sauté onion until translucent, about 4 minutes. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in chili powder if using.
  4. Deglaze and simmer: Pour in chicken stock and lemon juice, scraping up brown bits. Add heavy cream and Parmesan; stir until smooth and slightly thickened, 2–3 minutes.
  5. Finish the dish: Return chicken to the pan, add pasta and lemon zest, and toss to coat. If the sauce seems thick, loosen with reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of parsley.
  6. Serve warm: Garnish with extra Parmesan and a pinch of red pepper flakes if desired.

Tips for Success with Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta Recipe: Easy, Creamy and Flavorful

  • Don’t overcook the chicken: Sear until just done; it will keep tenderness in the sauce. For other comforting chicken ideas that are great for busy nights, see these best creamy chicken recipes for your slow cooker.
  • Use real butter: The browned butter flavor is central; use unsalted butter so you can control salt.
  • Reserve pasta water: The starchy water helps the sauce cling to the noodles and thins it without watering down the flavor.
  • Adjust lemon and spice: The balance of tang and smokiness can be tailored—add more lemon for brightness or a pinch of smoked paprika for depth.
  • Add seasonal vegetables: Roasted squash or mushrooms are lovely fall additions and pair beautifully with the sauce; try pairing this approach with a sweet-salty play like a simple chicken and peaches recipe for seasonal sides.

Variations on Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta Recipe: Easy, Creamy and Flavorful

  • Gluten-free: Swap in gluten-free pasta and use a gluten-free stock. The texture will still be rich and satisfying.
  • Lighter version: Replace half the cream with plain yogurt stirred in off heat for tang and reduced fat.
  • Streusel topping (seasonal twist): For a surprising sweet-savory crunch, mix 1/3 cup flour, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 2 tablespoons cold butter, and a pinch of cinnamon; bake small clusters until golden and sprinkle on individual bowls for a fall-inspired contrast.
  • Cold pasta salad: Transform leftovers into a chilled dish by tossing with a touch more lemon and olive oil—try flavors inspired by a chicken Caesar pasta salad for a picnic-ready meal.

Storage Recommendations for Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta Recipe: Easy, Creamy and Flavorful

  • Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of chicken stock or cream to revive the sauce.
  • Freeze: You can freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months, but textures of cream-based sauces change slightly—thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
  • Reheating tips: For best texture, heat on low with added liquid and stir frequently. For creative reuse, shred the chicken into bowls of ramen or broth for a comforting twist—similar reheating ideas are shown in this creamy garlic chicken ramen inspiration.

If you’re new to this flavor combo, the Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta Recipe: Easy, Creamy and Flavorful is forgiving and flexible—perfect for home cooks who love seasonal warmth with minimal fuss.

Conclusion

This Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta Recipe: Easy, Creamy and Flavorful is a cozy, crowd-pleasing dish that fits perfectly into fall weeknights and weekend gatherings alike. For another take on cowboy butter with linguine and simple pantry ingredients, check out this related recipe: Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine – I Am Homesteader.

FAQs

  1. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
    Yes — simply use your favorite gluten-free pasta and ensure your chicken stock and any added ingredients are gluten-free. The sauce keeps the same creamy character.

  2. How long does Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta keep in the fridge?
    Stored properly in an airtight container, it keeps for 3–4 days. Reheat gently with a splash of stock or cream to refresh the sauce.

  3. Can I use store-bought cowboy butter?
    Yes, a pre-made cowboy butter blend will work; taste and adjust lemon, salt, and cream accordingly to maintain balance.

  4. What pasta shapes pair best with this dish?
    Long noodles like linguine and fettuccine work beautifully, but short shapes like penne or rotini are great if you prefer fork-friendly bites.

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Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta Recipe Easy Creamy A 2026 02 23 130541 1

Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta

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  • Author: mateo
  • Total Time: 45
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Diet: Gluten-Free Option Available
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Description

A cozy, creamy pasta dish featuring chicken, browned butter, and seasonal flavors, perfect for fall evenings.

Ingredients

  • 12 oz pasta (linguine, fettuccine, or your favorite)
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (optional)
  • 1 lemon, zested and juiced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup chicken stock
  • 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
  • Optional: red pepper flakes for heat, roasted mushrooms, or baby spinach

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta until al dente according to package directions. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.
  2. Sear the chicken: While pasta cooks, season chicken with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, warm 1 tablespoon olive oil and 2 tablespoons butter. Sear chicken pieces until golden and cooked through, 4–6 minutes. Remove and set aside.
  3. Build the sauce: In the same skillet, lower heat to medium and add remaining butter and oil. Sauté onion until translucent, about 4 minutes. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in chili powder if using.
  4. Deglaze and simmer: Pour in chicken stock and lemon juice, scraping up brown bits. Add heavy cream and Parmesan; stir until smooth and slightly thickened, 2–3 minutes.
  5. Finish the dish: Return chicken to the pan, add pasta and lemon zest, and toss to coat. If the sauce seems thick, loosen with reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of parsley.
  6. Serve warm: Garnish with extra Parmesan and a pinch of red pepper flakes if desired.

Notes

Don’t overcook the chicken for tenderness. Use real butter for authentic flavor. Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency.

  • Prep Time: 15
  • Cook Time: 30
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Searing
  • Cuisine: American

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