Bold Creamy Chicken Pasta

This hearty Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta has become my weeknight hero dish when I need something satisfying and flavorful without spending hours in the kitchen. The combination of tender chicken, al dente pasta, and that irresistible garlic butter sauce creates pure comfort food magic on your plate.

I created this dish during a particularly hectic week when I needed dinner on the table fast. My family devoured it so enthusiastically that it instantly earned a permanent spot in our meal rotation. The way the sauce clings to every bite makes this pasta feel indulgent even though it comes together so easily.

Ingredients

• 8 oz pasta: penne fusilli or spaghetti work beautifully for capturing the sauce
• 2 large chicken breasts: sliced into strips for quicker cooking and maximum flavor absorption
• 2 tablespoons olive oil: helps achieve that perfect golden sear on the chicken
• 1 tablespoon butter: forms the foundation of the cowboy butter flavor
• 4 cloves garlic: minced fresh garlic is non negotiable for authentic flavor
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: adds depth and subtle smokiness
• 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes: provides the perfect kick of heat adjust to your preference
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: creates a balanced herb profile
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: enhances all the flavors
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: freshly ground works best
• 1/2 cup chicken broth: forms the base of the sauce while adding savory notes
• 1/2 cup heavy cream: creates the luxurious texture that makes this dish special
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: use freshly grated for the smoothest sauce
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice: brightens everything and cuts through the richness
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley: adds color and a fresh finish

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cook the Pasta:

Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add your pasta of choice and cook until just al dente according to package directions usually 8 to 10 minutes. Be sure to reserve about 1/2 cup of the starchy pasta water before draining it will help create a silky sauce later if needed. Drain the pasta but do not rinse it the starch helps the sauce adhere.

Prepare the Chicken:

While the pasta cooks heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat until it shimmers. Season your chicken strips thoroughly with salt pepper smoked paprika and Italian seasoning making sure each piece is evenly coated. Add the chicken to the hot skillet in a single layer giving each piece room to sear properly. Cook for 6 to 7 minutes turning occasionally until the chicken is golden brown on the outside and reaches 165°F internally. The caramelization adds incredible flavor so don’t rush this step. Remove the chicken to a plate and tent with foil to keep warm.

Create the Cowboy Butter Base:

Using the same skillet reduce the heat to medium and add the tablespoon of butter allowing it to melt completely. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 to 2 minutes stirring constantly until the garlic becomes fragrant but doesn’t brown which would make it bitter. This aromatic base will infuse the entire sauce with flavor. If using add the chili flakes now to bloom their heat in the butter.

Develop the Sauce:

Pour the chicken broth into the skillet scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan these contain concentrated flavor. Allow the liquid to simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until it reduces slightly. The reduction intensifies the flavor and creates the foundation for a well developed sauce. Slowly stir in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer being careful not to boil which could cause the cream to separate. Add the grated Parmesan cheese in small batches stirring continuously until completely melted and incorporated. The sauce should coat the back of a spoon if it’s too thick add a splash of the reserved pasta water.

Bring Everything Together:

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet along with any accumulated juices and gently fold it into the sauce. Add the drained pasta and toss everything together ensuring each piece of pasta and chicken is coated in the luxurious sauce. If using add the lemon juice now and mix well it brightens the dish without overwhelming it. Let everything simmer together for 1 to 2 minutes allowing the flavors to meld. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Finish and Serve:

Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley. The vibrant green adds color contrast and a fresh herbaceous note that complements the rich sauce. Serve immediately in warmed bowls garnished with additional Parmesan if desired.

Save

The smoked paprika is truly the secret ingredient in this dish. I discovered its transformative power years ago when experimenting with ways to add depth to quick meals. The subtle smokiness it imparts makes this pasta taste like it simmered all day even though it comes together in minutes. My husband who claims to detect every shortcut in cooking was genuinely shocked at how complex the flavors were in such a quick preparation.

Make Ahead Options

This cowboy butter chicken pasta is perfect for busy weeknight planning. You can prepare several components ahead of time to streamline your cooking process. The chicken can be sliced and seasoned up to 24 hours in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. You can also measure and prep all the sauce ingredients and store them separately so they’re ready to go. If making the complete dish ahead of time store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating add a splash of cream or chicken broth to revive the sauce as it will thicken considerably when chilled.

Creative Variations

While this recipe is delicious as written its also incredibly adaptable to what you have on hand or your dietary preferences. For a lighter version substitute the heavy cream with half and half or even full fat coconut milk for a dairy free option with tropical notes. Vegetable lovers can add sautéed mushrooms bell peppers or fresh spinach folded in at the last minute. For seafood fans replace the chicken with large shrimp or even chunks of salmon which pair beautifully with the garlic butter sauce. You can also experiment with different herb combinations try fresh thyme rosemary or even a bit of sage for a more autumnal flavor profile.

Perfect Pairings

Complete your cowboy butter chicken pasta meal with thoughtfully chosen sides that complement without overwhelming. A simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the rich pasta. Garlic bread or crusty sourdough is perfect for soaking up extra sauce you won’t want to waste a drop. For beverages a crisp Pinot Grigio or unoaked Chardonnay balances the creaminess of the dish. If you prefer red wine reach for something with bright acidity like a Chianti or young Pinot Noir. For a non alcoholic option sparkling water with a squeeze of lemon refreshes the palate between bites of the flavorful pasta.

Save

Common Recipe Questions

→ Can I use a different protein instead of chicken?

Absolutely! This dish works wonderfully with shrimp, which will cook even faster than chicken (about 2-3 minutes per side). You could also use sliced steak, turkey cutlets, or for a vegetarian option, try adding mushrooms or plant-based chicken alternatives.

→ What makes this sauce 'cowboy butter'?

Cowboy butter is a flavor-packed compound butter that typically includes garlic, herbs, spices, and a touch of heat. This pasta dish incorporates those same bold flavors into a creamy sauce, with the smoky paprika, chili flakes, and garlic giving it that distinctive 'cowboy' kick that pairs perfectly with the richness of butter and cream.

→ How can I make this dish lighter?

To make a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half or whole milk for the heavy cream, though the sauce won't be quite as rich. You could also use less Parmesan cheese or opt for a low-fat version. Additionally, using whole wheat pasta adds fiber, and increasing the ratio of protein to pasta makes it more filling with fewer carbs.

→ What sides pair well with this pasta?

This hearty pasta pairs beautifully with a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette is perfect for soaking up extra sauce. Roasted vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts also complement the dish nicely for a complete meal.

→ Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! This pasta keeps well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or cream to revive the sauce, as it tends to thicken when chilled. For best results, reheat gently on the stovetop rather than in the microwave to prevent the sauce from separating.

→ How spicy is this dish?

As written, this dish has a mild to medium heat level from the chili flakes. However, you can easily adjust the spiciness to your preference by increasing the chili flakes for more heat or omitting them completely for a non-spicy version. The smoked paprika adds flavor without significant heat, so keep that even if you're sensitive to spice.