Name: Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta Recipe You Must Try Today
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 12 oz egg noodles (or any short pasta); 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp smoked paprika; 1 tsp garlic powder; Salt & black pepper to taste; 4 tbsp butter; 3 cloves garlic, minced; ½ tsp red pepper flakes; Juice of ½ lemon; 1 tsp Dijon mustard; ½ cup heavy cream; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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If your dinner routine’s been feeling a little dull lately, this Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta might just be your new best friend. I’m talking about rich, buttery chicken wrapped in a spicy garlic cream sauce, all tossed with tender noodles—comfort food with a Southern wink and a wild twist.

As a busy mom myself, I crave recipes that are fast but still feel like a warm hug. This one-pan wonder checks all the boxes: bold flavor, minimal mess, and ready in under 30 minutes. It’s my weeknight secret weapon, and now it can be yours too.

Why You’ll Love This Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta

This Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta is the dinner you didn’t know you needed—until now. It’s fast, full of flavor, and made in just one skillet. The spicy garlic butter pasta sauce clings to every bite, while tender chicken and creamy notes satisfy even the pickiest eaters. Whether you’re tackling a hectic Tuesday or chasing comfort in a bowl, this bold weeknight pasta dinner is your ticket to delicious ease.

Ingredients Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta

When I first whipped up this Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta, I was amazed by how simple the ingredients were—most of them were already hanging out in my pantry and fridge. Here’s what you’ll need to make this spicy garlic butter pasta come to life. Don’t worry, exact amounts are listed at the bottom of the post for easy printing.

Egg noodles – These give the dish a hearty, comforting base. You can swap in penne, rotini, or whatever short pasta you have on hand.
Chicken breast – Boneless, skinless, and cut into bite-sized pieces. Chicken thighs work too for a juicier bite.
Olive oil – For searing the chicken to golden perfection. You could use avocado oil if you prefer.
Smoked paprika – This adds that warm, Southern comfort food twist with a mild, smoky depth.
Garlic powder – Enhances the flavor of the chicken before it even hits the skillet.
Salt and black pepper – Classic seasonings to bring everything into balance.
Butter – The star of the cowboy butter sauce. It brings the rich, velvety base to life.
Garlic – Freshly minced garlic infuses the sauce with bold, aromatic flavor. Don’t skimp here!
Red pepper flakes – For that spicy kick. Adjust to taste if you’re feeding spice-sensitive folks.
Lemon juice – A splash of acidity to brighten up all the richness and balance the heat.
Dijon mustard – It sounds fancy, but it adds a tangy depth that makes the sauce sing.
Heavy cream – Brings the creamy cowboy chicken recipe together with luscious texture.
Parmesan cheese – Melts into the sauce, adding that nutty, savory finish we all love.
Fresh parsley – Totally optional, but it adds a pop of color and a hint of freshness on top.

Feel free to toss in a few extras too—sautéed mushrooms, chopped spinach, or even sun-dried tomatoes work beautifully.

How to Make Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta

Making this Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta is easier than wrangling your kids into the car on a school morning—trust me! From searing that buttery chicken to swirling in the creamy, spicy garlic butter pasta sauce, every step brings the flavor train closer to your dinner table. Here’s how I do it, all in one trusty skillet.

Step 1 – Cook the Pasta

Start by cooking your egg noodles in salted boiling water until they’re just al dente—firm, but with a little give. I always taste one about a minute early to make sure I don’t overdo it. Drain and set them aside, but don’t rinse them. That starchy coating helps the sauce cling like a dream.

Step 2 – Season and Sear the Chicken

While the pasta’s going, season the chicken with smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s shimmering, toss in the chicken and spread it out so it sears, not steams. Cook until golden brown and fully cooked—about 5–6 minutes. Then scoop it out and set it aside on a plate.

Step 3 – Make the Cowboy Butter Sauce

In the same skillet (don’t clean it—you want all those tasty bits), melt your butter. Add the minced garlic, red pepper flakes, Dijon mustard, and a squeeze of lemon juice. Stir for about 30 seconds, just until the garlic smells irresistible. This is your spicy garlic butter pasta base, and oh boy, it’s heavenly.

Step 4 – Bring It All Together

Pour in the heavy cream and sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese. Let it simmer gently, stirring until the sauce turns silky and smooth. Return the chicken to the skillet, then add the cooked noodles. Toss everything together until every bite is coated in that luscious, creamy cowboy chicken recipe magic.

