Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe

If you’re ready to lasso up dinner with bold flavor, Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is your new weeknight hero. Imagine silky linguine twirled around juicy bites of chicken, all drenched in a buttery, garlicky sauce with a little smoky heat and a fresh citrusy kick. It’s a dish that feels both homey and a little wild, just like something you’d whip up after a day on the ranch. Whether you’re cooking for family or want to impress friends, Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is guaranteed to bring big smiles to the table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Even though Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine tastes like a restaurant masterpiece, it relies on a handful of simple, high-impact ingredients. Each one brings its own special magic, from the richness of butter to the bright pop of lemon and the savory depth of Parmesan. Here’s what you’ll need and why you shouldn’t skip a thing:

• Linguine pasta: This sturdy, flat noodle is perfect for soaking up every drop of the buttery cowboy sauce.
• Boneless skinless chicken breast: Cut into bite-sized pieces, it cooks quickly and stays tender in the sauce.
• Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the natural flavors in the chicken.
• Olive oil: Adds a subtle fruitiness and helps the chicken brown beautifully.
• Butter: The star of the sauce, giving the dish its signature richness and smooth texture.
• Garlic: Four cloves might sound bold, but it infuses the sauce with irresistible aroma and flavor.
• Smoked paprika: Delivers gentle smokiness and a gorgeous hint of deep red color.
• Red pepper flakes: For just the right amount of cowboy kick—add more or less to taste.
• Dijon mustard: Provides a tangy backbone and subtle complexity to the sauce.
• Fresh lemon juice: Brightens up the sauce and balances out the richness.
• Chopped fresh parsley: Adds freshness and a burst of color, both in the sauce and as a garnish.
• Worcestershire sauce: Brings savory depth and a hint of umami that makes everything pop.
• Chicken broth: Helps create a silky, flavorful sauce that clings to every strand of pasta.
• Grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce, bringing salty, nutty richness to the final dish.

How to Make Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

Step 1: Cook the Linguine

Start by bringing a big pot of salted water to a boil. Add the linguine and cook until it’s just al dente—usually a minute or two less than the package says. Before draining, scoop out about half a cup of the starchy pasta water; you’ll use this later to make your Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine perfectly saucy. Drain the rest and set the noodles aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Chicken

While the pasta is cooking, season your chicken pieces generously with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then add the chicken. Let it sear without moving for a couple of minutes to get a golden crust, then stir and cook until just cooked through, about 6 to 8 minutes. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate and keep it handy.

Step 3: Make the Cowboy Butter Sauce

In the same skillet (no need to rinse—those chicken bits are flavor gold), melt the butter over medium heat. Toss in the minced garlic, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, parsley, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir everything together, letting the garlic soften and the spices bloom for about 1 to 2 minutes. You’ll smell when it’s ready—the kitchen will smell incredible!

Step 4: Build the Sauce

Pour in the chicken broth and let the mixture simmer for another two minutes, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. This deepens the flavor and helps the sauce thicken slightly. The broth, along with the butter and seasonings, creates the signature cowboy butter sauce that makes this dish unforgettable.

Step 5: Combine and Finish

Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet, then gently toss in the linguine. Give everything a good mix, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if the sauce needs loosening. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts into the sauce, coating every strand. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed, then serve Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine hot, garnished with extra parsley for a fresh finish.

How to Serve Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh parsley and a shower of grated Parmesan take Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine from tasty to truly stunning. For an extra pop, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of good olive oil right before serving. These little touches make the dish look and taste even more vibrant.

Side Dishes

This pasta is hearty enough to stand on its own, but a crisp green salad with a zesty vinaigrette or some garlic bread make wonderful partners. Roasted vegetables, like asparagus or broccoli, round out the meal and add a bit of color and crunch alongside Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try serving Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine family-style in a big rustic bowl, or plate it individually with a lemon wedge for squeezing. You can even portion it into small bowls as a starter at a dinner party, letting that cowboy butter aroma be the conversation starter!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extra Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine (lucky you!), transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, making for an even tastier lunch the next day.

Freezing

While fresh is always best, you can freeze Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine if needed. Cool it completely, then store in freezer-safe containers for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.

Reheating

For best texture, reheat Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or chicken broth to loosen the sauce. If using the microwave, cover loosely and heat in short bursts, stirring between each, until warmed through.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Main Course

Absolutely! While linguine is a classic choice for Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine, fettuccine, spaghetti, or even penne will work beautifully with the buttery sauce.

How spicy is this dish?

The red pepper flakes add a gentle warmth, but the dish isn’t overwhelmingly spicy. If you love heat, feel free to add more pepper flakes, or tone it down for a milder version.

What can I use instead of chicken?

Shrimp or steak are delicious alternatives in Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, and you’ll have a whole new variation to enjoy.

Can I make this dish dairy-free?

You can swap the butter for a plant-based alternative and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a dairy-free twist. The sauce will still be rich and flavorful!

Is there a way to make the sauce extra creamy?

Of course! Stir in a splash of heavy cream or a spoonful of sour cream at the end for an even silkier sauce. It’s a great way to add extra richness to Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving something bold, buttery, and bursting with flavor, you have to give Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine a try. It’s the kind of meal that feels special but comes together in a snap—perfect for busy weeknights or whenever you need a little comfort on your plate. Round up your ingredients and let this dish become a new favorite at your table!

Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe

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4.9 from 27 reviews

• Author: admin
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a rich and flavorful American main course dish featuring tender chicken breast pieces tossed with linguine pasta in a creamy, spicy butter sauce infused with garlic, smoked paprika, and a hint of lemon. This stovetop recipe is quick to prepare, perfect for a hearty and satisfying meal that combines smoky, tangy, and savory flavors with a comforting pasta base.

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Ingredients

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Pasta

• 12 oz linguine pasta

Chicken

• 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
• Salt and pepper to taste

Sauce

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• ½ cup chicken broth
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

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Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta: Cook the linguine in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water before draining the remaining water.
2. Season the Chicken: While the pasta cooks, season the bite-sized chicken pieces with salt and pepper evenly to enhance flavor.
3. Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for about 6–8 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
4. Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, chopped parsley, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir and cook for 1–2 minutes until aromatic.
5. Add Broth and Simmer: Pour in the chicken broth and let the sauce simmer for another 2 minutes to meld the flavors.
6. Combine Chicken and Pasta: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, then add the drained linguine. Toss everything together to coat the pasta and chicken evenly. Add a splash of the reserved pasta water if the sauce needs loosening.
7. Finish with Cheese: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and incorporated into the sauce.
8. Serve: Serve the Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine hot, optionally garnished with additional fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

Notes

• For extra richness, add a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of sour cream at the end of cooking.
• This dish can be made with shrimp or steak instead of chicken for variety.
• Adjust red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor.
• Reserve pasta water is key to adjusting sauce consistency.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bowl
• Calories: 580
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 520mg
• Fat: 28g
• Saturated Fat: 14g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 48g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 38g
• Cholesterol: 120mg