Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Big, Bold Flavor: The cowboy butter sauce is a blend of buttery richness, lemony brightness, garlic, Dijon mustard, and spices, creating a mouthwatering coating for the pasta and chicken.

• Weeknight-Friendly: This entire meal comes together in about 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy nights when you want something hearty and impressive.

• Customizable Comfort: Easily adjust the heat level, add veggies, or swap the pasta type—this recipe adapts to your tastes.

• One-Pan Wonder: The cowboy butter sauce is made in the same pan used to cook the chicken, simplifying cleanup.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tbsp unsalted butter

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp onion powder

• ½ tsp smoked paprika

• ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Pasta:

• 8 oz linguine

• Salted water, for boiling

• ¼ cup reserved pasta water

For the Cowboy Butter Sauce:

• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• ¼ cup chicken broth

• ¼ cup heavy cream

• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard

• 1 tbsp lemon juice

• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

• ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook linguine until al dente, about 9–11 minutes. Before draining, reserve ¼ cup of pasta water. Drain and lightly toss with olive oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.

2. Season and Sear the Chicken: While the pasta cooks, mix garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne (if using), salt, and pepper. Toss over the cubed chicken to coat. Heat olive oil and 1 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken in a single layer for 3–4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and fully cooked (internal temp of 165°F). Transfer to a plate and tent with foil to keep warm.

3. Make the Cowboy Butter Sauce: In the same skillet (don’t clean it!), reduce heat to medium-low. Add the softened butter and let it melt gently. Stir in minced garlic and sauté for 30–60 seconds until fragrant. Add chicken broth, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard. Whisk and simmer for 2 minutes. Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan until smooth and creamy. Let it simmer gently until the sauce slightly thickens—do not boil.

4. Bring It All Together: Return the chicken (with juices) to the skillet. Add the cooked linguine and toss everything together with tongs. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen and emulsify the sauce. Simmer 1–2 minutes for flavors to meld.

5. Finish and Serve: Turn off the heat and stir in fresh parsley. Garnish with extra parsley, cracked black pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired. Serve immediately with lemon slices or wedges for a fresh, zesty finish.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 15 minutes

• Total Time: 25 minutes

Variations

• Creamy Version: Add ¼ cup of heavy cream or a spoonful of cream cheese after the butter melts for a rich, velvety finish.

• Add Veggies: Toss in spinach, cherry tomatoes, roasted mushrooms, or even zucchini ribbons for added texture and nutrition.

• Protein Swap: Try shrimp, steak, or even turkey for a twist on the recipe.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

• Reheat: Gently reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.

• Freezing: Not ideal for freezing, as the butter sauce may separate upon thawing.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes! Spaghetti, fettuccine, or even penne would work beautifully with this dish.

2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

The chicken and sauce can be made in advance. Reheat and toss with freshly cooked pasta before serving for best results.

3. Can I make it dairy-free?

Swap the butter for a plant-based alternative, such as vegan butter or olive oil. Use dairy-free cream and cheese substitutes as well.

4. Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Absolutely! Adding sautéed zucchini, spinach, or bell peppers can enhance the flavor and add nutritional value.

5. How can I adjust the spice level?

To reduce the heat, omit the cayenne pepper and use fewer red pepper flakes. For more heat, increase the amount of cayenne and red pepper flakes.

6. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used as a substitute for chicken breasts. They will add a slightly richer flavor.

7. How do I prevent the sauce from separating?

Ensure the sauce is simmered gently and not boiled after adding the cream. Adding a splash of reserved pasta water can help emulsify the sauce.

8. Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

While fresh, cooked chicken is preferred for texture and flavor, you can use pre-cooked chicken. Add it to the sauce just to heat through.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes, this dish stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it a great option for meal prepping.

Can I freeze this dish?

Freezing is not recommended due to the butter sauce potentially separating upon thawing. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated.

Conclusion

Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a flavorful and satisfying dish that brings the bold tastes of cowboy cuisine to your table. With its rich, zesty sauce and tender chicken, it’s sure to become a favorite in your dinner rotation. Whether you’re cooking for family, entertaining guests, or meal prepping for the week, this recipe delivers big flavor with minimal effort.