Description
Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta is a bold, creamy, and spicy dish that combines juicy chicken, rich cowboy butter sauce, and tender pasta for an easy weeknight dinner. Ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for families craving comfort food with a kick. Try it tonight and make dinner exciting again!
Ingredients
16 oz rotini pasta (or any pasta of choice)
2 lbs chicken tenderloins, cut into bite-sized pieces
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
1 stick butter (salted or unsalted)
2–3 tbsp minced garlic
1 cup diced onions
2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tbsp honey Dijon mustard
2 tsp smoked paprika (divided)
1 tsp cayenne pepper
1 tsp dried parsley
1 tsp red pepper flakes
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 cup heavy cream
1–2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until it’s tender but still firm to the bite, following package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Season and Cook the Chicken: In a medium bowl, toss chicken pieces with 1 tsp smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat, then cook the chicken until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove from pan and set aside.
- Make the Cowboy Butter Sauce: Using the same pan, melt the butter. Add garlic and onions; cook over medium heat for 5 minutes until onions are soft.
- Flavor the Sauce: Reduce heat to low. Stir in Worcestershire sauce, honey Dijon mustard, the remaining 1 tsp smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, parsley, red pepper flakes, lemon juice, and heavy cream. Mix thoroughly and simmer for 2–3 minutes.
- Combine Everything: Return cooked chicken to the pan along with the pasta. Toss gently to coat everything in the rich sauce.
- Serve Warm: Plate up and enjoy the spicy, creamy magic.
Notes
Use rotisserie chicken to save time.
Adjust spice to taste by reducing cayenne and red pepper.
Make it dairy-free using coconut cream and plant-based butter.
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 generous portion
- Calories: 620 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 35g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 145mg