Short Description
Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a bold, buttery, and flavor-packed pasta dish featuring juicy seared chicken tossed in a rich, garlicky cowboy butter sauce. Infused with fresh herbs, a hint of spice, and Parmesan cheese, this dish is the perfect fusion of creamy pasta and zesty cowboy flavors.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich and buttery – Cowboy butter sauce adds incredible depth of flavor.
- Perfectly spiced – A balance of heat, garlic, and fresh herbs.
- Quick and easy – Ready in 30 minutes for a satisfying meal.
- Restaurant-quality at home – A unique, impressive pasta dish.
- Customizable – Adjust spice levels, add veggies, or swap proteins.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Cowboy Butter Sauce:
- Butter (unsalted)
- Garlic (minced)
- Dijon mustard
- Lemon juice
- Red pepper flakes
- Smoked paprika
- Fresh parsley (chopped)
- Fresh chives (chopped)
- Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and black pepper
For the Chicken & Pasta:
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (sliced)
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
- Italian seasoning
- Linguine pasta
- Parmesan cheese (grated, for topping)
Directions
Cook the Chicken:
- Season the chicken – Rub chicken with olive oil, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Sear the chicken – Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and cook chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Set aside.
Make the Cowboy Butter Sauce:
- Melt the butter – In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add aromatics – Stir in garlic, Dijon mustard, red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, parsley, and chives. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Assemble the Pasta:
- Cook the pasta – Boil linguine according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Combine everything – Toss the cooked pasta in the cowboy butter sauce, then add sliced chicken. Stir well to coat.
- Finish and serve – Garnish with grated Parmesan and extra parsley.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 20 minutes
- Total time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Spicy version – Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
- Creamy twist – Stir in a splash of heavy cream or cream cheese.
- Low-carb option – Use zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash instead of pasta.
- Seafood alternative – Swap chicken for shrimp or salmon.
- Cheesy upgrade – Mix in shredded mozzarella for extra richness.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Not recommended, as butter-based sauces may separate.
- Reheating: Warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to refresh the sauce.
FAQs
What is cowboy butter?
It’s a rich, garlicky butter sauce infused with mustard, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, and herbs.
Can I use another type of pasta?
Yes! Fettuccine, spaghetti, or penne work well too.
How do I prevent the butter sauce from separating?
Keep heat low when adding lemon juice and stir constantly.
Can I grill the chicken instead?
Yes! Grilled chicken adds a smoky flavor to the dish.
What sides pair well with this meal?
Serve with garlic bread, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad.
Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes! Just slice and toss it in the sauce at the end.
How do I make the sauce thicker?
Add a bit of Parmesan cheese or a splash of heavy cream.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes! Use dairy-free butter and skip the Parmesan.
What’s the best way to get extra crispy chicken?
Sear in a hot skillet and let it rest before slicing.
Can I add vegetables?
Absolutely! Try sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or cherry tomatoes.
Conclusion
Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a bold and buttery pasta dish packed with flavor. With juicy chicken, a rich garlic-herb sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. Try it tonight for an indulgent and satisfying meal!
Print
Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American, Italian-Inspired
Description
This Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a bold, buttery, and flavor-packed pasta dish featuring juicy, seasoned chicken tossed in a rich cowboy butter sauce with garlic, lemon, Dijon mustard, and fresh herbs. It’s a spicy, zesty twist on classic pasta that’s perfect for a quick and satisfying meal!
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs), sliced
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
For the Cowboy Butter Sauce:
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tsp fresh chives, chopped
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz linguine (or pasta of choice)
- 1 tbsp salt (for pasta water)
- 1/4 cup reserved pasta water
For Garnish:
- Extra Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley
- Lemon wedges
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook linguine according to package instructions until al dente.
- Reserve ¼ cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
- In a bowl, season chicken with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and red pepper flakes.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Cowboy Butter Sauce
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds, until fragrant.
- Stir in Dijon mustard, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, parsley, and chives.
Step 4: Combine Everything
- Add the cooked linguine and chicken back to the skillet.
- Toss to coat, adding reserved pasta water as needed for a silky sauce.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese and mix until combined.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy
- Garnish with extra Parmesan, fresh parsley, and lemon wedges.
- Serve hot and enjoy your Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine!
Notes
- Make It Spicier: Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
- Creamy Option: Stir in ¼ cup heavy cream for a richer sauce.
- Low-Carb Alternative: Swap linguine for zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash.
- Storage: Refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of water or broth.