Ultimate Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta: One Pan Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Dinner
Ultimate Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta: One Pan Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Dinner
This Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta is the ultimate weeknight dinner solution that combines tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and an irresistible creamy garlic butter sauce—all made in one pan! With just 30 minutes from start to finish, this family-friendly recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor without the hassle of multiple pots and pans. The bold cowboy butter sauce features garlic, herbs, and a touch of spice that transforms simple ingredients into a comforting meal everyone will love.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season cubed chicken with salt and pepper, then cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce Base
In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, oregano, and thyme, cooking for another 30 seconds to bloom the spices.
Step 3: Cook Pasta in Sauce
Add chicken broth and heavy cream to the skillet, stirring to combine. Bring to a simmer, then add the uncooked pasta. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is al dente and sauce has thickened.
Step 4: Combine and Finish
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet along with grated parmesan cheese. Stir until cheese is melted and everything is well combined. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Expert Tips
- For extra flavor, use chicken thighs instead of breasts—they stay juicier during cooking
- If you prefer more vegetables, add sliced bell peppers or mushrooms when cooking the garlic
- Make it spicy by increasing red pepper flakes to 1 teaspoon
- Use whole wheat pasta for a healthier option—it pairs perfectly with the rich butter sauce
- This garlic parmesan chicken pasta recipe offers another delicious one-pan option for busy weeknights
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different pasta shapes?
Absolutely! This recipe works well with any short pasta like fusilli, rigatoni, or farfalle. Just adjust cooking time slightly based on the pasta shape’s recommended cooking time.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of chicken broth to refresh the sauce.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes! Use dairy-free butter and replace heavy cream with coconut cream. Omit the parmesan cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.
What makes it “cowboy” butter?
The “cowboy” refers to the bold flavor profile with garlic, herbs, and spice—similar to classic cowboy butter served with steak. This Cajun chicken spaghetti recipe has a similar bold flavor profile perfect for spice lovers.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, but you’ll need a very large skillet or consider using a Dutch oven. This Tuscan salmon pasta recipe shows how well one-pan dinners scale up for larger gatherings.
Ultimate Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta: One Pan Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Dinner
Ingredients
Method
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season cubed chicken with salt and pepper, then cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, oregano, and thyme, cooking for another 30 seconds to bloom the spices.
- Add chicken broth and heavy cream to the skillet, stirring to combine. Bring to a simmer, then add the uncooked pasta. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is al dente and sauce has thickened.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet along with grated parmesan cheese. Stir until cheese is melted and everything is well combined. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
