If you’re looking for a pasta dish that’s quick to prepare and packed with zesty, buttery flavor, this Easy Chicken Pasta with Cowboy Butter Sauce delivers in every bite. With tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a rich sauce infused with garlic, lemon, Dijon mustard, and fresh herbs, this weeknight-friendly recipe feels indulgent yet comes together in just 30 minutes.
Cowboy butter — typically served as a dipping sauce for grilled meats — transforms into a velvety pasta sauce in this clever twist. It’s the perfect marriage of bold flavors and creamy texture, all wrapped around your favorite noodles. One skillet and one pot are all you need, making this a fuss-free dinner you’ll want to repeat often.
Ingredients Overview
Here’s what you’ll need and how each ingredient works in the dish:
Chicken
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Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs — both work well. Thighs are juicier, while breasts cook quickly.
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Slice into bite-sized pieces or strips to cook fast and absorb the sauce.
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Season with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper to build flavor from the start.
Pasta
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Short pasta like penne, rigatoni, or rotini clings beautifully to the sauce.
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You can also use linguine or fettuccine if you prefer long noodles.
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Cook just to al dente, as the pasta will finish in the skillet.
Cowboy Butter Sauce
This is the flavor powerhouse — rich, spicy, tangy, and buttery.
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Unsalted butter: The silky base of the sauce.
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Garlic: Use fresh, finely minced garlic for the best flavor.
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Dijon mustard: Adds a creamy tanginess and depth.
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Lemon juice and zest: Brightens the butter and balances the richness.
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Smoked paprika: Adds warmth and subtle smokiness.
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Red pepper flakes: For heat (adjust to your taste).
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Fresh parsley and chives: Add herby freshness and color.
Optional Enhancements
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Parmesan cheese: Stirred in at the end for richness and savory depth.
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Spinach or kale: Wilts beautifully into the hot pasta.
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Cherry tomatoes: Adds bursts of sweetness and acidity.
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Heavy cream: For an extra creamy version (just ¼ cup is enough).
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
Set pasta aside while you prepare the chicken and sauce.
2. Cook the Chicken
Heat 1–2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Season the chicken with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add to the skillet and sauté for 6–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and cooked through.
Transfer the chicken to a plate and keep warm.
3. Make the Cowboy Butter Sauce
In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium. Add butter and melt slowly.
Stir in the garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
Add Dijon mustard, lemon zest, lemon juice, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes. Whisk gently until smooth and combined.
Stir in the chopped parsley and chives.
If desired, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen and emulsify the sauce.
4. Combine and Finish
Add the cooked pasta and chicken back into the skillet.
Toss everything together until well coated. If the sauce looks thick, add more pasta water a bit at a time.
Sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese and toss again until melted and glossy.
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed — more lemon for brightness or a pinch of salt to enhance the buttery flavor.
5. Serve
Serve immediately, garnished with extra herbs and freshly grated Parmesan.
Enjoy with garlic bread or a side salad for a full meal.
Tips, Variations & Substitutions
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Creamier version: Stir in 1/4 cup of heavy cream or cream cheese after the butter melts.
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Add veggies: Throw in spinach, sautéed mushrooms, or steamed broccoli.
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Use pre-cooked chicken: Shredded rotisserie chicken works great for even faster prep.
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Dairy-free: Use vegan butter and skip the cheese, or sub in nutritional yeast.
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Low-carb option: Swap pasta for zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash.
Serving Ideas & Occasions
This pasta is a perfect fit for:
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Weeknight family dinners — it’s quick, filling, and flavorful.
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Casual date nights — rich and indulgent without a complicated recipe.
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Lunch leftovers — reheats well with a splash of water or broth.
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Meal prep — divide into containers for a week of satisfying lunches.
Pair with:
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A green salad with lemon vinaigrette
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Garlic toast or Texas toast
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A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio
Nutritional & Health Notes
This dish is rich and comforting, with a balance of protein, carbs, and fat:
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Chicken provides lean protein for muscle support.
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Butter and cheese add richness and flavor, so small portions go a long way.
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Fresh herbs and lemon brighten and balance the richness naturally.
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To make it lighter, use less butter, lean chicken breast, and whole wheat pasta.
Each serving offers about 500–550 calories depending on add-ins and pasta type.
FAQs
Q1: Can I make cowboy butter sauce ahead of time?
Yes! Cowboy butter sauce keeps well in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat gently and stir before adding to pasta.
Q2: What’s the best pasta shape for this recipe?
Short pasta like penne or rotini is great for soaking up sauce. Long noodles like linguine or tagliatelle also work well.
Q3: Can I make this dish less spicy?
Definitely. Reduce or skip the red pepper flakes and use sweet paprika instead of smoked for a milder version.
Q4: How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.
Q5: Can I use other proteins?
Yes. Shrimp, sliced steak, or even seared tofu work well with cowboy butter flavors.
Q6: Is this dish gluten-free?
It can be! Just use gluten-free pasta and double-check that your Dijon mustard is gluten-free.
Q7: How do I add more vegetables to this dish?
Toss in fresh spinach, sautéed zucchini, or roasted red peppers. They blend easily into the sauce and add nutrition.
Easy Chicken Pasta with Cowboy Butter Sauce – Quick, Bold, and Creamy
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A fast and flavorful pasta dish featuring tender chicken tossed with linguine in a rich cowboy butter sauce infused with garlic, lemon, Dijon, and herbs. Ready in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
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8 oz penne or linguine pasta
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1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into strips
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2 tbsp olive oil
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1/2 tsp garlic powder
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1/2 tsp paprika
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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4 tbsp unsalted butter
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4 garlic cloves, minced
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1 tsp Dijon mustard
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Zest and juice of 1 lemon
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1/2 tsp smoked paprika
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1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
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2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
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1 tbsp chopped chives
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1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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1/2 cup reserved pasta water
Instructions
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Cook pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve 1/2–1 cup pasta water.
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In a skillet, heat olive oil. Season chicken with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
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Melt butter in the same pan. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant. Stir in Dijon, lemon zest and juice, paprika, and red pepper flakes. Add parsley and chives.
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Return chicken to the skillet. Add cooked pasta and toss everything together. Stir in Parmesan and enough pasta water to coat and create a glossy sauce.
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Serve immediately, garnished with herbs and extra cheese.
Notes
Make it creamy with a splash of heavy cream. Add spinach or tomatoes for color and nutrition. Leftovers reheat well with a splash of broth or water.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Pasta
- Cuisine: American Fusion, Weeknight Meals
Nutrition
- Calories: ~540 per serving