Description
Get ready to spice up your dinner routine with this irresistible Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta! Perfect for a quick dinner idea, this dish combines tender chicken, rich garlicky cowboy butter sauce, and hearty pasta into one flavor-packed meal. Whether you’re hunting for easy dinner recipes, comfort food ideas, or a bold new twist on classic pasta dishes, this recipe checks every box. The buttery sauce clings lovingly to each noodle, while smoky spices and fresh herbs create a satisfying bite that’s both cozy and exciting. It’s fast enough for a weeknight dinner but special enough to wow at a casual gathering. Trust me — this easy recipe will quickly earn a spot in your regular rotation!
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs), cut into strips
- 8 oz fettuccine or linguine pasta
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan (optional)
- ½ cup reserved pasta water
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.
- While pasta cooks, season chicken strips with salt and pepper.
- Heat 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken until golden and cooked through, about 4–6 minutes per side. Set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt the remaining butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Stir in the Dijon mustard, lemon juice, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Cook for another 1–2 minutes.
- Return chicken to the pan and coat with the cowboy butter sauce.
- Add the drained pasta and a splash of reserved pasta water. Toss everything together until well combined.
- Sprinkle with chopped parsley and Parmesan cheese if using. Serve immediately!