Cowboy butter chicken pasta

Featured in: Comfort Cravings

This dish combines tender chicken pieces seasoned with smoked paprika and cayenne, cooked in a rich garlic butter sauce made creamy with heavy cream and Parmesan. Lemon juice and fresh parsley brighten the flavor, while fettuccine pasta soaks up the luscious sauce. Perfect for those seeking a comforting meal with a hint of bold spice and smooth, creamy texture.

Updated on Sun, 23 Nov 2025 11:43:00 GMT
Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta: a close-up shows tender chicken in a vibrant, buttery, spicy sauce. Save
Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta: a close-up shows tender chicken in a vibrant, buttery, spicy sauce. | sugarprairie.com

A bold, creamy pasta dish featuring tender chicken, zesty spices, and a buttery garlic-Parmesan sauce with a hint of cayenne. Perfect for a comforting dinner with a kick.

Ingredients

  • Chicken & Seasoning: 450 g (1 lb) boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces 1 teaspoon smoked paprika 1 teaspoon garlic powder 1 teaspoon onion powder 1/2 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for spice preference) Salt and pepper to taste 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Sauce: 4 tablespoons unsalted butter 4 cloves garlic minced 1 cup (240 ml) chicken broth 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream 1 cup (60 g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese Juice of half a lemon 1/3 cup finely chopped fresh parsley plus more for garnish
  • Pasta: 340 g (12 oz) fettuccine or pasta of choice

Instructions

Step 1:
Season the chicken pieces with smoked paprika garlic powder onion powder cayenne pepper salt and pepper.
Step 2:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through about 6 8 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
Step 3:
Reduce heat to medium. Add butter to the same skillet. Once melted add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant about 1 minute.
Step 4:
Pour in chicken broth scraping up any browned bits. Bring to a simmer.
Step 5:
Stir in heavy cream and simmer 2 3 minutes.
Step 6:
Gradually add Parmesan stirring until melted and the sauce is smooth.
Step 7:
Return chicken to skillet. Add lemon juice and chopped parsley stir to combine.
Step 8:
Meanwhile cook pasta in salted water according to package instructions. Drain and add to the skillet tossing to coat evenly.
Step 9:
Cook for 2 3 minutes more to let flavors meld.
Step 10:
Serve immediately garnished with extra Parmesan and parsley if desired.
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| sugarprairie.com

A bowl of Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta featuring flavorful chicken, creamy sauce, and fresh parsley garnish. Save
A bowl of Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta featuring flavorful chicken, creamy sauce, and fresh parsley garnish. | sugarprairie.com

This creamy chicken pasta brings bold flavors and comfort to your dinner table.

Kitchen Help

How do I adjust the spice level?

Modify the cayenne pepper amount to suit your heat preference, starting with half a teaspoon for mild or up to one teaspoon for more kick.

Can I use a different pasta?

Yes, any pasta shape like penne or rigatoni works well, simply cook according to package instructions.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?

Half-and-half can be used for a lighter sauce without sacrificing much creaminess.

How do I ensure the chicken is properly cooked?

Cook chicken pieces until browned and fully cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

Can I add vegetables?

Sautéed spinach or bell peppers make great additions to boost color and nutrition.

Cowboy butter chicken pasta

Tender chicken in a creamy buttery garlic sauce with a spicy kick, tossed with fettuccine pasta.

Setup duration
15 min
Heat duration
25 min
Complete duration
40 min
Created by Molly Evans

Classification Comfort Cravings

Complexity Medium

Heritage American

Output 4 Portions

Nutrition guidelines None specified

Components

Chicken & Seasoning

01 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
02 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
03 1 teaspoon garlic powder
04 1 teaspoon onion powder
05 1/2 to 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper, adjust to taste
06 Salt and black pepper, to taste
07 2 tablespoons olive oil

Sauce

01 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
02 4 cloves garlic, minced
03 1 cup chicken broth
04 1 cup heavy cream
05 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
06 Juice of half a lemon
07 1/3 cup finely chopped fresh parsley, plus extra for garnish

Pasta

01 12 oz fettuccine or preferred pasta

Method steps

Phase 01

Season Chicken: Combine chicken pieces with smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper.

Phase 02

Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook chicken until browned and fully cooked, about 6 to 8 minutes. Remove and set aside.

Phase 03

Sauté Garlic: Lower heat to medium, add butter to the same skillet, melt it, then add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, approximately 1 minute.

Phase 04

Simmer Broth: Pour in chicken broth, scraping up browned bits from the skillet, and bring to a gentle simmer.

Phase 05

Add Cream: Stir in heavy cream and allow to simmer for 2 to 3 minutes.

Phase 06

Incorporate Cheese: Gradually add Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until fully melted and sauce is smooth.

Phase 07

Combine Chicken and Herbs: Return cooked chicken to skillet, add lemon juice and chopped parsley, stirring to combine.

Phase 08

Cook Pasta: Prepare pasta in salted boiling water following package instructions, then drain.

Phase 09

Mix Pasta with Sauce: Add drained pasta to the skillet and toss to coat evenly with the sauce.

Phase 10

Finish and Serve: Allow pasta and sauce to cook together for 2 to 3 minutes to meld flavors, then serve immediately garnished with additional Parmesan and parsley if desired.

Kitchen tools needed

  • Large skillet
  • Large pot for boiling pasta
  • Chef's knife
  • Cutting board
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Colander

Dietary concerns

Review ingredients carefully for potential allergens and seek professional medical guidance if uncertain.
  • Contains dairy (butter, cream, Parmesan) and wheat (pasta). May contain gluten depending on pasta choice.

Dietary breakdown (per portion)

Values shown are estimates only - consult healthcare providers for specific advice.
  • Energy: 650
  • Fats: 32 g
  • Carbohydrates: 54 g
  • Proteins: 38 g