Tired of weeknight dinners that leave your kitchen looking like a disaster zone? What if we told you that an incredibly flavorful, luxuriously creamy, and deeply satisfying pasta dish could be on your table in under 35 minutes, all cooked in a single pan? Enter the magnificent one-pan creamy cowboy butter chicken pasta recipe – a culinary adventure that brings robust flavors and ultimate convenience right to your stovetop.
This isn’t just any chicken pasta; it’s a symphony of tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a rich, garlicky, herb-infused creamy sauce that will have everyone asking for seconds. Inspired by the bold, aromatic essence of “cowboy butter,” this dish elevates simple ingredients into an extraordinary meal, perfect for busy evenings when you crave comfort without the fuss.
Why You’ll Love This One-Pan Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta Recipe
This dish is a game-changer for several reasons, making it an instant favorite in any household:
- Unbeatable Flavor: The star here is the “cowboy butter” infusion – a potent blend of garlic, smoked paprika, chili powder, oregano, and thyme. These spices bloom in butter, creating an aromatic base that permeates every bite of chicken and pasta.
- Ultimate Convenience: The “one-pan” aspect means minimal cleanup and maximum ease. From browning the chicken to simmering the pasta in the flavorful broth, everything happens in one skillet. If you appreciate simple, delicious meals that don’t demand a mountain of dishes, this recipe will be a revelation. For another effortless weeknight winner, consider our Easy Clean-Eating Sheet Pan Chicken.
- Quick & Easy: With only 15 minutes of prep and 20 minutes of cook time, you can have a gourmet-tasting meal on the table in just 35 minutes. It’s perfect for those busy evenings when time is of the essence.
- Hearty & Comforting: This dish is deeply satisfying, offering a complete meal with protein, carbohydrates, and a rich, creamy sauce that feels like a warm hug.
Ingredients & Substitutions
The beauty of this recipe lies in its approachable ingredients and flexibility:
- Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are used here, cut into 1-inch cubes for quick cooking. You can easily swap them for boneless, skinless chicken thighs for an even juicier, richer flavor.
- Olive Oil & Butter: The combination provides a great base for browning the chicken and blooming the spices.
- Aromatic Spices: Minced garlic, smoked paprika, chili powder, dried oregano, dried thyme, and a pinch of red pepper flakes (optional) form the iconic “cowboy butter” flavor profile. Don’t skip the smoked paprika for that deep, earthy note!
- Chicken Broth: Essential for cooking the pasta and forming the sauce base. Use low-sodium if you’re mindful of salt intake.
- Pasta: Penne pasta is recommended for its ability to hold the creamy sauce, but any medium-sized pasta like rotini, ziti, or cavatappi will work beautifully.
- Heavy Cream & Parmesan: These create the luscious, creamy texture of the sauce. For a slightly lighter sauce, you could use half-and-half, but the heavy cream provides unparalleled richness.
- Fresh Herbs: Chopped fresh parsley and chives add a vibrant freshness and pop of color at the end. While dried herbs are used in the cooking process, fresh herbs for garnish are highly recommended.
- Lemon Juice: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end brightens the entire dish, cutting through the richness and enhancing all the other flavors.
For an extra veggie boost: Stir in a handful of fresh spinach during the last 2 minutes of cooking the pasta for added nutrients and color.
How to Make One-Pan Creamy Cowboy Chicken Pasta
Creating this delicious dish is straightforward, even for beginner cooks:
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in your large, deep skillet or Dutch oven. Season your cubed chicken breasts generously and cook until beautifully browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside – this creates a flavorful foundation for your sauce.
- Build the Flavor Base: Reduce the heat and add butter to the same skillet. Let it melt, then add the minced garlic and all the dried spices (smoked paprika, chili powder, oregano, thyme, and red pepper flakes if using). Sauté for just one minute until incredibly fragrant; this “blooming” step intensifies their flavors.
- Cook the Pasta: Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a gentle simmer. Add the uncooked pasta, ensuring it’s submerged. Cover the skillet, reduce the heat, and let it cook for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and has absorbed most of the liquid.
- Finish the Sauce: Stir in the heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, fresh parsley, fresh chives, and that essential squeeze of lemon juice. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Stir gently until everything is coated in the creamy sauce and heated through.
