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Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta

Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta is a bold, hearty dish made with juicy chicken, tender pasta, and a rich cowboy butter sauce loaded with garlic, herbs, and a touch of spice. It’s one of those rich pasta dishes that’s easy to make, incredibly filling, and perfect for busy weeknights or hungry families.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 6
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 16 oz 450 g pasta (penne, rotini, or rigatoni)
  • 2 lbs 900 g boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 6 tablespoons butter
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon chili flakes adjust to taste
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • ½ teaspoon salt or to taste
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ cup fresh parsley chopped
  • Optional Add-Ins
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • ¼ cup heavy cream for a creamier sauce
  • Mushrooms or onions

Method
 

  1. Cook pasta in a large pot of salted water according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  2. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and paprika.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.
  4. Cook chicken for 5–6 minutes per side until golden and fully cooked. Remove and slice.
  5. In the same pan, melt butter over medium heat.
  6. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  7. Stir in Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and chili flakes.
  8. Simmer for 1–2 minutes to combine flavors.
  9. Add cooked pasta and toss to coat in the cowboy butter sauce.
  10. Return sliced chicken to the pan and mix well.
  11. Finish with fresh parsley and optional Parmesan. Serve hot.

Notes

Chicken thighs add extra juiciness
Adjust spice level easily with chili flakes
Add pasta water if sauce becomes too thick
Sauce also works great for cowboy butter steak pasta