Name: Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: Linguine Pasta: 12 oz linguine pasta Chicken: 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces) Cowboy Butter Sauce: 2 tablespoons olive oil, salt and pepper to taste, 1/2 cup unsalted butter, 4 cloves garlic (minced), 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme, 1/4 teaspoon dried parsley, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (plus more for garnish), optional: grated Parmesan for serving

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If you’re craving a hearty yet utterly irresistible meal, Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is about to become your new comfort food crush. Imagine juicy, golden chicken tossed with perfectly cooked linguine, all coated in a rich, spicy cowboy butter sauce that’s bursting with savory spices and a hint of zesty lemon. This dish effortlessly marries bold flavors, a touch of heat, and the soul-soothing goodness of pasta, making dinner both easy and exciting. Whether you’re serving friends or treating yourself, every forkful brings a big Texas-style hug you’ll want to share again and again.

Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the essentials for Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine couldn’t be easier, and each ingredient builds on the last to create layers of flavor, color, and a soul-warming texture. Here’s what you’ll need, along with a quick tip or insight into why every element matters:

Linguine pasta (12 oz): This wide, flat noodle is perfect for soaking up all that cowboy butter sauce—don’t substitute with thinner pasta for best results.
Boneless skinless chicken breasts (1 lb): Cutting them into bite-sized pieces ensures quick, even cooking and every bite is packed with flavor.
Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Helps get that irresistible golden sear on the chicken—and adds a whisper of fruitiness.
Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning at every stage, giving life to the chicken and the sauce alike.
Unsalted butter (1/2 cup): Creates the decadent, silky foundation for that cowboy butter magic.
Garlic, minced (4 cloves): A must for rich, aromatic depth; don’t skimp or you’ll miss the cozy hug this ingredient provides.
Dijon mustard (1 tablespoon): Brings a tangy backbone and sharp complexity to balance the richness of the butter.
Lemon juice (1 tablespoon): Adds a burst of freshness and keeps the sauce lively rather than heavy.
Crushed red pepper flakes (1/2 teaspoon): Infuses the dish with gentle heat—feel free to adjust for your spice preference.
Smoked paprika (1/2 teaspoon): Delivers earthy, smoky undertones that echo the “cowboy” spirit of the sauce.
Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): Reinforces the allium notes for extra savory punch.
Onion powder (1/2 teaspoon): Rounds out the sauce, adding subtle sweetness and depth.
Cayenne pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Gives a background kick that lingers and lures you back for another bite.
Dried thyme (1/4 teaspoon): Adds a pleasant herbal note that brings it all together.
Dried parsley (1/4 teaspoon): Introduces color and subtle freshness—even in winter months.
Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Warms the sauce and enhances all the other spices.
Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Boosts the overall flavor profile, making every forkful sing.
Chopped fresh parsley (1/4 cup, plus more for garnish): For that pop of green on top, keeping the dish bright and inviting.
Optional: Grated Parmesan for serving: Adds a salty-savory finish if you’re feeling extra indulgent.

How to Make Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

Step 1: Cook the Linguine

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the linguine and cook according to package directions until perfectly al dente—this ensures it holds up to the hearty cowboy butter sauce. Reserve half a cup of pasta water before draining; it’s the secret to a silky, clingy sauce later on. Set the noodles aside while you prepare the chicken and sauce.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

While your pasta cooks, season the chicken pieces generously with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high, then add the chicken. Let it sizzle without stirring too frequently; this lets you build that yummy golden crust. After about 6 to 8 minutes, once the pieces are beautifully browned and cooked through, transfer them to a plate and set them aside. They’ll make a comeback in a few minutes!

Step 3: Build the Cowboy Butter

Using the same skillet, drop in the butter and let it melt over medium heat. Immediately add the minced garlic, stirring for about a minute until it’s fragrant but not browned—that aromatic kitchen magic sets the stage for the whole dish. Next, stir in the Dijon mustard, lemon juice, crushed red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, thyme, dried parsley, black pepper, and salt. Let this aromatic mixture bubble gently for 2 to 3 minutes; you’re basically creating liquid gold.

Step 4: Coat the Chicken

Add the seared chicken back into the skillet and toss to fully coat in the cowboy butter sauce. You’ll see the chicken pieces taking on a glossy, spiced coating that’s just irresistible. This is where all those flavors fuse into the chicken itself, delivering a punch in every bite.

