Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta is a hearty dish that brings together tender chicken, rich buttery sauce, and pasta all in one bowl. The butter sauce is packed with garlic and spices, giving every bite a bold, comforting flavor that pairs so well with the juicy chicken pieces and perfectly cooked noodles.
I love how this dish feels like a little celebration on a plate—it’s simple enough to make any night but special enough to impress family or friends. The buttery sauce melts into the pasta and chicken just right, and I find that using fresh parsley or a sprinkle of cheese on top really brightens up the flavors. I often make extra sauce because I can’t resist dipping bread into it!
Serving this Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta warm with a side of steamed veggies or a crisp salad makes it a full meal that satisfies without fuss. It’s one of those recipes I turn to when I want comfort food that’s quick but still feels homemade and filling. Plus, it’s easy to customize by adding your favorite peppers or spices to make it your own.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rotini Pasta: This pasta shape holds sauce well thanks to its spirals. You can swap for fusilli, penne, or even rigatoni if you prefer. Whole wheat pasta works for a healthier twist, too.
Chicken Breasts: Boneless and skinless chicken breasts cook quickly and stay tender. You can use thighs for juicier, more flavorful meat, just adjust cooking time slightly.
Butter: Butter is the star here, giving richness and flavor. Use unsalted butter to control salt levels. For a dairy-free option, try olive oil or a plant-based butter.
Spices (Smoked Paprika, Chili Powder, Cayenne): These add mild heat and smoky depth. If you want less heat, reduce or skip cayenne. You could add cumin or chipotle powder for a different smoky note.
Chicken Broth and Heavy Cream: They create the creamy sauce. Low-sodium broth helps control saltiness. For a lighter sauce, substitute half the cream with milk or a non-dairy milk like oat milk.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds sharp, salty flavor and helps thicken the sauce. You can swap with Pecorino Romano or a vegan cheese alternative.
How Can You Make Sure the Chicken is Tender and Full of Flavor?
Cooking the chicken just right keeps it juicy and tasty. Here’s how I do it:
- Cut the chicken into uniform pieces so they cook evenly.
- Season thoroughly before cooking to build flavor throughout the meat.
- Cook chicken over medium-high heat so it browns nicely—this adds great texture and taste.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if needed to avoid steaming the chicken.
- Remove the chicken when it’s just cooked through (internal temp of 165°F) so it stays tender and not dry.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large pot – for boiling the pasta easily without crowding.
- Large skillet or frying pan – perfect for cooking and browning chicken evenly.
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula – great for stirring sauce without scratching your pan.
- Colander – to drain the pasta quickly and safely.
- Measuring cups and spoons – to keep the seasoning and sauce quantities just right.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap chicken for shrimp or sausage for different protein flavors that cook quickly and add variety.
- Add sautéed bell peppers or mushrooms to boost texture and add natural sweetness.
- Use smoked cheddar instead of Parmesan for a sharper, smokier taste.
- Mix in a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra heat if you like your dishes spicy.
How to Make Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta and Chicken:
- 12 oz rotini pasta
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
For the Cowboy Butter Sauce:
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
For Garnish:
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish takes about 25-30 minutes total. You’ll spend around 10 minutes preparing and cooking pasta and chicken, plus 10-15 minutes making the flavorful cowboy butter sauce and combining everything. It’s a quick, delicious dinner option!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rotini pasta according to the package instructions until just al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside while you prepare the chicken and sauce.
2. Season and Cook the Chicken:
While the pasta is cooking, season the chicken pieces with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, chili powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper. In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook it until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
3. Make the Cowboy Butter Sauce:
In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pan to loosen any browned bits. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes.
Reduce the heat to medium-low, stir in the heavy cream, and let the sauce thicken for about 3-4 minutes. Then stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
4. Combine and Serve:
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, tossing it in the sauce to coat. Add the drained pasta and mix everything well so the pasta is evenly covered with the buttery sauce and chicken. Serve the pasta hot, topped with fresh chopped parsley for a bright finish.
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes! Just make sure to fully thaw the chicken in the refrigerator overnight before cooking. Pat it dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps it brown nicely.
Can I Substitute Heavy Cream with a Lighter Option?
Absolutely. You can use half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter sauce, but the texture will be thinner and less rich. To help thicken it, try adding a small amount of flour or cornstarch slurry while simmering.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or cream if the sauce becomes too thick.
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Yes! Use gluten-free pasta instead of rotini, and ensure your chicken broth is gluten-free. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making it an easy swap.
