This buttery chicken pasta is everything a comfort meal should be: rich, bold, slightly spicy, and deeply satisfying. Tender strips of seasoned chicken, colorful bell peppers, and perfectly cooked pasta are tossed in a garlicky, herby butter sauce with just enough heat to keep things exciting. It’s the kind of dish that feels indulgent yet approachable—ideal for busy weeknights when you want maximum flavor without spending hours in the kitchen.
The magic of this recipe lies in its balance. The butter brings richness, garlic and herbs add depth, mustard and lemon provide brightness, and a touch of chili gives it attitude. Combined with pasta and juicy chicken, the result is a creamy, savory dish that feels both cozy and bold at the same time.
A close look at the finished plate reveals glossy pasta strands coated in sauce, pops of red and yellow from sautéed peppers, and fresh herbs sprinkled on top. It’s the kind of meal that looks impressive on the table but comes together with surprisingly little effort.
What Is Cowboy Butter and Why It Works So Well with Pasta
Cowboy butter started as a compound butter—softened butter mixed with garlic, herbs, spices, and citrus. It’s known for its intense flavor profile: garlicky, smoky, slightly tangy, and just spicy enough to wake up your palate. While it’s often paired with steak or grilled meats, it turns out to be an incredible base for pasta sauce.
When melted, this butter transforms into a glossy, flavor-packed coating that clings beautifully to noodles. Add a splash of cream and some starchy pasta water, and it becomes a silky sauce that feels luxurious without being heavy. The herbs and spices infuse every bite, meaning you don’t need a long ingredient list or complicated techniques to achieve big flavor.
This pasta version takes the essence of cowboy butter and adapts it into a complete meal—one pan, simple steps, and restaurant-worthy results.
Why You’ll Love This Butter Chicken Pasta
There are plenty of reasons this dish deserves a spot in your regular dinner rotation:
- Big, confident flavors that instantly elevate a simple pasta night
- Juicy chicken and tender pasta coated in a rich, buttery sauce
- Quick and stress-free, ready in under 30 minutes
- Flexible and customizable, perfect for using what you already have
- Comforting yet exciting, with a balance of creaminess, spice, and freshness
Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, this pasta delivers that satisfying “wow” factor without complicated prep.
Ingredients Overview
This recipe relies on everyday ingredients, but each one plays an important role in building flavor and texture.
Chicken thighs
Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are ideal here because they stay juicy and tender even after searing. Slicing them into strips helps them cook quickly and evenly. A simple seasoning of paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper enhances their natural flavor, with optional cayenne for extra heat.
Butter-based sauce
The heart of the dish is a flavored butter made with garlic, herbs, spices, mustard, and lemon. It brings richness, aroma, and a layered savory profile that defines the entire recipe.
Shallots and garlic
Shallots add a subtle sweetness and depth that regular onions can’t quite match. Thinly sliced garlic gently infuses the butter as it cooks, creating a fragrant base for the sauce.
Bell peppers
A mix of red, yellow, and orange peppers adds sweetness, crunch, and vibrant color. They balance the richness of the sauce and keep the dish feeling fresh.
Pasta water
Reserved cooking water is essential for achieving a smooth, cohesive sauce. The starch helps emulsify the butter and cream, ensuring the sauce clings to every strand of pasta.
Pasta
Long noodles like linguine or fettuccine work especially well, but this recipe is forgiving. Short shapes such as penne or rigatoni are also great options if that’s what you have on hand.
Cream and cheese
A small amount of cream softens the spices and rounds out the sauce, while freshly grated hard cheese adds saltiness and umami. Grating it fresh ensures better melting and flavor.
Fresh herbs and lemon
Chopped parsley and a squeeze of lemon at the end brighten the entire dish, cutting through the richness and bringing everything into balance.
How to Prepare the Dish
1. Make the flavored butter
Start by mixing softened butter with garlic, herbs, spices, mustard, and lemon zest and juice. This can be done ahead of time and stored in the fridge, making dinner even faster later on.
2. Cook the pasta
Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until just al dente. Before draining, scoop out some of the cooking water and set it aside.
3. Sear the chicken
Season the chicken strips and sear them in a hot pan with olive oil. The goal is to get good color on the outside without fully cooking them through at this stage.
4. Build the sauce
Lower the heat slightly, then add shallots, garlic, and peppers to the pan. Cook until softened and fragrant, allowing the chicken to finish cooking gently alongside the vegetables.
5. Combine everything
Add a generous spoonful of the flavored butter, followed by the cooked pasta. Toss well, then stir in cream, cheese, and a splash of reserved pasta water until the sauce becomes glossy and smooth.
6. Finish and serve
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Finish with fresh herbs and serve immediately, with lemon wedges and extra cheese on the side.
Bold Butter Chicken Pasta with a Spicy Cowboy Twist
- Total Time: 25 min
Ingredients
For the Flavored Butter:
½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
2 cloves garlic, finely minced
1 tbsp chopped parsley
1 tbsp chopped chives
2 tsp fresh thyme leaves
1 tsp sweet paprika
1 tsp salt
Pinch of red pepper flakes
½ lemon juice and zest
For the Pasta Dish:
12 oz (340 g) pasta (linguine recommended)
2 tsp salt (for pasta water)
6 skinless, boneless chicken thighs
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
½ tsp black pepper
1 tbsp olive oil (or as needed)
1 large shallot, finely diced
1 cup (150 g) bell peppers, sliced (red, yellow, orange mix)
4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
4 tbsp flavored butter (from above)
½ cup (120 ml) heavy cream
4 tbsp freshly grated Parmesan cheese
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
-
Prepare the flavored butter:
Combine all butter ingredients in a small bowl. Set aside. You’ll only need about half for the pasta; the rest can be stored for later use. -
Cook the pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining. -
Prepare the chicken:
Slice chicken into strips or bite-sized pieces. Toss with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. -
Sear the chicken:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Quickly sear chicken for about 4 minutes until lightly browned. Chicken does not need to be fully cooked at this stage. -
Cook the vegetables:
Reduce heat slightly. Add shallots, sliced garlic, and bell peppers. Cook, stirring frequently, until vegetables are softened and chicken is cooked through (internal temperature 165°F / 75°C, approx. 8–10 minutes). -
Combine pasta and sauce:
Add 4 tbsp of flavored butter to the pan, then toss in the cooked pasta. Stir in cream, Parmesan, and a splash of reserved pasta water until the sauce is silky and coats the pasta evenly. -
Finish and serve:
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately with lemon wedges and extra Parmesan. Optional: serve with garlic bread for the ultimate comfort meal.
Notes
- Add extra vegetables like zucchini, cherry tomatoes, or spinach for more color and nutrition.
- Reserved pasta water helps create a velvety sauce without adding more cream. Adjust according to desired consistency.
- Leftover chicken pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently with a splash of water or cream.
- Always check that chicken reaches 165°F (75°C) internally for safe consumption.
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 15 min
