Cowboy butter chicken pasta was born in my kitchen on one of those nights when I needed something bold and comforting and a little indulgent so I decided to fuse two of my favorite flavors—buttery garlic-spiced cowboy butter and creamy pasta. The moment that sizzling seasoned butter hit the pan I knew I was onto something because the aroma alone was enough to bring everyone to the table before I even plated the dish.

Ever since then this cowboy butter chicken pasta has been my not-so-secret weapon when I want to impress without spending hours cooking and it always delivers that perfect balance of creamy spicy buttery richness with just the right amount of bite from the pasta and a satisfying sear on the chicken.

Ingredients

Here’s what I use for this recipe. You can always make substitutions if you prefer!

Chicken breast – The main protein that soaks up all the bold cowboy butter flavors
Pasta – I usually go with linguine or spaghetti to catch every bit of the sauce
Butter – The base of the cowboy butter that makes the sauce rich and glossy
Garlic – Adds depth and warmth to the butter sauce
Dijon mustard – Gives the cowboy butter that signature tang and sharpness
Lemon juice – Brightens up the butter and balances the richness
Red pepper flakes – Brings a little heat and boldness
Smoked paprika – Adds a subtle smoky warmth that deepens the flavor
Parsley – For freshness and color at the end
Salt and pepper – Essential seasoning for the chicken and the sauce
Parmesan cheese – Melts into the pasta for extra creaminess and saltiness

Tools You’ll Need

Large skillet – For searing the chicken and preparing the sauce
Pot – To boil your pasta until perfectly al dente
Tongs – Handy for flipping the chicken and tossing the pasta
Microplane or garlic press – To finely grate or mince the garlic
Citrus juicer – Makes adding lemon juice a breeze
Wooden spoon – Ideal for stirring the sauce gently without scratching the pan

Instructions

Step 1:

I start by seasoning the chicken breast generously with salt pepper smoked paprika and a pinch of red pepper flakes then I sear it in a hot skillet with a little oil until it’s golden on both sides and cooked through then I set it aside to rest.

Step 2:

While the chicken cooks I boil the pasta in salted water until it’s just al dente then I reserve a cup of pasta water before draining.

Step 3:

In the same skillet I melt butter and sauté the garlic until it’s fragrant then I stir in Dijon mustard lemon juice red pepper flakes and a bit more smoked paprika letting it all bubble together for a minute.

Step 4:

I add the cooked pasta directly into the cowboy butter sauce and toss it to coat adding some reserved pasta water to loosen it up if needed then I sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese and stir until the sauce is creamy and clings to the noodles.

Step 5:

I slice the rested chicken and lay it over the pasta then finish the whole dish with a generous sprinkle of chopped parsley and an extra pinch of chili flakes for that cowboy kick.

Tips

If you’re short on time you can use pre-cooked grilled chicken or even rotisserie chicken in this dish. I’ve also tried this with shrimp and it works beautifully! And for a creamier version I sometimes stir in a splash of heavy cream with the pasta water—it makes it extra luxurious.

Ways to Serve

With a side of garlic bread to mop up the cowboy butter

Over sautéed spinach or arugula for a lighter twist

Topped with crispy bacon bits for an even heartier dish

With roasted cherry tomatoes for extra sweetness and color

Paired with a crisp green salad and lemon vinaigrette

Frequently Asked Questions

What is cowboy butter in cowboy butter chicken pasta?

Cowboy butter is a flavorful compound butter made with garlic lemon Dijon mustard herbs and spices that melts into a bold sauce perfect for meat or pasta.

Can I use another protein in cowboy butter chicken pasta?

Yes shrimp steak or even tofu work great in this recipe—just adjust your cooking time accordingly.

How spicy is cowboy butter chicken pasta?

It has a mild kick from the red pepper flakes but you can increase or decrease the heat to your liking.

See You in the Kitchen

I hope you give this cowboy butter chicken pasta a try! It’s bold creamy and full of flavor with just enough heat to keep things interesting. Let me know how yours turns out and don’t forget to save it for the next time you need a comfort food fix with a little cowboy flair.

Happy Cooking!