Dinner

Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta Recipe

ByJulian Dempsey January 21, 2026January 21, 2026

Introduction

Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta is a flavorful and creamy dish perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner. Tender chicken thighs are cooked with bold spices, then tossed with pasta in a rich butter and garlic sauce. This hearty meal comes together in under an hour and is sure to please the whole family.

The dish shows a white plate filled with three main layers: the bottom layer is yellow pasta with a smooth, creamy texture mixed evenly throughout; above this, bright red roasted cherry tomatoes are scattered, contrasting with the pasta; on top, grilled chicken pieces with a slightly charred golden brown surface are arranged, sprinkled with finely chopped green herbs and garnished with a small bunch of fresh parsley at the back. The white marbled surface underneath adds a clean, simple backdrop. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

8 ounces of fettuccine pasta
2 tablespoons of olive oil
1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 teaspoon of garlic powder
1 teaspoon of onion powder
1 teaspoon of smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
4 tablespoons of unsalted butter
4 cloves of garlic, minced
1 cup of chicken broth
1/2 cup of heavy cream
1 cup of cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 cup of chopped fresh parsley
1/2 cup of grated parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon of lemon juice

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the fettuccine pasta according to the package directions in a large pot of salted boiling water. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.
Step 2: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper.
Step 3: Add the seasoned chicken to the skillet and cook for about 7-10 minutes, or until browned and cooked through, stirring occasionally. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 4: Reduce heat to medium and add the butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Step 5: Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Cook for about 3-5 minutes until slightly reduced.
Step 6: Stir in the heavy cream and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
Step 7: Add the cherry tomatoes, cooked chicken, and drained fettuccine to the skillet. Toss everything to combine, adding reserved pasta water gradually if the sauce is too thick.
Step 8: Stir in the chopped parsley, grated parmesan cheese, and lemon juice. Mix well to coat everything evenly.
Step 9: Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
Step 10: Serve immediately, garnished with extra parsley and parmesan cheese if desired.

Tips & Variations

For a milder dish, reduce or omit the cayenne pepper.
Use chicken breasts if preferred, but thighs will keep the chicken juicier.
Add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrition and flavor.
Swap fettuccine for other pastas such as penne or linguine depending on your preference.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce if it becomes too thick.

How to Serve

A white plate holds a serving of creamy pasta layered with golden-yellow fettuccine noodles at the base, topped with browned, spiced chicken pieces that have a slightly crispy texture. Scattered among the chicken and pasta are whole, bright red cherry tomatoes with a glossy finish, adding pops of color. Fresh green parsley leaves are sprinkled on top, adding a touch of freshness and contrast. The dish is presented on a white marbled surface, enhancing the vibrant colors of the food. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute fettuccine with penne, linguine, or even spaghetti. Choose whatever you have on hand or prefer.

Is it okay to prepare this dish in advance?

You can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time and refrigerate separately. Reheat gently and toss with freshly cooked pasta when ready to serve for best texture.