Dinner

Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta Recipe

Byluca Carter February 9, 2026February 9, 2026

Introduction

Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta is a creamy, flavorful dish that’s quick and easy to make. Combining tender chicken with a rich buttery sauce and al dente pasta, it’s perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.

The image shows a close-up of creamy pasta with a rich orange sauce, topped with grilled shrimp that have a golden-brown color and slight char marks. The pasta is flat and wide, sauced evenly with a thick, smooth texture. Small green herbs are sprinkled over the dish, adding a fresh look. A slice of lime sits in the background, adding a touch of bright green. The dish is served in a simple white bowl on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

12 ounces pasta of your choice (e.g., penne or fettuccine)
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces

4 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced

1 medium onion, diced
1 cup heavy cream (or coconut milk for a lighter option)

1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning

1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
Step 2: In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 6-8 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside.
Step 3: Add the remaining butter to the skillet. Sauté the minced garlic and diced onion until translucent, about 3-4 minutes, to infuse the butter with flavor.

Step 4: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Stir in the Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes. Let the sauce simmer gently for 5 minutes until slightly thickened. If the sauce thickens too much, add some reserved pasta water to loosen it.
Step 5: Return the cooked chicken and drained pasta to the skillet. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Toss everything together so the pasta and chicken are coated in the creamy sauce. Cook for another 2 minutes to meld the flavors.
Step 6: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top and let it melt into the dish. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, and serve warm.

Tips & Variations

For extra richness, add a splash of white wine to the sauce before simmering.
Swap heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk for a dairy-free version.
Add sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers for more vegetable variety.

Adjust red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level or omit for a milder taste.

Storage

Store leftover Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or pasta water to loosen the sauce if it thickens upon cooling.

How to Serve

A close-up of a white plate filled with creamy pasta covered in grilled shrimp. The pasta has a smooth, light orange sauce that looks rich and thick, with bits of green herbs sprinkled all over. The shrimp are golden brown and placed on top, showing grill marks and a slightly crispy texture. In the background, there is a slice of lime adding a fresh touch to the dish. The whole scene is set on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?

Yes, this dish works well with most pasta types such as penne, fettuccine, rotini, or even spaghetti. Choose your favorite shape and cook it al dente.