If you’ve ever dreamed of combining buttery, spicy cowboy flavors with a bowl of luscious pasta, this Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe will sweep you off your boots and all the way to flavor town. Picture golden seared chicken, linguine tossed in a bold, garlicky butter sauce, and just enough heat from paprika and cayenne to keep every twirl of noodles seriously addictive. The whole dish comes together in half an hour, making it perfect for weeknights or dinner parties when you want to impress without any fuss. Trust me: one bite, and you’ll be hooked on the Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe for life!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this dish is how each ingredient plays a starring role, building layers of richness, spice, and savory depth. You don’t need anything too fancy—just a good balance of pantry staples, fresh herbs, and a squeeze of citrus to bring it all together. Let’s dive into all the ingredients that make this Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe shine.
- Linguine: The perfect noodle for soaking up all that buttery, spicy sauce and giving a satisfying bite to every forkful.
- Chicken breast: Tender, protein-packed strips of chicken become golden and juicy with a quick sear, making this dish hearty and flavorful.
- Olive oil: Locks in the chicken’s moisture while adding a subtle, fruity background note.
- Unsalted butter: The star of the cowboy butter sauce, giving the whole pasta a rich, velvety finish.
- Garlic: Sautéed garlic adds unmistakable aroma and savory punch—don’t skimp!
- Dijon mustard: A little tang, a little zing, this is what helps balance all the buttery goodness.
- Smoked paprika: A smoky, earthy warmth that instantly deepens the flavor of the sauce.
- Cayenne pepper: Just the right amount of heat—it wakes up your palate without overpowering.
- Crushed red pepper flakes: Boosts the spiciness and adds colorful flecks throughout your sauce.
- Onion powder: For a boost of sweet, mellow background flavor that ties the sauce together.
- Dried thyme: Lends a subtle woodsy note which makes everything feel a little extra special.
- Dried parsley: Adds color, freshness, and a soft herbal lift to the cowboy butter sauce.
- Lemon juice: The finishing touch—bright, tangy, and essential to cut through all that lovely richness.
- Salt and black pepper: Season to taste to make all the other flavors pop.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Savory, nutty, and just melty enough to make this pasta completely irresistible.
- Chopped fresh parsley: A sprinkle on top for color and an extra burst of herbal freshness at the end.
How to Make Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Linguine
Bring a big pot of salted water to a boil and add your linguine. You want it to be beautifully al dente, so follow the package instructions closely. Once done, drain and set aside—but don’t forget to reserve a bit of pasta water, in case you want to loosen up your sauce later!
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken strips, seasoning them generously with salt and black pepper. Sauté for 6–8 minutes, letting them get golden on the outside and cooked through on the inside. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside, making sure to keep all those tasty juices in the skillet.
Step 3: Build the Cowboy Butter Sauce
In the same skillet, add the unsalted butter and let it melt until foamy. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes, just until fragrant. Next, whisk in the Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, crushed red pepper flakes, onion powder, dried thyme, and dried parsley. Give it all a good mix and let it bubble for another minute to fully bloom all those spices.
Step 4: Add Lemon and Chicken
Pour in the juice of half a lemon to brighten everything up. Now return your cooked chicken to the skillet, tossing it to thoroughly coat with the cowboy butter sauce. This gives the chicken a rich, aromatic crust that’s totally irresistible.
Step 5: Toss Linguine and Finish
Add your cooked linguine to the skillet, gently tossing with tongs to ensure every strand is dressed in the buttery, spicy sauce. If needed, add a splash of reserved pasta water for silkiness. Top it all with a generous handful of grated Parmesan cheese and fresh chopped parsley, then serve up your Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe immediately for maximum flavor.
How to Serve Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe
Garnishes
To make your Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe extra special, finish each bowl with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan, a few more red pepper flakes for zing, and a shower of bright green parsley. For a zesty touch, add an extra wedge of lemon on the side—perfect for anyone who loves a citrusy kick!
Side Dishes
Balance out the richness of this pasta with a crisp green salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette, or some roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli. Warm, crusty bread is also a fantastic partner, delicious for mopping up every last bit of that cowboy butter sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe family-style in a large platter at the table, letting everyone help themselves. You can also portion it into individual bowls and top each with a fried egg or crispy shallots for a gourmet spin. If you’re entertaining, try twirling nests of linguine with a fork and nestling them on small plates for a more elegant, restaurant-worthy presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen with time, making it delicious for lunch the next day.
Freezing
For longer storage, portion the pasta into freezer-safe containers once cooled. It’s best to freeze without extra garnishes. This dish can be frozen for up to one month—just thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of water or chicken broth to re-loosen the sauce. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, stirring often, until piping hot. Add a little fresh parsley or Parmesan just before serving to revive those fresh flavors.
FAQs
Can I substitute the chicken with another protein?
Absolutely! Shrimp works wonderfully, adding a sweet seafood twist, while mushrooms or thinly sliced zucchini are fantastic for a vegetarian option. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly to avoid overcooking your protein.
How spicy is the Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe?
It’s got a pleasant kick from the cayenne and red pepper flakes, but feel free to dial those spices up or down based on your preferences. For heat-lovers, add more red pepper; if you’re sensitive, simply cut the pepper in half.
Can I use other types of pasta?
Yes! While linguine is traditional for this recipe, fettuccine, spaghetti, or even penne will work just as well—use whatever you have on hand or love most.
What makes this dish “cowboy butter”?
Cowboy butter is a flavorful compound butter infused with garlic, mustard, spices, and herbs. Here, it gets turned into a saucy coat for the pasta and chicken, bringing a punchy, bold flavor you won’t forget!
Is it easy to double this recipe for a crowd?
Definitely! The Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe is simple to scale; just use a big pot and skillet, and double each ingredient for the perfect party-pleasing dinner.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving comfort food with a bold, spicy twist, you just can’t go wrong with the Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe. It’s quick, fun, and brings a Texas-sized punch to your table. I hope it becomes a favorite in your kitchen as well—give it a try and let your taste buds take a wild ride!
Print
Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich and flavorful Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine, a delicious pasta dish featuring tender chicken strips coated in a bold and buttery sauce. This recipe is a perfect blend of spicy, savory, and creamy flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.
Ingredients
Linguine:
- 12 oz linguine
Cowboy Butter Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast (sliced into thin strips)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp dried parsley
- juice of 1/2 lemon
- salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Cook Linguine: Cook linguine until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Cook Chicken: Brown chicken strips in olive oil, then set aside.
- Make Cowboy Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter, sauté garlic, add seasonings, and lemon juice.
- Combine Ingredients: Toss chicken in sauce, mix in linguine, and sprinkle with Parmesan and parsley.
- Serve: Enjoy warm!
Notes
- You can substitute chicken with shrimp or keep it vegetarian by using mushrooms or zucchini.
- Adjust the spice level by reducing cayenne or red pepper flakes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 510 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 48 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 39 g
- Cholesterol: 125 mg
