Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta – One Pan Garlic Butter Chicken Dinner

This cowboy butter chicken pasta brings together the bold flavors of garlic butter sauce with tender chicken and perfectly cooked pasta in one simple skillet. It’s the ultimate weeknight dinner that feels like comfort food but comes together in just 30 minutes. The creamy sauce infused with garlic, herbs, and a hint of spice makes this dish irresistible for the whole family.

If you love easy one-pan meals, you’ll also enjoy our Garlic Parmesan Chicken Potatoes for another simple dinner option.

Ingredients

• 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 8 oz pasta (penne or fettuccine work well)
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.

Step 2: While pasta cooks, season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and half of the Cajun seasoning. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon butter. Cook chicken until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.

Step 3: In the same skillet, melt remaining butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in remaining Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes if using.

Step 4: Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until smooth and creamy.

Step 5: Return cooked chicken to the skillet along with the cooked pasta. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water as needed to reach your desired sauce consistency. Cook for 2-3 minutes until heated through.

Step 6: Stir in fresh parsley and serve immediately. For more creamy pasta inspiration, try our Ultimate Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta.

Expert Tips

• Use room temperature butter and cream for a smoother sauce that won’t separate
• Don’t overcook the pasta – it will continue cooking in the sauce
• Adjust the spice level by increasing or decreasing the Cajun seasoning
• For extra flavor, use homemade chicken broth instead of store-bought
• Garnish with extra Parmesan and fresh herbs before serving

If you’re looking for more comfort food ideas, our Ultimate Cajun Chicken Spaghetti offers another delicious option with similar flavors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! This recipe works well with most pasta shapes. Penne, fettuccine, rigatoni, or even spaghetti will all work beautifully.

How can I make this dish less spicy?
Simply reduce or omit the red pepper flakes and use a mild Cajun seasoning blend. You can also add more cream to balance the heat.

Can I make this ahead of time?
While best served fresh, you can store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of broth or cream to refresh the sauce.

What sides go well with this pasta?
A simple green salad or steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans make excellent sides. For a complete meal, try pairing it with our Healthy Broccoli Salad.

Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta – One Pan Garlic Butter Chicken Dinner

This cowboy butter chicken pasta brings together the bold flavors of garlic butter sauce with tender chicken and perfectly cooked pasta in one simple skillet. It’s the ultimate weeknight dinner that feels like comfort food but comes together in just 30 minutes with a creamy sauce infused with garlic, herbs, and a hint of spice.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Calories: 520

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Ingredients

• 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 8 oz pasta (penne or fettuccine work well)
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Method

 

Instructions

1. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
2. While pasta cooks, season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and half of the Cajun seasoning. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon butter. Cook chicken until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, melt remaining butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in remaining Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes if using.
4. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until smooth and creamy.
5. Return cooked chicken to the skillet along with the cooked pasta. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water as needed to reach your desired sauce consistency. Cook for 2-3 minutes until heated through.
6. Stir in fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Notes

Use room temperature butter and cream for a smoother sauce that won’t separate. Don’t overcook the pasta – it will continue cooking in the sauce. Adjust the spice level by increasing or decreasing the Cajun seasoning. For extra flavor, use homemade chicken broth instead of store-bought.