Introduction
Have you ever wondered if it is possible to capture the bold smoky essence of a Texas backyard barbecue and swirl it into a velvety elegant pasta dish? Most people believe that cowboy butter is strictly reserved for dipping expensive steaks but what if I told you that this zesty garlic infused butter is actually the secret weapon for the most incredible weeknight dinner you have ever tasted? Today I am sharing my personal recipe for Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta a dish that has quickly become a legend in my own kitchen.
Hi there! I am Benjamin Sharif and if you know anything about me you know that I live for recipes that bring people together. I still remember standing in my grandmother’s kitchen as a young boy watching her master the art of seasoning. She always said that food is about making people happy and this Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta does exactly that. It is the perfect marriage of rugged Southern flavors and sophisticated comfort food. Whether you are a busy parent looking for a 30 minute win or you just want a meal that feels like a warm hug this recipe is for you.
Why You Will Love This Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta
- Explosion of Flavor: Unlike traditional alfredo this sauce is packed with dijon mustard red pepper flakes and fresh herbs for a complex profile.
- Quick and Efficient: You can have this gourmet quality meal on the table in about 30 minutes making it ideal for hectic weeknights.
- Family Approved: My kids Adams and Jana absolutely devour this dish and it is a great way to introduce bolder seasonings to pickier eaters.
- Versatile and Forgiving: You can easily swap the protein or the pasta shape based on what you have in your pantry right now.
- Impossibly Creamy: The combination of heavy cream and melted cowboy butter creates a luxurious coating that clings to every noodle.
Ingredients for Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta
To create this masterpiece you will need a handful of fresh ingredients and some pantry staples. Here is what you should gather:
- Chicken Breast: Two large breasts cut into bite sized pieces.
- Pasta: I prefer penne or rigatoni to catch the sauce but linguine works beautifully too.
- Salted Butter: The base of our cowboy sauce.
- Garlic: At least four cloves minced finely.
- Lemon: Both juice and zest for a bright acidity.
- Dijon Mustard: This adds a signature tang that cuts through the richness.
- Heavy Cream: To create that dreamlike silkiness.
- Spices: Smoked paprika red pepper flakes black pepper and a pinch of cayenne.
- Fresh Herbs: Parsley and chives are essential for that authentic cowboy butter finish.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated is always best.
How to Make Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta
Step by Step Instructions
- Boil the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your pasta according to the package instructions until it is al dente. Remember to reserve about half a cup of pasta water before draining as this starchy liquid is liquid gold for your sauce.
- Sear the Chicken: While the pasta cooks heat a splash of oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Season your chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Add them to the pan and cook until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside on a plate.
- Make the Cowboy Butter Base: In the same skillet lower the heat to medium and add the butter. Once melted stir in the minced garlic and cook for about one minute until fragrant. Whisk in the dijon mustard lemon juice lemon zest smoked paprika and red pepper flakes.
- Build the Creamy Sauce: Pour the heavy cream into the skillet slowly whisking constantly. Let the mixture simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes until it begins to thicken. Stir in the freshly grated parmesan cheese until it is completely melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Combine: Add the cooked chicken and the drained pasta back into the skillet. Toss everything together until every piece of pasta is coated in that golden sauce. If the sauce feels too thick add a splash of your reserved pasta water.
- The Finishing Touch: Stir in the fresh parsley and chives. Give it one last toss and serve immediately while it is piping hot.
Pro Tips and Variations
If you want to take your Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet inspiration to the next level make sure you do not overcook the garlic. Burnt garlic will turn the sauce bitter. For a more intense flavor you can even brown the butter slightly before adding the other ingredients to create a nutty depth.
For those who prefer a little extra heat feel free to double the amount of red pepper flakes or add a teaspoon of chili paste. If you are looking for a lighter version you can substitute half of the heavy cream with whole milk or half and half though the sauce will not be quite as thick. If you love a good crunch try topping the finished dish with toasted breadcrumbs mixed with more lemon zest. This recipe is very similar in comfort to my creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta easy weeknight dinner so if you enjoy that you will love this variation.
You can also find great inspiration for similar sauce bases from external resources like Eat Your Beets which also explores the magic of this butter sauce.
Serving Suggestions
This Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta is a complete meal on its own but I love serving it with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the butter sauce. A side of garlic bread is also a must for soaking up every last drop of that crema. If you have extra time roasted asparagus or steamed broccoli adds a nice pop of color and nutrition to your plate. If you are in the mood for an even cheesier experience why not try making a cheesy chicken pasta bake using these same flavors tomorrow?
Storage and Reheating for Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta
If you happen to have leftovers this pasta stores beautifully. Place it in an airtight container and keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you are ready to eat it again I recommend reheating it on the stove over low heat. Add a tiny splash of milk or water to help the sauce loosen up and become creamy again. Avoid using the microwave on high power as it can cause the butter in the sauce to separate and become oily.
FAQ about Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs stay very juicy and are a great alternative. For more thigh recipes check out my crispy honey mustard chicken thighs recipe.
Is cowboy butter really spicy?
It has a little kick from the red pepper flakes and cayenne but it is more flavorful than it is hot. You can always adjust the spice level to your preference.
What is the best pasta shape to use?
Any pasta with ridges like penne or fusilli is perfect because it holds onto the thick cream sauce better than smooth pasta.
Final Thoughts on Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta
Cooking is about connection and this Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta is a dish designed to be shared. It brings together the warmth of home cooking with the bold exciting flavors of the South. I hope you enjoy making this as much as my family enjoys eating it. If you tried this recipe please leave a comment below and let me know how it turned out! Do not forget to save this to your Pinterest boards and subscribe to our newsletter at MisterRecipes.com for more delicious inspiration. Grab your apron and let us get cooking!
Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water before draining and set the pasta aside.
- While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt and black pepper. Add to the skillet and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Whisk in the Dijon mustard, lemon juice, lemon zest, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, and cayenne.
- Slowly pour in the heavy cream, whisking constantly. Let the mixture simmer gently for 2-3 minutes until it starts to thicken. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
- Add the cooked chicken and drained pasta back to the skillet. Toss to coat everything in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water.
- Stir in the chopped parsley and chives. Toss once more and serve immediately.