Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta: Easy Creamy Weeknight Dinner Recipe
Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta: Easy Creamy Weeknight Dinner Recipe
This cowboy butter chicken pasta brings big flavor to your weeknight dinner routine! Creamy, garlicky, and slightly spicy, this one-pan wonder combines tender chicken and pasta in a rich butter sauce that’s ready in under 30 minutes. It’s the perfect comforting meal the whole family will love.
If you enjoy creamy pasta dishes, you’ll love this creamy chicken pasta with sun-dried tomatoes for another weeknight favorite.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 8 oz pasta of choice (penne, fettuccine, or rotini work well)
- 4 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
Start by cooking your pasta according to package directions. While the pasta cooks, prepare the chicken and sauce components.
In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and season with salt and pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
Reduce heat to medium and add remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in Cajun seasoning, paprika, and red pepper flakes if using.
Pour in chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Add the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet along with the drained pasta.
Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and sauce has thickened slightly. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Expert Tips
For best results, pat the chicken dry before cooking to ensure it browns nicely. The Cajun seasoning can be adjusted to your preferred spice level – start with less if you’re sensitive to heat. For a creamier sauce, add a splash more heavy cream.
This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables. If you’re looking for more one-pan dinner inspiration, check out this easy chicken and rice recipe or try this creamy Mexican chicken for flavor variety.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different pasta shapes?
Absolutely! Any pasta shape will work – shorter shapes like penne or farfalle hold the sauce particularly well.
How can I make this dish less spicy?
Simply omit the red pepper flakes and use a mild Cajun seasoning blend. You can also reduce the amount of seasoning used.
Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Yes, this dish reheats well. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days and reheat gently on the stove with a splash of broth or cream to refresh the sauce.
For more delicious chicken dinners, explore our collection including this one-pot chicken and rice or try this creamy sun-dried tomato pasta for another delightful option.
Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta: Easy Creamy Weeknight Dinner Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- Cook pasta according to package directions
- Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in large skillet over medium-high heat
- Add chicken pieces seasoned with salt and pepper, cook 5-7 minutes until golden brown
- Remove chicken from skillet and set aside
- Reduce heat to medium, add remaining 2 tablespoons butter
- Add minced garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant
- Stir in Cajun seasoning, paprika, and red pepper flakes
- Pour in chicken broth and scrape up browned bits from pan
- Add heavy cream and bring to gentle simmer
- Return cooked chicken and drained pasta to skillet
- Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and sauce thickens
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately
