Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta Recipe

Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta is the ultimate weeknight dinner that brings bold, buttery flavors to your table in less than 30 minutes. Bursting with herby, garlicky cowboy butter, tender chicken, vibrant veggies, and a luxurious creamy sauce that hugs every strand of pasta—this is the kind of meal your family will request on repeat!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta is how straightforward but flavorful the ingredients are. Each one plays a starring role—whether it’s adding zest, creaminess, or that signature cowboy butter punch.

• Unsalted butter: The base for your cowboy butter—rich, creamy, and ready to soak up all those herbs and spices.
• Dijon mustard: Adds a subtle, tangy heat that elevates the cowboy butter to next-level deliciousness.
• Garlic (minced and sliced): Brings aromatic depth both in the butter and the skillet for layers of garlicky goodness.
• Chopped parsley, chives, and fresh thyme: These fresh herbs create bright, vibrant flavors and a pop of color.
• Sweet paprika & red pepper flakes: For gentle warmth and that signature, slightly smoky cowboy butter glow.
• Lemon juice & zest: Brings freshness and tang, balancing out the richness of the butter and cream.
• Linguine (or your favorite pasta): Holds all that luscious sauce and cowboy flavor. Linguine is classic, but go with any pasta you love!
• Chicken thighs: Juicy, flavorful, and tender—they stay moist and succulent, soaking up all the sauce.
• Paprika, garlic powder, salt & pepper (for chicken): Simple seasonings that transform ordinary chicken into something spectacular.
• Shallot: Adds delicate sweetness and savory depth that’s softer than onion.
• Bell peppers (red, yellow, orange): Their sweetness and crunch brighten each bite and add gorgeous color.
• Olive oil: For browning the chicken to golden, juicy perfection.
• Heavy cream: Rounds out the sauce, making it creamy and luxurious.
• Freshly grated Parmesan: Melts into the sauce, adding nutty, salty depth and irresistible umami.
• Extra parsley & lemon wedges (for serving): For finishing pops of freshness that make every plate irresistible.

Variations

Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta is fantastic as written, but it’s also one of those recipes that’s made for tweaking. Feel free to customize based on what’s in your fridge or your family’s favorite flavors—the magic is all in the buttery sauce!

• Add more veggies: Toss in zucchini, baby spinach, or cherry tomatoes for extra color and nutrients.
• Swap the protein: Try shrimp or sliced steak instead of chicken for an entirely different (but still cowboy-approved) twist.
• Go gluten-free: Use your favorite gluten-free pasta, or even spiralized zucchini noodles for a lighter, summery version.
• Change up the herbs: If you don’t have fresh thyme or chives, try dill, basil, or even a pinch of rosemary for fresh flavor.

How to Make Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Make the Cowboy Butter

In a small bowl, stir together softened unsalted butter, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, chopped parsley, chives, fresh thyme, paprika, salt, red pepper flakes, and both the juice and zest of half a lemon. Mix it until creamy and flecked with all those beautiful herbs. You can make this ahead and chill—it only gets more flavorful as it rests!

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil, then cook the linguine until it’s al dente—just tender enough to hold onto the sauce. Reserve a cup of that starchy cooking water before draining, as it helps make the sauce extra silky and luscious later.

Step 3: Prepare and Sear the Chicken

While the pasta cooks, cut your chicken thighs into bite-size pieces and toss them with salt, paprika, garlic powder, and pepper. Heat a large skillet with olive oil over medium-high and sear the chicken in batches if needed—just a few minutes, until golden and starting to cook through. This keeps it juicy!

Step 4: Cook the Veggies

Turn the heat down a notch, add the diced shallot, sliced garlic, and bell peppers to the pan. Sauté until the veggies are softened but still vibrant—the shallots should be meltingly sweet and the peppers no longer crisp. The aroma at this stage is irresistible!

Step 5: Toss Everything Together

Stir in a generous scoop of cowboy butter and swirl it around with the chicken, peppers, and shallots. Add the drained pasta, heavy cream, freshly grated Parmesan, and chopped parsley. Give the whole pan a toss, adding some pasta water as needed to make the sauce creamy and clingy. Taste and adjust seasoning, then serve hot with extra cheese and fresh herbs on top!

How to Serve Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta

Garnishes

Top each plate of Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta with a cascade of extra chopped parsley, a sprinkle of chives, and a shower of fresh Parmesan. A bright squeeze of lemon or a twist of zest right before serving adds a final pop of flavor you don’t want to miss!

Side Dishes

Serve with warm garlic bread for soaking up extra sauce, or a crisp green salad dressed simply with lemon and olive oil for a refreshing contrast. Roasted asparagus or a platter of sliced tomatoes are perfect summertime partners.

Creative Ways to Present

For dinner parties, twirl portions of Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta into neat nests and set atop a platter, topped with colorful herbs and lemon slices. Or, serve family-style straight from the skillet, letting everyone dig in for cozy, communal vibes.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. The flavors deepen as it sits, making the next-day leftovers just as crave-worthy!

Freezing

This dish can be frozen, though the sauce may thicken (from the cream). Cool completely, pack servings into freezer-safe containers, and freeze up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of water or cream to revive the creamy sauce, or microwave in short bursts, stirring often. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs and a squeeze of lemon for that “just-cooked” freshness.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you haven’t tried Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta yet, you’re in for a real treat—this dish delivers everything you want in a homemade dinner: flavor, warmth, and a little extra love in every bite. Grab your skillet and get ready to fall for your new favorite pasta!

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