If you’re craving a dish that’s bold, buttery, and just a little bit wild, Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is about to become your new go-to. Imagine tender strips of chicken, juicy and golden, tossed with perfectly cooked linguine and bathed in a garlicky, spicy cowboy butter sauce that’s positively loaded with flavor. This pasta is the ultimate comfort food with a western twist, and it comes together in just 30 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights or cozy dinner parties. Get ready to fall in love with Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine, a dish that turns an ordinary meal into a flavor-packed adventure!
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be amazed at how a handful of everyday ingredients can come together to make something truly extraordinary. Each component of Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine plays a crucial role, whether it’s adding richness, spice, or that perfect touch of freshness.
- Linguine Pasta: The hearty base that soaks up all the buttery, spicy goodness and gives the dish its satisfying texture.
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Sliced into strips for quick, even cooking and maximum flavor absorption.
- Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning both the pasta and chicken, bringing out all the other flavors.
- Olive Oil: Adds a hint of richness and helps the chicken get that beautiful golden sear.
- Unsalted Butter: The heart of the cowboy butter sauce, creating a rich, velvety base for everything else to shine.
- Garlic: Minced fresh for a punchy, aromatic foundation that makes the sauce irresistible.
- Red Pepper Flakes: Bring a touch of heat—adjust to your preference for a milder or bolder kick.
- Dijon Mustard: Adds tang and complexity to the sauce, balancing the richness of the butter.
- Lemon Juice: A splash of brightness that lifts and freshens up all the flavors.
- Worcestershire Sauce: Deepens the savory notes and adds a subtle umami undertone.
- Smoked Paprika: Gives the dish a smoky warmth and gorgeous color.
- Cayenne Pepper (optional): For those who love extra spice, this gives the sauce a fiery cowboy kick.
- Fresh Parsley: Chopped and sprinkled in to add color and a burst of herbal freshness.
- Chives: Mild and oniony, they finish the dish with finesse and a pop of green.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: Melts into the pasta for a creamy, salty finish that ties everything together.
How to Make Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
Step 1: Cook the Linguine
Start by boiling your linguine in a large pot of salted water, following the package directions until it’s al dente. Before draining, reserve about half a cup of that magical pasta water—this little trick will help your Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine attain a silky, restaurant-quality sauce. Set the pasta aside while you move on to the chicken.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Season your sliced chicken strips generously with salt and black pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then cook the chicken for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s cooked through and beautifully golden on the edges. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate and keep it warm—you’ll be returning it to the pan soon!
Step 3: Make the Cowboy Butter Sauce
With the chicken out of the way, reduce the heat to medium and add the butter to the same skillet. As it melts, toss in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, letting their aromas bloom. Stir in Dijon mustard, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, and cayenne if you’re feeling adventurous. Let everything cook together for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant and flavorful.
Step 4: Coat the Chicken
Now, bring the cooked chicken back into the skillet and toss it in the luscious cowboy butter. Make sure every piece is coated in that golden, spicy sauce—this is where the magic of Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine really comes alive!
Step 5: Toss Everything Together
Add the cooked linguine to the skillet, along with a splash of your reserved pasta water. Toss, toss, toss! You want every strand of pasta to be coated in the creamy cowboy butter sauce. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, parsley, and chives, and watch as the cheese melts and everything comes together in a dreamy, glossy tangle. Serve right away, with extra herbs and Parmesan if you like.
How to Serve Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
Garnishes
The finishing touch for Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is all about freshness and a little extra flair. Sprinkle on some extra chopped parsley and chives for a burst of color and brightness, and don’t be shy with the grated Parmesan. A crack of black pepper over the top makes it look and taste even more inviting.
Side Dishes
This pasta is rich and satisfying on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad, some roasted or steamed veggies, or even a warm, crusty loaf of bread to soak up every last bit of sauce. For a touch of sweetness, consider serving with a simple tomato salad or grilled corn on the cob.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, try twirling the Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine into little pasta nests on each plate and topping with a piece of chicken and a sprinkle of herbs. Or, serve family-style in a big rustic bowl for everyone to dig in. For a playful twist, garnish with a wedge of lemon or a drizzle of chili oil for extra cowboy flair!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine, you’re in luck—it keeps well! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld and deepen, making each bite just as delicious as when it was first served.
Freezing
While this dish is at its best fresh, you can freeze Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine if needed. Let it cool completely, then portion into freezer-safe containers. It will keep for up to 2 months. For best results, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, add a splash of water or chicken broth to loosen up the sauce, then warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Stir occasionally to ensure the butter sauce stays creamy and doesn’t separate. Finish with a fresh sprinkle of herbs and Parmesan to revive that just-cooked flavor.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! While linguine is classic for this dish, fettuccine, spaghetti, or even penne will work beautifully. Just be sure to cook your pasta al dente for the best texture with the cowboy butter sauce.
Is there a way to make Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine less spicy?
Of course! Simply reduce or omit the red pepper flakes and cayenne pepper. The dish will still be full of flavor from the garlic, mustard, and smoked paprika, without the heat.
Can I add vegetables to Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine?
Definitely! Sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers are delicious additions and blend seamlessly into the cowboy butter sauce. Just toss them in with the chicken or sauce for extra color and nutrition.
What’s the best way to make this dish lighter?
For a lighter version, use half the butter and supplement with a splash of chicken broth. You’ll still get a creamy, flavorful sauce with fewer calories and less fat—win-win!
Can I make Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine ahead for a party?
Yes! Cook the pasta and chicken ahead of time, then quickly toss everything together with the cowboy butter sauce just before serving. This keeps the flavors fresh and the pasta perfectly saucy for your guests.
Final Thoughts
This Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is pure comfort in a bowl, with just the right amount of spice, richness, and zest to keep every bite interesting. If you’re looking to wow your family or friends with something new, give this recipe a try—you’ll love how easy and rewarding it is. Gather your ingredients, fire up the skillet, and let the cowboy butter magic begin!
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Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a rich and flavorful American-inspired pasta dish featuring tender strips of chicken coated in a spicy, buttery sauce with hints of garlic, smoked paprika, and cayenne. Tossed with linguine and fresh herbs, and finished with Parmesan cheese, this dish offers a perfect balance of creamy, savory, and subtly spicy notes that make for a satisfying main course.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 ounces linguine pasta
Chicken
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Cowboy Butter Sauce
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
Garnishes
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon chopped chives
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the linguine according to the package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Prepare the chicken: Season the chicken strips with salt and black pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken strips and cook for 5 to 6 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown and cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
- Make the cowboy butter sauce: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add the unsalted butter and let it melt completely. Stir in the minced garlic, red pepper flakes, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper if using. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce becomes fragrant.
- Combine chicken with sauce: Return the cooked chicken strips to the skillet and toss them well to coat with the cowboy butter sauce evenly.
- Toss pasta with sauce: Add the cooked linguine to the skillet along with a splash of the reserved pasta water. Toss everything thoroughly until the pasta is evenly coated with the creamy sauce. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, chopped fresh parsley, and chopped chives for added flavor and freshness.
- Serve: Plate the Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine immediately. Garnish with extra herbs and Parmesan cheese if desired for an enhanced presentation and taste.
Notes
- This dish is rich and flavorful—perfect for a bold pasta night.
- You can add spinach or mushrooms for extra veggies to make it more nutritious.
- For a lighter version, use half the butter and add a splash of chicken broth instead.
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes and cayenne pepper to control the spice level to your preference.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 530
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 105 mg
