Saddle up your taste buds, because we’re about to take you on a culinary journey to flavour town! If you’re tired of the same old weeknight pasta dishes, get ready to meet your new obsession. We’re talking about a recipe that’s bold, zesty, and unapologetically delicious: a creamy, dreamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta. It’s the kind of meal that makes you close your eyes and savour every single mouthful, a perfect harmony of rich butter, zesty lemon, aromatic garlic, and a gentle kick of spice, all wrapped around tender chicken and perfectly cooked pasta.

This isn’t just another chicken pasta recipe; it’s an experience. The magic lies in the “Cowboy Butter,” a phenomenal sauce that transforms simple ingredients into something truly spectacular. Imagine a velvety, creamy sauce infused with a vibrant mix of fresh herbs, Dijon mustard, and smoky paprika. It clings to every piece of chicken and every twist of pasta, ensuring that each bite is as exciting as the last. It’s the perfect fusion of comforting, hearty pasta and a sauce with a feisty, adventurous spirit.

So, who is this dish for? It’s for the busy home cook who wants to put something impressive on the table without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s for the family that craves comfort food with a little bit of a twist. And it’s definitely for anyone who believes that dinner should be anything but boring. Let’s get the apron on and rustle up some of the best chicken pasta you’ve ever had.

Recipe Overview

This Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta is a vibrant fusion dish that combines the zesty, herby, and spicy elements of American Cowboy Butter with the comforting creaminess of a classic Italian-style pasta. The flavour profile is complex yet perfectly balanced: rich from the butter and cream, bright from the lemon, pungent from the garlic, and warmed by a gentle, spicy heat. It’s a surprisingly straightforward recipe to put together, making it an ideal choice for a show-stopping weeknight meal or a casual weekend dinner with friends. Expect tender, juicy chicken and al dente pasta enveloped in a sauce that is simply unforgettable.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Servings: 4 people
• Difficulty: Easy

Why You’ll Love This Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta

• Incredible Flavour: The star of the show is the sauce. It’s a symphony of tastes – creamy, spicy, and garlicky with a bright, zesty finish from fresh lemon juice and zest. The combination of smoked paprika, cayenne, and fresh herbs like parsley and chives creates a depth of flavour that’s truly addictive.
• Quick & Easy: From start to finish, this dish comes together in under 40 minutes. The steps are simple and logical, making it perfect for those evenings when you want maximum flavour for minimum effort. If you enjoy quick and delicious pasta dishes, our Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe is another fantastic option.
• Versatile: This recipe is wonderfully adaptable. You can adjust the spice level, swap the chicken for prawns or even mushrooms for a vegetarian twist. Don’t have penne? Use fettuccine, fusilli, or any pasta you have on hand. It’s a great base for using up leftover herbs or vegetables.
• Perfect For: It’s robust enough for a hungry family dinner, yet elegant enough for a date night in. It’s the kind of comforting meal that’s perfect for a cosy night on the sofa or for impressing guests without any stress.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a good creamy chicken pasta? The unique, bold flavours of the Cowboy Butter sauce elevate this dish from a simple staple to a memorable meal that everyone will be asking you to make again and again.

Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta

⏱️ 15 min prep  •  🍳 30 min cook  •  👥 4 servings

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Ingredients You’ll Need

For the best possible flavour, we recommend using fresh herbs and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. The quality of these ingredients really shines through in the finished sauce. You’ll find everything you need at your local supermarket.

• For the Pasta and Chicken:
• 400g Penne or your favourite pasta shape
• 500g skinless, boneless chicken breasts (about 2 large), cut into bite-sized chunks
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• For the Cowboy Butter Sauce:
• 120g unsalted butter
• 6-8 cloves garlic, finely minced
• 1 medium shallot, finely chopped
• 60ml dry white wine or chicken stock
• 250ml double cream
• 50g Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ¼ – ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to your spice preference)
• 2 tablespoons fresh flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh chives, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (optional)
• Reserved pasta water, as needed

Pro Tip: Always reserve a cup of the starchy pasta water before draining your pasta. The starch helps to emulsify the sauce, making it extra creamy and helping it cling beautifully to the pasta. It’s a simple step that makes a world of difference.

How to Make Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta

This recipe comes together in a few simple stages. We’ll cook the pasta, sear the chicken to perfection, and then build our rich and flavourful sauce in the same pan to capture all those delicious browned bits.

1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente (usually around 10-12 minutes). Just before draining, reserve about 250ml (1 cup) of the starchy pasta water. Drain the pasta and set aside.
2. Prepare and Sear the Chicken: While the pasta is cooking, pat the chicken chunks dry with a paper towel and season generously with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed frying pan or skillet over a medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer (work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding) and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. This browning process, known as the Maillard reaction, is key to developing deep flavour. Remove the cooked chicken from the pan and set it aside on a plate.
3. Build the Flavour Base: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the butter to the same pan. Once it has melted and is foaming, add the finely chopped shallot and cook for 2 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.
4. Create the Sauce: Stir in the Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper, and cook for 30 seconds until the spices are fragrant. Pour in the white wine (or chicken stock) to deglaze the pan, scraping up any delicious browned bits from the bottom with a wooden spoon. Let it bubble and reduce by about half.
5. Make it Creamy: Reduce the heat to low and slowly pour in the double cream, stirring continuously. Let the sauce simmer gently for 2-3 minutes until it begins to thicken slightly. Do not let it come to a rolling boil.
6. Finish the Sauce: Remove the pan from the heat. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it’s completely melted and the sauce is smooth. Add the lemon juice, lemon zest, and all the fresh herbs (parsley, chives, and thyme, if using). Stir everything together and taste for seasoning, adding more salt and pepper if needed.
7. Combine and Serve: Return the cooked chicken to the pan with the sauce. Add the drained pasta and toss everything together until the pasta and chicken are thoroughly coated in the glorious, creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
8. Serve Immediately: Divide the Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta among four warm bowls. Garnish with an extra sprinkle of fresh parsley, chives, and a little more grated Parmesan, if you like.

