Print

Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta

Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta
Print Recipe

Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta is a creamy, spicy, and comforting one-pot dish combining tender chicken, a rich buttery sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta. Ready in under 30 minutes, it balances bold smoky flavors with indulgent creaminess, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or casual entertaining. This versatile recipe can be adapted for different diets and preferences, delivering a hearty and satisfying meal that’s both rustic and gourmet.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 1 lb chicken breasts or thighs, diced
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, plus more for seasoning
  • 1 tbsp cooking oil

Butter Sauce

  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter, at room temperature
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1/4 to 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper or sliced jalapeños (optional, for extra heat)
  • 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Pasta & Garnish

  • 8 oz penne or fusilli pasta
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • Extra Parmesan cheese, for topping (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Dice chicken breasts or thighs into bite-sized pieces. Season lightly with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Heat oil in a pan over medium-high heat and sauté chicken until golden and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
  2. Build the Butter Sauce: In the same pan, add butter and melt over medium heat. Add minced garlic and chopped onions and sauté until fragrant and translucent. Stir in smoked paprika, chili powder, and optional cayenne or jalapeños to toast the spices and develop the signature smoky, spicy flavor.
  3. Add Cream and Cheese: Slowly pour in heavy cream or half-and-half while stirring constantly. Let the sauce simmer gently until it thickens. Stir in freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
  4. Cook the Pasta: Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining the pasta.
  5. Combine Everything: Return the cooked chicken to the pan with the butter sauce. Add drained pasta and toss to combine. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until desired consistency is reached. Ensure everything is coated evenly.
  6. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley and extra Parmesan shavings. Serve immediately while hot and enjoy the rich, spicy, buttery flavors.

Notes

  • Use Fresh Spices: Freshly ground paprika and chili powder enhance flavor more than pre-ground.
  • Don’t Overcook Chicken: Cook chicken just until done to keep it juicy and tender.
  • Reserve Pasta Water: Helps loosen the sauce and improves adhesion to pasta.
  • Butter at Room Temperature: Melts more evenly, ensuring a smooth sauce.
  • Adjust Spice Levels: Start with less heat and add more to taste.

Nutrition

Keywords: cowboy butter chicken pasta, creamy chicken pasta, spicy chicken pasta, one-pot pasta, quick dinner, comfort food, easy pasta recipe

Find it online: https://marysplate.com/cowboy-butter-chicken-pasta/