If you’re craving a dinner that feels like a warm, comforting hug after a long day, you’ve got to try this Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta. This dish perfectly balances tender, juicy chicken breasts with a silky, buttery sauce that clings lovingly to every strand of pasta. The blend of garlic, Italian seasoning, and a hint of rich cream makes it a crowd-pleaser that’s just as satisfying on a weeknight as it is for special occasions. Trust me, once you make this Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta, it’s going to become a fast favorite in your meal rotation.

Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe uses a handful of simple, wholesome ingredients that come together to create bold flavors and comforting textures. Each element plays a vital role, from the juicy chicken adding meaty richness to the creamy sauce bringing luxurious coating and mouthfeel, and the Italian seasoning delivering that perfect herby punch.

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs): Choose uniform thickness breasts to ensure even cooking and succulence.
8 oz fettuccine or penne pasta: Pick pasta shapes that hold sauce well; both fettuccine and penne are fantastic options.
3 tbsp unsalted butter: The star fat that helps build a rich backbone for the sauce without overpowering flavors.
1 cup heavy cream: Adds velvety smoothness and depth, turning simple sauce into indulgent perfection.
4 cloves fresh garlic, minced: Fresh garlic infuses a punch of fragrance and savory notes essential for this dish.
2 tsp Italian seasoning: A classic herb blend providing that signature Southwest-inspired cowboy flair.
Salt and pepper to taste: Seasoning is key for balancing and elevating the final flavor.

How to Make Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add your pasta and cook it until it’s just al dente. This ensures the pasta has the perfect bite to hold up against the rich sauce later. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside so it’s ready to mingle with the sauce and chicken.

Step 2: Sauté the Chicken

Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a skillet over medium heat. While it’s melting, season your chicken breasts generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Place them in the hot butter and cook each side for about 6 to 7 minutes, until beautifully golden and cooked through. Once cooked, remove from the pan and let the chicken rest; this helps keep it juicy and tender.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

Using the same skillet, melt the remaining tablespoon of butter. Toss in your minced garlic and sauté just until it releases that irresistible fragrant aroma. Slowly pour in the heavy cream, stirring continuously, and let the sauce gently thicken as it simmers. This step is crucial because that cream sauce is the hallmark of the Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Slice the rested chicken into bite-sized pieces, then return those to the skillet with your creamy sauce. Add in the drained pasta and toss everything together, making sure every piece is luxuriously coated. This melding moment is where all your ingredients come together in perfect harmony.

Step 5: Serve

Dish out generous portions of the piping-hot Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta onto plates. Feel free to sprinkle with a little extra Italian seasoning or even some plant-based cheese to add another layer of yum. Now get ready to dig into that warm, buttery goodness!

How to Serve Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or basil brightens the dish and adds a fresh aroma. A dash of extra Italian seasoning or a light dusting of Parmesan (or vegan cheese) offers a salty final touch that complements the creaminess perfectly.

Side Dishes

Since this pasta is rich and filling, lighter sides work best. Think crisp green salads with vinaigrette or roasted veggies like asparagus or Brussels sprouts. Garlic bread is the ultimate companion here if you want to keep things cozy and carb-forward.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the pasta in rustic cast-iron skillets or inside mini bread bowls to wow your guests. Alternatively, layering pasta and chicken in a wide, shallow bowl with colorful garnishes on top creates an inviting, elegant look that’s sure to impress.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let the Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days, and the flavors tend to deepen overnight, making leftovers even tastier.

Freezing

If you want to freeze your leftovers, portion the pasta into freezer-safe containers. Keep in mind that cream sauces can slightly change texture after freezing, so defrost gently in the fridge overnight for best results. Use within 2 months for optimal flavor and quality.

Reheating

Reheat your pasta gently on the stove over low heat, stirring often. If the sauce seems too thick, splash in a bit of chicken broth or water to loosen it up. Avoid microwaving on high to prevent the creamy sauce from breaking.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of chicken?

Absolutely! While boneless, skinless chicken breasts are preferred for their lean texture, you can also use thighs for a juicier, more flavorful result. Just adjust cooking time accordingly.

Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?

Yes! Swap the butter for a plant-based alternative and use coconut cream or a cashew cream substitute instead of heavy cream to keep that luscious texture without dairy.

What pasta works best for Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta?

Fettuccine and penne are ideal because their shapes hold onto the creamy sauce nicely. However, feel free to experiment with other pasta types like rigatoni or even bowties to suit your preference.

Can I add vegetables to this recipe?

Definitely! Bell peppers, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes can add vibrant color and complementary flavors. Add them during the sauce step to soften them slightly before combining everything.

How spicy is this recipe?

The Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta is mild with fragrant Italian herbs taking center stage. You can easily add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne if you want that little extra kick.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta brings together rich textures, bold flavors, and comforting warmth in one truly satisfying dish. It’s simple enough for a weekday dinner but impressive enough to serve to guests, making it a versatile gem in your recipe collection. Don’t wait to give this recipe a try—once you do, it just might be your new favorite go-to comfort meal.

Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 30 reviews

Author: Lily
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Low Salt

Print Recipe

Description

Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta is a comforting and flavorful dish featuring tender, seasoned chicken breasts cooked to golden perfection, combined with al dente pasta and enveloped in a rich, garlicky butter cream sauce. This easy-to-make dinner hits the spot for cozy weeknights and is perfect for those who love creamy pasta dishes with a hint of rustic, cowboy-inspired flair.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein & Pasta

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
8 oz fettuccine or penne pasta

Dairy & Sauce

3 tbsp unsalted butter
1 cup heavy cream

Seasonings

4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
2 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Boil salted water in a large pot, add the pasta, and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside to keep warm.
Sauté the Chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Season the chicken breasts evenly with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Place the chicken in the skillet and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from heat and let it rest for a few minutes.
Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté it until fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour in the heavy cream, stirring constantly, and cook until the sauce starts to thicken slightly, approximately 3-5 minutes.
Combine Everything: Slice the rested chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Add the drained pasta and sliced chicken back to the skillet with the creamy sauce. Toss everything together gently to coat the pasta and chicken thoroughly with the sauce.
Serve: Plate the creamy cowboy butter chicken pasta generously. Optionally, garnish with additional Italian seasoning or a sprinkle of plant-based cheese for extra flavor and presentation.

Notes

To ensure even cooking, pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness before cooking.
For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, but the sauce will be less rich.
Use freshly minced garlic for the best flavor; garlic powder can be used in a pinch but will alter the sauce’s freshness.
Leftover pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To make this dish gluten free, substitute the pasta with gluten-free pasta varieties.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Boiling, Sautéing
Cuisine: American