Go Back
–+ servings
A close-up of a bowl filled with cowboy butter chicken pasta, garnished with fresh parsley.

Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta

A creamy, one-pan pasta dish with tender chicken and rich cowboy butter sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Course: dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 620
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
For the Pasta
  • 8 oz penne pasta
For the Cowboy Butter Sauce
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • Wooden spoon

Method
 

  1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  2. Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken until golden and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the garlic, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
  5. Add the cooked pasta and chicken back to the skillet. Toss to coat in the sauce. Cook for 1-2 minutes until heated through.
  6. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 620kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 35gFat: 34gSaturated Fat: 18gCholesterol: 155mgSodium: 850mgPotassium: 480mgFiber: 2gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 25IUVitamin C: 4mgCalcium: 15mgIron: 10mg

Notes

For extra flavor, add a squeeze of lemon juice or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes before serving.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!