Expert Tips for Perfect Results

• Temperature Matters: When you add the double cream, ensure your heat is on low. Boiling a cream-based sauce can cause it to split or curdle. A gentle, lazy simmer is all you need to thicken it perfectly.
• Don’t Skip Deglazing: The step where you add wine or stock to the pan is crucial. Those browned bits (or ‘fond’) left behind by the chicken are concentrated pockets of flavour. Scraping them up and incorporating them into the sauce is a non-negotiable step for a truly delicious result.
• Make It Ahead: While the final dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can get a head start. Chop all your vegetables and herbs in advance and store them in airtight containers in the fridge. You can also cut the chicken and have it ready to go. This turns a 40-minute recipe into a 25-minute one when you’re ready to cook.
• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, it’s best to do so gently on the hob with a splash of milk or chicken stock to loosen the sauce, as the pasta will absorb some of the liquid overnight.

Delicious Variations to Try

One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to customise. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Spicy Version: For those who love heat, add a finely chopped red chilli along with the garlic, or increase the amount of cayenne pepper. A pinch of red pepper flakes at the end also works beautifully.
• Vegetarian Option: Make this a stunning vegetarian meal by swapping the chicken for pan-fried mushrooms (chestnut or portobello work well) or roasted cauliflower florets. Use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock to keep it fully vegetarian.
• Low-Carb: Watching your carbs? The Cowboy Butter chicken and sauce is incredible served over courgette noodles (‘courgetti’), steamed broccoli, or cauliflower rice. For more inspiration, check out our popular Low Carb Chicken Casserole.

What to Serve With Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta

This dish is a complete meal in itself, but if you want to add a little something extra, here are a few perfect pairings:

• Crusty Garlic Bread: An absolute must for mopping up every last drop of that incredible creamy sauce.
• Simple Green Salad: A crisp salad with a sharp lemon vinaigrette will cut through the richness of the pasta and provide a lovely, fresh contrast.
• Steamed Green Beans: A side of tender-crisp green beans or asparagus, simply steamed and seasoned, adds a welcome touch of green.
• Beverage Pairing: A crisp, dry white wine like a Sauvignon Blanc or an unoaked Chardonnay pairs beautifully with the creamy, zesty sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta

A rich and creamy pasta dish featuring pan-seared chicken tossed in a flavourful garlic and herb butter sauce with a hint of spice.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• For the Pasta and Chicken:
• 400 g Penne or your favourite pasta shape
• 500 g skinless boneless chicken breasts (about 2 large), cut into bite-sized chunks
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• For the Cowboy Butter Sauce:
• 120 g unsalted butter
• 6-8 cloves garlic finely minced
• 1 medium shallot finely chopped
• 60 ml dry white wine or chicken stock
• 250 ml double cream
• 50 g Parmesan cheese freshly grated
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ¼ - ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper adjust to your spice preference
• 2 tablespoons fresh flat-leaf parsley finely chopped

Method

 

1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente (usually around 10-12 minutes). Just before draining, reserve about 250ml (1 cup) of the starchy pasta water. Drain the pasta and set aside.
2. Prepare and Sear the Chicken: While the pasta is cooking, pat the chicken chunks dry with a paper towel and season generously with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed frying pan or skillet over a medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer (work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding) and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. This browning process, known as the Maillard reaction, is key to developing deep flavour. Remove the cooked chicken from the pan and set it aside on a plate.
3. Build the Flavour Base: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the butter to the same pan. Once it has melted and is foaming, add the finely chopped shallot and cook for 2 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.
4. Create the Sauce: Stir in the Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper, and cook for 30 seconds until the spices are fragrant. Pour in the white wine (or chicken stock) to deglaze the pan, scraping up any delicious browned bits from the bottom with a wooden spoon. Let it bubble and reduce by about half.
5. Make it Creamy: Reduce the heat to low and slowly pour in the double cream, stirring continuously. Let the sauce simmer gently for 2-3 minutes until it begins to thicken slightly. Do not let it come to a rolling boil.
6. Finish the Sauce: Remove the pan from the heat. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it's completely melted and the sauce is smooth. Add the lemon juice, lemon zest, and all the fresh herbs (parsley, chives, and thyme, if using). Stir everything together and taste for seasoning, adding more salt and pepper if needed.
7. Combine and Serve: Return the cooked chicken to the pan with the sauce. Add the drained pasta and toss everything together until the pasta and chicken are thoroughly coated in the glorious, creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
8. Serve Immediately: Divide the Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta among four warm bowls. Garnish with an extra sprinkle of fresh parsley, chives, and a little more grated Parmesan, if you like.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce.

There you have it – a truly sensational Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta that is guaranteed to become a new favourite in your home. The rich, creamy, and spicy sauce is an absolute game-changer, turning a simple weeknight dinner into something truly special. It’s quick, easy, and packed with so much flavour you’ll be thinking about it long after the plates are clean. We urge you to give this recipe a try and discover its magic for yourself. We’d love to hear how you get on, so please drop a comment below and let us know what you think!