- Season and Serve: Taste the dish and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Serve immediately, perhaps with an extra sprinkle of fresh herbs or Parmesan cheese.
Tips for Success
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When browning the chicken, cook it in batches if necessary to ensure even browning and a good sear. Overcrowding will steam the chicken instead of browning it.
- Watch the Garlic: Garlic can burn quickly, turning bitter. Sauté it with the spices for only about a minute until aromatic.
- Stir the Pasta: Stirring the pasta occasionally during cooking prevents it from sticking together and ensures even absorption of the liquid.
- Al Dente Perfection: Cook the pasta until it’s al dente – firm to the bite. It will continue to cook slightly in the hot sauce.
- Adjust Sauce Consistency: If your sauce becomes too thick while simmering, add a splash more chicken broth or heavy cream until you reach your desired consistency.
- Fresh Herbs & Lemon: These are not just garnishes; they provide crucial freshness and brightness that balances the richness of the dish.
Serving Suggestions
This one-pan creamy cowboy butter chicken pasta is a complete meal on its own, packed with protein and carbohydrates. However, it pairs beautifully with a simple side salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness. A side of crusty bread is also highly recommended for soaking up every last drop of that incredible, creamy sauce. For more cheesy, garlicky chicken inspiration, you might enjoy these Cheesy Garlic Chicken Wraps.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers of this delightful dish store well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or heavy cream if the sauce has thickened too much.
FAQ
Can I make this recipe spicier?
Absolutely! Increase the amount of red pepper flakes to your liking, or add a pinch of cayenne pepper with the other spices.
What if I don’t have fresh herbs?
While fresh herbs add a vibrant finish, you can use dried parsley or dried chives, but use sparingly (about 1/2 teaspoon each) as their flavor is more concentrated. Add them along with the other dried spices.
Can I add other vegetables?
Yes! Besides spinach, diced bell peppers, sliced mushrooms, or even frozen peas can be added during the last few minutes of pasta cooking. Just ensure they cook through without making the dish watery.
What does “cowboy butter” mean?
“Cowboy butter” is a flavorful compound butter typically served with grilled meats, featuring a robust blend of garlic, herbs (often parsley, chives, thyme), and spices like paprika or chili powder. This recipe incorporates those bold, savory flavors into the creamy pasta sauce, giving it its distinctive and delicious character.
Say goodbye to boring weeknight meals and hello to your new favorite comfort food. This one-pan creamy cowboy butter chicken pasta recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a testament to how simple ingredients, clever technique, and bold flavors can come together to create something truly spectacular. Enjoy the ease, savor the richness, and delight in the minimal cleanup!
One-Pan Creamy Cowboy Chicken Pasta: Your New Weeknight Favorite
Imagine a symphony of rich, garlicky, herby butter mingling with tender chicken and al dente pasta, all brought together in a luxuriously creamy sauce – and the best part? It all cooks in a single pan! This creamy cowboy butter chicken pasta recipe is your ticket to a flavor-packed, fuss-free dinner that tastes like it took hours but comes together in under 35 minutes. Infused with aromatic spices and a vibrant blend of fresh herbs, it’s a comforting meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you crave something truly special without the extra cleanup. Get ready for a delicious adventure in every bite!
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional, for a kick)
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 12 ounces penne pasta (or other medium-sized pasta)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season the chicken cubes generously with salt and pepper. Add chicken to the hot skillet and cook until browned on all sides and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Reduce heat to medium. Add butter to the same skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Once melted, add minced garlic, smoked paprika, chili powder, dried oregano, dried thyme, and red pepper flakes (if using). Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Add the uncooked pasta, stirring to ensure it's fully submerged. Cover the skillet and reduce heat to medium-low. Cook for 12-15 minutes, or according to pasta package directions, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
- Stir in the heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, fresh parsley, fresh chives, and lemon juice. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Stir gently until the sauce is creamy and everything is well combined and heated through.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Serve immediately, garnished with extra fresh herbs or Parmesan if desired.
Notes
For an extra veggie boost, stir in a handful of fresh spinach during the last 2 minutes of cooking the pasta. You can also swap chicken breasts for chicken thighs. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash more chicken broth or heavy cream until desired consistency is reached. Leftovers store well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American Comfort
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 560
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 120mg