Step 5 – Garnish and Serve

Turn off the heat and sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a little color and brightness. I like to shower on extra Parmesan too—because why not? Serve this bold weeknight pasta dinner hot from the skillet, with maybe a slice of crusty bread to mop up the sauce. Trust me, there won’t be leftovers.

Tips for Success

Cut the chicken evenly so it cooks at the same speed—no dry bites sneaking in.
Use freshly grated Parmesan. It melts smoother and tastes richer than pre-shredded.
Don’t skip the lemon juice—it brightens the buttery sauce beautifully.
Let the sauce simmer gently, not boil, to keep it creamy, not curdled.
Reserve a little pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed.

Equipment Needed

Large skillet – A deep, wide pan works best for this one-pan spicy chicken pasta.
Pot for boiling pasta – Any medium-sized pot will do the trick.
Wooden spoon or spatula – For stirring and scraping up all the flavorful bits.
Strainer – To drain the egg noodles without losing a single piece.
Measuring cups and spoons – Helpful for nailing that creamy cowboy chicken recipe balance.

Variations

Make it low-carb: Swap the egg noodles for zucchini noodles or shirataki pasta. The spicy garlic butter sauce still shines!
Add veggies: Toss in sautéed mushrooms, baby spinach, or roasted bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrition.
Go dairy-free: Use a plant-based butter and coconut cream instead of dairy. Nutritional yeast adds a cheesy touch without the cheese.
Try another protein: Shrimp, sausage, or even leftover rotisserie chicken work beautifully in this buttery chicken pasta skillet.
Make it extra spicy: Stir in a dash of cayenne pepper or a chopped jalapeño to crank up the heat.
Herb it up: Add fresh thyme or basil to give this Southern comfort food twist a garden-fresh vibe.
Gluten-free option: Use your favorite gluten-free pasta and double-check all labels—especially for mustard and cheese.
Extra creamy version: Double the cream and Parmesan for a super indulgent, creamy cowboy chicken recipe you’ll crave again and again.

Serving Suggestions

Crusty bread: A warm baguette or garlic toast is perfect for scooping up every drop of that rich sauce.
Simple salad: A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette balances the creamy cowboy chicken recipe beautifully.
Wine pairing: A chilled glass of Chardonnay or a light Pinot Noir complements the bold flavors nicely.
Family-style: Serve straight from the skillet for a cozy, rustic Southern comfort food twist.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta ahead of time?

A: Absolutely! I’ve prepped this Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta the night before, and it reheats like a champ. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to serve, warm it gently on the stovetop or microwave with a splash of water or cream to bring that creamy cowboy chicken recipe sauce back to life.

Q: What type of pasta works best in this spicy garlic butter pasta?

A: I love egg noodles for their wide, tender texture, but any short pasta will do the trick. Penne, rotini, or even fusilli all soak up the spicy garlic butter pasta sauce beautifully. Just avoid long noodles like spaghetti—they don’t hold the sauce as well and make it tricky to mix in one pan.

Q: Is this creamy cowboy chicken recipe very spicy?

A: It’s got a gentle kick, thanks to the red pepper flakes, but it’s not fire-breathing dragon hot. If you’re spice-sensitive—or cooking for picky eaters—just use less red pepper or skip it altogether. Want it hotter? Add a pinch of cayenne or a chopped jalapeño for that extra cowboy swagger.

Q: Can I substitute the heavy cream for a lighter option?

A: You sure can! I’ve swapped in half-and-half or even whole milk in a pinch. Just note, the sauce won’t be quite as rich or thick. You can also try Greek yogurt for a tangy twist—just stir it in off the heat so it doesn’t curdle. Either way, your buttery chicken pasta skillet will still be luscious.

Q: What makes this a bold weeknight pasta dinner?

A: It’s bold in flavor, not in fuss. The smoky paprika, zesty mustard, and spicy garlic butter pasta sauce bring a punchy, layered taste that feels like you spent hours cooking—but it’s all done in 30 minutes and one pan. That’s why it’s my go-to bold weeknight pasta dinner when time’s tight but taste still matters.

Final Thoughts

Every time I make this Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta, I’m reminded why it’s become a staple in my kitchen. It’s the kind of dish that wraps you in warmth after a long day—rich, creamy, spicy, and downright satisfying. It feels indulgent, yet it’s so quick and easy, even on the busiest weeknights. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or just craving something bold and buttery, this recipe delivers comfort with a kick. One bite, and you’ll see—it’s more than just dinner. It’s a little moment of joy served up on a plate, straight from my skillet to your table.

Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta Recipe You Must Try Today