If you love pasta dishes with rich flavor and a little cowboy kick, then Cowboy Butter Chicken Pastaa is your new go-to comfort meal. This creamy, garlicky, herb-packed chicken pasta is taking over kitchens for good reason. It combines the savory sear of seasoned chicken with a silky cowboy butter sauce that wraps every bite of pasta in buttery bliss. Whether you’re cooking for your family or treating yourself to something indulgent, this Cowboy Butter Chicken Pastaa brings big flavor with minimal fuss—and it’s totally beginner-friendly.
Why You’ll Love This Cowboy Butter Chicken Pastaa Recipe
- Big Flavor, Simple Prep: Made with easy pantry staples but tastes gourmet.
- Ready in Under 30 Minutes: Quick enough for weeknights, delicious enough for weekends.
- Customizable Heat: Add more chili flakes for spice or keep it mild for all ages.
- Comfort Food Goals: Creamy, buttery, garlicky pasta—what’s not to love?
- Perfect for Leftovers: Tastes even better the next day when the flavors soak in.
Ingredients Needed for Perfect Cowboy Butter Chicken Pastaa
Here are the hero ingredients that make this dish unforgettable:
- Chicken Breast: The protein star, seared until golden and juicy to soak up all that cowboy butter.
- Rotini Pasta: Twists of pasta that trap every bit of that luscious sauce.
- Butter: The base of the cowboy sauce—rich, smooth, and indulgent.
- Garlic: Infuses the sauce with bold, aromatic flavor.
- Dijon Mustard & Lemon Juice: Adds tangy depth and balances the richness.
- Fresh Herbs (Parsley, Thyme, Rosemary): Bring brightness and fresh flavor to every bite.
- Red Pepper Flakes: Optional but ideal for a subtle cowboy-style kick.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Cowboy Butter Chicken Pastaa
1. Cook the pasta
Boil salted water and cook rotini pasta until al dente. Drain and reserve ½ cup pasta water for later.
2. Season and sear the chicken
Toss diced chicken breast with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Sear in olive oil over medium-high heat until golden and fully cooked. Remove from skillet.
3. Make the cowboy butter sauce
In the same skillet, melt butter. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Stir in Dijon mustard, lemon juice, herbs, paprika, and red pepper flakes. Let simmer for 2 minutes.
4. Combine chicken and sauce
Return chicken to the skillet. Toss to coat in the cowboy butter sauce.
5. Add pasta
Add the cooked pasta and a splash of pasta water to loosen the sauce. Toss everything together until fully coated.
6. Serve and garnish
Top with extra parsley or a squeeze of lemon for freshness. Serve warm and enjoy!
Expert Tip: Use cast iron or stainless steel for the best sear on the chicken—it locks in flavor and caramelizes beautifully.
Recipe Tips & Variations
- Make it spicy: Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
- Try different proteins: Swap chicken for shrimp, steak strips, or even tofu.
- Go gluten-free: Use gluten-free rotini without sacrificing taste or texture.
- Add veggies: Spinach, roasted bell peppers, or mushrooms go great with the sauce.
How to Store & Reheat
Storage:
Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Reheating:
Warm in a skillet over low heat with a splash of milk or cream to revive the sauce. Or microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
Similar Recipes You’ll Love
If you’re all about rich, satisfying meals like this Cowboy Butter Chicken Pastaa, you’ll definitely want to try these comforting favorites next:
- Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Ricotta Alfredo Pasta – A creamy, garlicky twist on classic Alfredo that’s pure indulgence.
- Chicken Cacciatore – A rustic Italian-inspired chicken dish simmered in savory tomato sauce and herbs.
- Apple Crisp Recipe – End your meal with this warm, buttery dessert topped with a golden oat crumble.
These dishes are just as comforting, flavorful, and easy to make—perfect for any night of the week!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is cowboy butter made of?
Cowboy butter is a rich, savory blend of butter, garlic, herbs, mustard, lemon, and spices. It’s used as a sauce, dip, or spread.
Can I make Cowboy Butter Chicken Pastaa ahead of time?
Yes! It reheats beautifully. Prepare and store it in the fridge, then reheat gently with a splash of liquid to loosen the sauce.
What pasta works best with cowboy butter sauce?
Rotini, penne, or fusilli are great as they hold the sauce well, but any pasta will work.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes! Just reduce or omit the red pepper flakes to keep it mild for little ones.
This Cowboy Butter Chicken Pastaa is a bold, buttery twist on traditional pasta dishes. It’s quick, full of flavor, and endlessly satisfying. Whether you’re wrangling a busy weeknight or simply craving comfort food, this recipe is a guaranteed hit. Give it a try, and don’t forget to share your creation or tag us online—we’d love to see your take on it!
Cowboy Butter Chicken Pastaa
Ingredients
- – 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast cubed
- – 8 oz rotini pasta
- – 1 tbsp olive oil
- – 6 tbsp unsalted butter
- – 4 garlic cloves minced
- – 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- – 1 tsp lemon juice
- – ½ tsp red pepper flakes optional
- – 1 tsp smoked paprika
- – ½ tsp garlic powder
- – ½ tsp onion powder
- – Salt and pepper to taste
- – 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- – ½ tsp thyme
- – ½ tsp rosemary
- – ¼ cup grated Parmesan optional
- – ½ cup reserved pasta water as needed
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta until al dente. Drain and reserve ½ cup pasta water.
- Season chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken and sear until browned and cooked through. Remove from skillet.
- In the same skillet, melt butter. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Stir in mustard, lemon juice, red pepper flakes, parsley, thyme, rosemary, and adjust seasoning. Let simmer 1–2 minutes.
- Return chicken to skillet and stir to coat in cowboy butter sauce.
- Add pasta and reserved water as needed. Toss to coat.
- Sprinkle with Parmesan (optional) and more parsley. Serve hot.
Notes
– Swap rotini for penne or fettuccine.
– Tastes even better the next day—perfect for meal prep.
– For a dairy-free version, use vegan butter and skip Parmesan.