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the best Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe

the best Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe

5.2 from 26 reviews

Creamy and flavorful Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a delightful twist on a classic pasta dish. Tender chicken, al dente linguine, and a rich butter sauce with a hint of spice come together for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale

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)

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta – Bring a large pot of generously 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 – Mix garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Toss over the cubed chicken. Sear the chicken in a skillet until golden brown and fully cooked. Transfer to a plate and tent with foil.
  3. Make the Cowboy Butter Sauce – In the same skillet, melt butter. Add minced garlic, chicken broth, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard. Whisk and simmer. Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan until smooth. Let it simmer until slightly thickened.
  4. Bring It All Together – Return the chicken to the skillet. Add the cooked linguine and toss together. Add reserved pasta water if needed. Simmer briefly for flavors to meld.
  5. Finish and Serve – Stir in fresh parsley. Garnish and serve immediately with lemon slices.

Notes

  • This dish pairs well with a side salad or garlic bread.
  • Adjust the spice level by increasing or decreasing the cayenne and red pepper flakes.

Nutrition

Keywords: Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine, pasta recipe, chicken pasta, creamy butter sauce