Garlic Cowboy Butter Bowtie Pasta with Chicken Recipe

This Garlic Cowboy Butter Bowtie Pasta with Chicken is a cozy, flavor-packed weeknight favorite that feels special enough for guests. Tender bite-sized chicken pieces are seared with Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika, then tossed into a silky, garlicky cowboy butter sauce that clings beautifully to farfalle. Expect a rich, buttery aroma with bright lemon notes and a gentle heat from red pepper flakes, balanced by fresh parsley and chives. The bowtie pasta provides a pleasing chew and little pockets that catch the Parmesan and sauce, so every bite has contrast in texture.

This dish works great for busy weeknights, casual dinner parties, or when you want comfort food with a bit of zip. If you love garlic butter pasta, try this confident variation that elevates simple ingredients into a memorable meal with minimal fuss. For a slightly different take on the same idea, see this garlic butter chicken bowtie pasta recipe for inspiration: garlic butter chicken bowtie pasta variation.

Ingredients

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
Tender, neutral-flavored protein that soaks up the Cajun seasoning.
1 ½ tsp Cajun seasoning
Adds smoky, spicy depth; adjust more or less to taste.
½ tsp garlic powder
Boosts garlic flavor without adding moisture.
½ tsp smoked paprika
Brings warmth and a subtle smoky note.
Salt & black pepper, to taste
Simple seasoning to balance flavors.
2 tbsp olive oil
For searing the chicken and developing a golden crust.
6 tbsp unsalted butter
The base of the cowboy butter sauce, for richness and silkiness.
4 cloves garlic, minced
Fresh garlic gives the sauce its aromatic punch.
½ tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
Provides a controlled heat that lifts the butter.
1 tsp Dijon mustard
Adds a faint tang and helps emulsify the sauce.
Juice of 1 lemon
Brightens the rich butter and cuts through fat.
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Fresh herb for color and a mild herbaceous note.
1 tbsp fresh chives, chopped
Onion-like brightness and garnish quality.
Salt & pepper, to taste
Final seasoning for the sauce and assembled dish.
12 oz bowtie (farfalle) pasta
The shaped pasta holds sauce in nooks and adds texture.
½ cup reserved pasta water
Starchy water to loosen the sauce and create a silky finish.
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for topping)
Salty, umami cheese that melts into the sauce for creaminess.

For another similar comfort pasta idea that uses cowboy butter flavors, check this related recipe: garlic butter chicken bowtie pasta.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook until al dente according to package directions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining. Drain the pasta and set aside while preparing the rest of the dish. Tip: reserve the exact amount of pasta water so you can adjust sauce consistency later.
Season the Chicken
Place the chicken pieces in a bowl and toss them with 1 ½ tsp Cajun seasoning, ½ tsp garlic powder, ½ tsp smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until well coated.
Cook the Chicken
Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and fully cooked through. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and keep warm. Tip: do not overcrowd the pan so the chicken browns instead of steams.
Make the Cowboy Butter Sauce
Using the same skillet, lower the heat to medium. Add 6 tbsp unsalted butter and let it melt, scraping the browned bits from the chicken into the sauce. Stir in 4 cloves minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add ½ tsp red pepper flakes, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, and the juice of 1 lemon. Stir well. Toss in 2 tbsp fresh parsley and 1 tbsp fresh chives, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Combine Everything
Return the chicken and the drained bowtie pasta to the skillet. Toss gently so the pasta and chicken are coated evenly in the cowboy butter sauce. Add splashes of the reserved ½ cup pasta water as needed to create a silky consistency. Stir in ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is creamy and clings to the pasta. Tip: add pasta water a little at a time until you reach a glossy sauce.
Serve
Divide the pasta among bowls. Garnish with extra Parmesan, parsley, or a light sprinkle of Cajun seasoning. Serve hot with garlic bread or a crisp salad.

Recipe Details

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: Approximately 760 kcal per serving

For a heartier bowtie pasta option that uses similar ingredients and techniques, you may also like this cheesy beef bowtie pasta idea: garlic butter beef cheesy bowtie pasta.

Tips, Storage & Variations

Practical tips
- Let the chicken brown well for added flavor.
- Use the reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce without diluting flavor.
- Taste and adjust salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes at the end.
Storage
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of water to revive the sauce.
Freezing advice
- Freezing is not recommended for best texture, but you can freeze the cooked chicken separately for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating and combining with freshly cooked pasta.
Flavor variations using existing ingredients only
- Increase Cajun seasoning for a spicier profile.
- Add more lemon juice for a brighter, tangier sauce.
- Stir in extra Parmesan for a cheesier finish.
- Reduce red pepper flakes to make the dish milder.

FAQ

How long does the chicken take to cook?
The bite-sized chicken pieces take about 6-8 minutes over medium-high heat until golden and cooked through.
Can I use a different pasta shape?
Yes, any short pasta that holds sauce will work, but the recipe uses 12 oz bowtie for texture.
Do I have to reserve pasta water?
Reserving ½ cup of pasta water helps create a silky sauce and is recommended.
Is the dish very spicy?
The recipe has a mild to moderate heat from ½ tsp red pepper flakes and Cajun seasoning; adjust to taste.
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
You can, but reduce added salt since salted butter increases overall saltiness.
How do I reheat leftovers without drying them out?
Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of water or a little extra butter to restore creaminess.

Conclusion

I hope you enjoy making this Garlic Cowboy Butter Bowtie Pasta with Chicken. It is a comforting, restaurant-quality meal that comes together quickly and delivers bold savory flavors with bright lemon and herb accents. For a twist on the same cowboy butter idea using linguine, check out Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine, and for another pasta version with a similar flavor profile see Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta. If you try the recipe, please share your notes and photos so others can enjoy your version. Happy cooking and warm plates ahead.