Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken and Pasta
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I always enjoy trying new seasoning blends, especially ones that can add a lot of flavor without requiring a long list of extra ingredients. Two of my longtime favorites are McCormick Montreal Steak Seasoning and Kinder’s Buttery Steakhouse Seasoning. So when I spotted Kinder’s Cowboy Butter Seasoning, I knew I had to try it—and it eventually led me to making this Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken and Pasta.
I first used the seasoning on smoked cream cheese and loved the bold, buttery, garlicky flavor it added. My son actually shared this pasta recipe with me. It seasons both the tender chunks of chicken and the rich, Alfredo-style sauce, giving the entire dish plenty of savory flavor.
This is also a great meal for summer because everything is prepared right on the stovetop. There is no need to turn on the oven and heat up the kitchen, which makes it especially nice for warm evenings when you still want something creamy, comforting, and filling.
For the pasta, I like to use mini bowtie pasta, also known as mini farfalle. The smaller shape holds onto the creamy sauce well and makes the dish easy to serve and eat. This recipe turned out warm, comforting, and full of flavor, and it was a hit with the whole family.
Ingredients for Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken and Pasta Recipe
- CHICKEN BREASTS – Boneless, skinless chicken breasts add lean protein and make the pasta hearty enough to serve as a complete meal. Cutting the chicken into bite-size chunks helps it cook quickly and evenly.
- OLIVE OIL – Olive oil is used to cook the chicken and helps prevent it from sticking to the pan. It also adds a light, savory flavor to the dish.
- BUTTER – Butter adds richness and helps create the base of the creamy sauce. It also pairs well with the buttery flavor in the Cowboy Butter seasoning.
- KINDER’S COWBOY BUTTER SEASONING –This seasoning blend gives the chicken and sauce bold, buttery, garlicky, and savory flavor. It adds plenty of seasoning without needing a long list of individual spices.
- MINI BOWTIE PASTA – Mini bowtie pasta, also called mini farfalle, is the perfect shape for this creamy dish. Its small folds and pinched centers hold onto the sauce, helping every bite stay flavorful.
- GARLIC – Fresh minced garlic adds an extra layer of savory flavor and makes the sauce even more aromatic. Cook it briefly so it becomes fragrant without burning.
- HEAVY CREAM – Heavy cream creates the rich, smooth texture of the Alfredo-style sauce. It also helps mellow the bold seasoning and coats the pasta beautifully.
- PARMESAN CHEESE – Freshly grated Parmesan adds salty, nutty flavor and helps thicken the sauce as it melts. Freshly grated cheese usually melts more smoothly than pre-shredded Parmesan.
Instructions for Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken and Pasta
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with 1 tablespoon of the Cowboy Butter seasoning, then add them to the hot skillet. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned on the outside and cooked through.
While the chicken is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Before draining, reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.
Once the chicken is fully cooked, transfer it to a plate or platter and keep it warm. Add the butter to the same skillet and let it melt. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
Add the remaining tablespoon of Cowboy Butter seasoning and pour in the heavy cream. Stir everything together and let the sauce simmer gently for 3 to 5 minutes, or until it begins to thicken.
Reduce the heat to low, then stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until it is completely melted and the sauce is smooth. Add a little of the reserved pasta water at a time until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet along with the drained pasta. Toss everything together until the pasta and chicken are evenly coated in the creamy sauce. Serve immediately while warm.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cowboy Butter seasoning?
Cowboy Butter seasoning is a bold, savory blend with buttery, garlicky, and herb flavors. In this recipe, it seasons both the chicken and the creamy sauce.
Can I use a different pasta shape?
Yes. Regular bowtie pasta, penne, rotini, or shells would all work well. Choose a shape with ridges or folds that can hold onto the creamy sauce.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The chicken should be browned on the outside and reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees. Cutting the chicken into evenly sized pieces helps it finish cooking at the same time.
Why should I reserve some pasta water?
The starchy pasta water helps loosen the sauce without making it watery. Add it a little at a time until the sauce reaches the consistency you prefer.
Why did my Parmesan cheese turn grainy?
The skillet may have been too hot when the cheese was added. Reduce the heat to low and use freshly grated Parmesan so it melts more smoothly.
Can I add vegetables to this pasta?
Yes. Spinach, broccoli, mushrooms, peas, or asparagus would all be good additions. Add quick-cooking vegetables near the end so they do not become overcooked.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
It is best served right after cooking because the sauce thickens as it sits. You can cook the chicken and prepare the other ingredients ahead of time to make dinner faster.
How should I reheat the leftovers?
Reheat the pasta gently in a skillet or microwave with a splash of milk, cream, or chicken broth. Stir occasionally to help the sauce become creamy again.
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes. Skip cooking the raw chicken and stir chopped rotisserie chicken into the finished sauce along with the cooked pasta.
What can I serve with this pasta?
A green salad, steamed vegetables, garlic bread, or roasted broccoli would all pair well with the rich and creamy pasta.
Tips and Tricks
- Cut the chicken into evenly sized pieces. Keeping the chicken chunks close to the same size helps them cook evenly and prevents smaller pieces from drying out before the larger ones are done.
- Do not overcook the pasta. Cook the pasta just until al dente since it will continue to soften slightly when mixed with the hot sauce. This helps keep the finished dish from becoming mushy.
- Reserve the pasta water before draining.
The starchy water is perfect for loosening the sauce while helping it cling to the pasta. Add it a little at a time so the sauce does not become too thin. - Lower the heat before adding Parmesan. High heat can cause Parmesan to clump or make the sauce grainy. Reduce the heat to low and stir in freshly grated cheese until smooth.
- Serve the pasta right away. The creamy sauce thickens quickly as it sits. If needed, stir in a splash of pasta water, cream, or milk before serving to bring back the creamy consistency.
FOR MORE RECIPES LIKE THIS, TRY:
- Chicken Enchilada Pasta Pronto
- Skillet Pasta e Fagioli
- South of the Border Chicken and Pasta Skillet
- Easy No Roux Stovetop Mac and Cheese
Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken and Pasta
Real Mom Kitchen
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 lb. mini bowtie pasta
- 2 chicken breasts cut into chunks
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 2 Tbsp butter
- 2 Tbsp Kinder’s cowboy butter seasoning
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¾ cup Parmesan cheese freshly grated
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet. Season the chicken with 1 Tbsp of the seasoning mix. Cook the chicken in the skillet until browned and fully cooked. This should take about 6-8 minutes
- In the meantime, cook the pasta in a pot of boiling water according to package directions. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water and then drain the pasta.
- When the chicken is fully cooked, remove it and place it on a platter. Add the butter to the skillet. Once melted, add in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Stir in the remaining 1 Tbsp of cowboy butter seasoning along with the heavy cream. Simmer for 3-5 minutes until thickened.
- Add in the Parmesan cheese and stir until melted. Add in some of the pasta water to thin the sauce to the desired consistency.
- Mix in the cooked pasta and chicken. Stir together until well coated with the sauce and serve. Serves 6.
Nutrition
This recipe is adapted from Dinner at Riley’s.
