Name: Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces; 8 oz linguine pasta; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 tablespoon butter; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional); Salt and black pepper, to taste; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/4 cup chicken broth; 1/4 cup heavy cream; 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard; 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a creamy, flavor-packed pasta dish that brings together tender chicken, al dente linguine, and a rich, zesty butter sauce. With hints of garlic, lemon, and Parmesan, this dish is both comforting and indulgent, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it combines the richness of butter with the zestiness of lemon and the warmth of spices, creating a harmonious blend of flavors. The chicken is juicy and flavorful, the pasta perfectly cooked, and the sauce creamy and indulgent. Plus, it’s ready in just 30 minutes, making it an ideal choice for a quick yet impressive meal.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
8 oz linguine pasta
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon butter
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup chicken broth
1/4 cup heavy cream
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Directions

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the linguine and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
Prepare the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Season the chicken pieces with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Make the Cowboy Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the softened butter over medium heat. Add the chicken broth, heavy cream, Dijon mustard, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Stir to combine and let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
Combine Everything: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, then add the drained linguine. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water as needed to achieve a silky consistency. Stir in the lemon juice, grated Parmesan cheese, and chopped parsley.
Serve: Divide the Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine among plates and serve immediately, garnished with additional parsley and Parmesan cheese if desired.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

Protein Swap: I sometimes substitute the chicken with shrimp or thinly sliced steak for a different flavor profile.
Vegetarian Option: For a meatless version, I replace the chicken with sautéed mushrooms or roasted vegetables.
Spice Level: To adjust the heat, I vary the amount of cayenne pepper and red pepper flakes to suit my taste.
Pasta Alternatives: While linguine works great, I’ve also used fettuccine, spaghetti, or penne with excellent results.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: To reheat, I warm the pasta gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce. Alternatively, I microwave it in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.

FAQs

What is cowboy butter?

Cowboy butter is a flavorful compound butter made by combining softened butter with ingredients like garlic, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, herbs, and spices. It adds a rich and zesty flavor to dishes.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, I often prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, I cook the pasta fresh and combine everything, reheating gently.

Is this dish spicy?

The spice level is moderate, with a gentle kick from the cayenne pepper and red pepper flakes. I adjust the amount of these spices to suit my preference.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While I prefer linguine for its texture, I’ve successfully used fettuccine, spaghetti, and penne in this recipe.

Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Yes, I substitute the butter with plant-based alternatives and use coconut milk or a dairy-free cream substitute in place of heavy cream. I also use a dairy-free Parmesan cheese alternative.

Conclusion

Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a delightful fusion of flavors that brings comfort and indulgence to the table. With its creamy, zesty sauce and tender chicken, it’s a dish that I find myself returning to time and again. Whether for a quick weeknight dinner or a special gathering, this recipe is sure to impress and satisfy.