Dinner

Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta Recipe

BySarah Summers February 1, 2026February 1, 2026

Introduction

Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta is a comforting, flavorful dish that combines tender chicken breasts with a rich, garlicky cream sauce. Perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner, this pasta recipe is quick to prepare and sure to satisfy your cravings.

A close-up of a round white plate filled with fettuccine pasta coated in creamy light beige sauce, topped with several pieces of golden brown grilled chicken with a slightly crisp texture. The chicken pieces are scattered evenly over the pasta and garnished with small green herbs. The plate is placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
8 oz fettuccine or penne pasta
3 tbsp unsalted butter
1 cup heavy cream
4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
2 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: In a skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook the chicken for 6–7 minutes on each side until golden brown and thoroughly cooked. Remove from the skillet and let it rest.
Step 3: In the same skillet, add the remaining butter and minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour in the heavy cream and stir continuously until the sauce thickens slightly.
Step 4: Slice the rested chicken into bite-sized pieces and return it to the skillet along with the drained pasta. Toss gently to coat everything evenly in the creamy sauce.
Step 5: Serve the pasta hot, garnished with extra Italian seasoning or grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

Tips & Variations

For added flavor, sprinkle some smoked paprika on the chicken before cooking.
Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce.
Add sautéed mushrooms or spinach to the sauce for extra veggies.
If you prefer a bit of heat, stir in red pepper flakes with the garlic.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce if needed.