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Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta

A creamy, one-pan pasta dish featuring tender chicken and a rich buttery sauce that's quick to prepare and family-approved.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 650

Ingredients
  

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

Method
 

Cooking the Pasta
  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 (typically 8-10 minutes). Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, drain, and set aside.
Sautéing the Chicken
  1. In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the chicken and season with salt and pepper. Cook for about 6-8 minutes until golden brown. Remove from skillet and set aside.
Making the Sauce
  1. In the same skillet, add the remaining butter and sauté the garlic and onion until translucent (about 3-4 minutes).
  2. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Add Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes. Simmer for about 5 minutes until slightly thickened. Adjust the consistency with reserved pasta water if necessary.
Combining Ingredients
  1. Return the chicken and pasta to the skillet, adjusting seasoning with salt and pepper. Toss to coat and cook for another 2 minutes.
Serving the Dish
  1. Sprinkle grated Parmesan over the top and let it melt. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

This dish can be easily customized with added vegetables or different proteins. Store leftovers in the fridge for 3-4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, add a splash of chicken broth.