Name: Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: : Fusion (American-inspired comfort)
Ingredients: 12 oz (340 g) pasta (penne or fettuccine recommended); 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces; 4 tbsp (60 g) unsalted butter; 4 garlic cloves, minced; 1 medium onion, diced; 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream (or coconut milk); 1 cup (240 ml) low-sodium chicken broth; 1 cup (100 g) grated Parmesan cheese; 1 tbsp Italian seasoning; 1 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste); Salt and black pepper, to taste; Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)

Jump to Recipe

If comfort food and spice had a delicious baby, it would be this Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta. Creamy, garlicky, and with just the right kick, this spicy pasta dish is the weeknight dinner hero you didn’t know you needed.

You start with juicy bites of chicken, simmered in a buttery, herby, slightly spicy sauce that clings beautifully to pasta. The blend of red pepper flakes, garlic, and Parmesan cheese makes each forkful a total flavor bomb. And let’s be honest—anything with “cowboy butter” in the title just sounds like something worth dropping everything for.

Ready in just 30 minutes, this creamy chicken pasta recipe checks every box: quick, comforting, and crazy satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta

It’s creamy, spicy, and loaded with flavor.
You only need one skillet and one pot.
It’s a comfort food recipe you can whip up in 30 minutes.
Easy to customise with your favourite pasta and spice level.

Ingredients You’ll Need

12 oz (340 g) pasta (penne or fettuccine recommended)
1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
4 tbsp (60 g) unsalted butter
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 medium onion, diced
1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream (or coconut milk for a lighter option)
1 cup (240 ml) low-sodium chicken broth
1 cup (100 g) grated Parmesan cheese
1 tbsp Italian seasoning
1 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)

How to Make This Creamy Chicken Pasta

Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your pasta until al dente (8–10 minutes). Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
Sear the chicken: In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 6–8 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
Build the base: Add remaining butter to the same skillet. Sauté the garlic and onion for 3–4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
Make the sauce: Stir in Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, cream, and chicken broth. Let it simmer gently.
Cheesy goodness: Stir in Parmesan cheese and let it melt into the sauce until smooth and velvety.
Bring it all together: Return the cooked chicken to the pan. Add the pasta, tossing everything together. Use reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.
Finish and serve: Sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve piping hot.

Cooking Tips to Nail It Every Time

Use high-quality Parmesan for the best melt and flavor.
Don’t overcook the chicken—golden on the outside, juicy on the inside is the goal.
Adjust the spice: Red pepper flakes bring heat, so tweak to your taste.
Cream substitute: Coconut milk adds a subtle twist and keeps things lighter.

Where This Recipe Came From

This dish was inspired by a cowboy butter sauce I made years ago for steak nights. One evening, I decided to toss those same flavors into pasta with chicken, and wow—magic happened. It’s now my go-to when I need to impress without the stress.

My family loves the mix of creamy and spicy, and I love how it turns simple ingredients into something truly unforgettable. If pasta is your love language, this one’s for you.

What to Serve with Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta

This spicy pasta dish stands strong on its own, but a few sides can round things out beautifully:

Garlic bread or buttery dinner rolls
A crisp side salad with ranch or vinaigrette
Roasted green beans or asparagus
Sparkling lemonade or a cold beer

Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or casual weekend gathering, this dish plays well with others.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of cream or broth to revive the sauce.
Freezing isn’t ideal because of the cream, but leftovers are great for next-day lunches.

The flavors deepen overnight, making it even better the second time around.

FAQs About This Comfort Food Recipe

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes! Rotisserie chicken works great. Just add it during the sauce step to warm through.

Is this really spicy?

Not too much. The red pepper flakes add warmth, but you can scale up or down easily.

Can I make it dairy-free?

Yes! Use coconut milk and a dairy-free cheese substitute.

What’s the best pasta to use?

Penne and fettuccine are best, but any pasta that holds sauce will work.

Turn Up the Flavour with Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta

If you’re craving something bold, creamy, and downright delicious, this Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta has your name all over it. It’s easy enough for a Tuesday, but tasty enough for guests.

So grab a fork and dig in—because this spicy comfort food recipe is pure pasta bliss.

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