Step 5: Bring It Together

Add the cooked linguine to the skillet, pouring in some of the reserved pasta water as needed. This simple trick helps the sauce cling perfectly to every noodle strand, marrying everything together. Toss in the chopped fresh parsley for brightness, and keep things moving until everything is hot, glossy, and ready for the table. Give it a taste, tweak the seasoning if you like, and get ready to serve immediately.

How to Serve Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

Garnishes

Sprinkle a generous handful of chopped fresh parsley on top to make the whole dish pop with color and freshness. If you’re craving extra oomph, don’t hesitate to finish each serving with a shower of grated Parmesan—its nutty richness takes Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine to luxurious new heights.

Side Dishes

A crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette is the perfect counterpoint to this pasta’s richness. For true comfort, a side of warm garlic bread or toasted baguette will help scoop up any sauce left on the plate. If you prefer vegetables, roasted broccoli or asparagus provide a lovely, earthy balance.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine in large, shallow bowls to showcase the vibrant ingredients and sauce. For special occasions, twirl the pasta into individual nests using tongs and artfully drape the golden chicken on top. A final sprinkle of parsley and a little Parmesan make it feel like a restaurant-worthy dish right at home.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers (lucky you!), transfer Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine to an airtight container as soon as it cools. Stored properly in the fridge, it stays fresh and delicious for up to three days, making it perfect for easy lunches or another cozy dinner.

Freezing

While pasta dishes with butter sauces can sometimes change texture after freezing, Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine freezes surprisingly well for up to a month. Scoop individual portions into freezer-safe containers. For best results, add a splash of extra reserved pasta water or broth when reheating to refresh the sauce.

Reheating

To reheat, simply warm leftovers on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a bit of water or chicken broth to loosen the sauce. Stir gently until the chicken is heated through and the sauce is revived. Avoid microwaving for too long, as it can dry out the chicken and make the pasta gummy.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Main Course

Yes, but linguine is ideal because its shape is designed to hold onto the rich cowboy butter sauce without getting lost. Tagliatelle or fettuccine would also work, but avoid very thin or small shapes for this dish.

How spicy is Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine?

It has a gentle heat that most folks find pleasant, thanks to the red pepper flakes and cayenne. If you’re spice-sensitive, simply reduce those amounts, or ramp them up if you love your food with a fiery kick!

What protein substitutes work well?

Shrimp is a fantastic alternative to chicken—just reduce the cooking time so it stays tender. Diced turkey, pork tenderloin, or even tofu can also step in if you’re looking to shake things up.

Gluten-free options?

Absolutely! Swap the standard linguine for your favorite gluten-free pasta. Make sure to check that your Dijon mustard and other packaged spices are gluten-free as well for a totally safe plate.

Can I prep any components in advance?

You can absolutely cut the chicken ahead of time and mix up the spice blend to speed things up right before dinner. In a pinch, the cowboy butter sauce can also be made a day ahead, then gently reheated and tossed with fresh pasta and chicken when you’re ready to eat.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a meal that warms the soul and delights the taste buds, give Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine a spot on your table soon. It’s hearty, exciting, and wonderfully satisfying—perfect for sharing with loved ones or savoring solo. Dive in and let this flavor-packed pasta become a staple in your rotation!

Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe

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4.8 from 5 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine recipe is a delicious twist on traditional pasta dishes. Tender chicken is coated in a flavorful ‘cowboy butter’ sauce with a hint of spice, tossed with linguine, and garnished with fresh parsley. It’s a hearty and satisfying meal that is sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients

Linguine Pasta:

12 oz linguine pasta

Chicken:

1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)

Cowboy Butter Sauce:

2 tablespoons olive oil, salt and pepper to taste, 1/2 cup unsalted butter, 4 cloves garlic (minced), 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme, 1/4 teaspoon dried parsley, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (plus more for garnish), optional: grated Parmesan for serving

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Instructions

Cook the Linguine: Cook linguine according to package directions. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
Cook the Chicken: Season chicken with salt and pepper. Cook in a skillet until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
Make the Cowboy Butter Sauce: Melt butter in the skillet. Add garlic, mustard, lemon juice, red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, thyme, parsley, black pepper, and salt. Cook for 2–3 minutes.
Combine and Serve: Return chicken to the skillet. Toss in the cowboy butter sauce. Add linguine and pasta water. Toss until well combined. Garnish and serve.