One-Pan Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta is a creamy, flavorful dish perfect for busy weeknights. This easy one-pan recipe lets you enjoy tender chicken and pasta bathed in a buttery cowboy sauce with just one skillet, making cleanup a breeze. The sauce is rich and smooth, with a little smoky spice that hits all the right notes. For a complementary chicken dinner idea, pair it with my Honey Garlic Chicken Breasts for a crowd-pleasing meal.
Why You'll Love One-Pan Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta – Easy, Creamy, & Quick Weeknight Meal
Whip up this easy One-Pan Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta in 40 minutes! Creamy, buttery, and packed with bold flavors for a quick weeknight family dinner.
- All-in-one skillet meal with minimal cleanup
- Rich, creamy cowboy butter sauce packed with savory flavor
- Easy, beginner-friendly recipe with pantry staples
- Ready in just 40 minutes, perfect for quick weeknights
Ingredients for One-Pan Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta – Easy, Creamy, & Quick Weeknight Meal
Chicken thighs: Provide the best flavor and tenderness; boneless skinless chicken breasts can be used but may dry out more easily.Heavy cream: Ensures a rich, creamy sauce. For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half but the sauce will be less thick.
- Chicken thighs: Provide the best flavor and tenderness; boneless skinless chicken breasts can be used but may dry out more easily.
- Heavy cream: Ensures a rich, creamy sauce. For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half but the sauce will be less thick.
Ingredient Note: Full measurements for One-Pan Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta – Easy, Creamy, & Quick Weeknight Meal are listed in the printable recipe card below.
How to Make One-Pan Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta – Easy, Creamy, & Quick Weeknight Meal
Step 1 — Prep & Preheat
Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, chili powder, cumin, and oregano. Add chicken to skillet and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-6 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
Step 2 — Cook and Build Flavor
Sauté Veggies & Garlic: In the same pan, add butter, diced onion, and bell pepper. Cook until softened, about 4 minutes, then stir in minced garlic for 1 minute until fragrant.
Step 3 — Finish, Taste, and Adjust
Add Liquids & Pasta: Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir in pasta and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and cook pasta until tender, about 12 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Expert Tips for One-Pan Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta – Easy, Creamy, & Quick Weeknight Meal
- Sear chicken properly to lock in flavor and moisture.
- Use sharp cheddar and pepper jack for that distinct creamy, slightly spicy taste.
- Don’t overcook pasta; it finishes cooking as cheese melts.
One-Pan Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta – Easy, Creamy, & Quick Weeknight Meal
Whip up this easy One-Pan Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta in 40 minutes! Creamy, buttery, and packed with bold flavors for a quick weeknight family dinner.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 8 oz pasta (penne or rotini)
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded pepper jack cheese
- 1 medium bell pepper, diced (red or green)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Seasonings & Flavor Boosters
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Red pepper flakes, optional for heat
Optional Toppings
- Chopped fresh parsley
- Sliced green onions
- Extra shredded cheese
Instructions
How to Make One-Pan Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, chili powder, cumin, and oregano. Add chicken to skillet and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-6 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
- Sauté Veggies & Garlic: In the same pan, add butter, diced onion, and bell pepper. Cook until softened, about 4 minutes, then stir in minced garlic for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add Liquids & Pasta: Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir in pasta and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and cook pasta until tender, about 12 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Finish with Cheese & Chicken: Return chicken to the pan. Stir in shredded cheddar and pepper jack cheese until melted and creamy. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Top with optional parsley and green onions before serving.
Nutrition (per serving)
Storage, Freezing & Reheating
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Not recommended (texture changes).
- Serve/Reheat: Best chilled or at room temperature.
One-Pan Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta – Easy, Creamy, & Quick Weeknight Meal FAQs
Yes! Prepare and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to maintain creamy texture.
You can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts, but they may dry out a bit more during cooking.
Place leftovers in an airtight container and keep refrigerated. Best consumed within 3 days.
Make sure to keep an eye on the pasta cooking time and check for doneness early. Use enough liquid but not too much to avoid mushy pasta.
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Before You Go
If you try this One-Pan Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta – Easy, Creamy, & Quick Weeknight Meal, I'd love for you to leave a rating or share how you customized it.