If you’re craving a pasta dish that’s rich, creamy, and bursting with flavor, this Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is your new go-to recipe. Tender, seasoned chicken meets perfectly cooked linguine, all coated in a decadent garlic and herb butter sauce. Balanced with a hint of spice, fresh herbs, and a touch of lemon, this dish delivers restaurant-quality taste from the comfort of your kitchen.

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Perfect for weeknight dinners, special occasions, or meal prep, it’s versatile and customizable—add extra heat, mix in vegetables, or swap proteins for your favorite twist.

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Ingredients

For the Cowboy Butter Sauce

½ cup unsalted butter, melted
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon honey
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
1 teaspoon fresh chives, chopped
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

For the Chicken

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Pasta

12 oz linguine
1 tablespoon salt (for boiling water)
½ cup reserved pasta water

For Garnish

Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Extra parsley and chives
Lemon wedges

Instructions

Step 1: Make the Cowboy Butter

In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, garlic, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, cayenne, lemon juice, honey, salt, and pepper.
Stir in parsley, chives, and optional red pepper flakes. Set aside to let flavors meld.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Season chicken strips with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add chicken and cook 5–7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

Step 3: Cook the Linguine

Boil salted water in a large pot.
Cook linguine according to package instructions until al dente.
Reserve ½ cup pasta water before draining.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Reduce skillet heat to low and pour in the cowboy butter.
Add linguine and toss to coat evenly. Add reserved pasta water gradually to adjust sauce consistency.
Return chicken to the skillet and mix thoroughly.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

Plate pasta and sprinkle with Parmesan, parsley, and chives.
Serve with lemon wedges for a bright, fresh finish.

Pro Tips

Always use fresh herbs for a vibrant flavor.
Keep pasta al dente to prevent mushiness.
Reserve pasta water to achieve the perfect sauce consistency.
Let chicken rest after cooking to retain juiciness.

Why This Recipe Works

Rich & Flavorful: Bold garlic, herbs, and spice make every bite memorable.
Easy Yet Impressive: Looks gourmet but is simple to prepare.
Versatile: Swap proteins, adjust spice, or add vegetables.
Comfort Food: Creamy, buttery, and hearty—perfect for cozy dinners.

Substitutions & Variations

Protein Swaps: Shrimp, steak strips, tofu, or mushrooms.
Pasta Alternatives: Fettuccine, spaghetti, penne, or zucchini noodles.
Spice Level: Increase cayenne or red pepper flakes for heat.
Dairy-Free: Use vegan butter and plant-based Parmesan.

Make-Ahead, Storage & Reheating Guide

Refrigeration: Store pasta and sauce separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Freeze sauce only; cook fresh pasta when reheating.
Reheating: Warm sauce in a skillet, then toss with freshly cooked pasta.

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Serving Ideas

Pair with garlic bread and a crisp side salad.
Serve with roasted vegetables for a wholesome meal.
Perfect for date night with a glass of Sauvignon Blanc.

Nutrition (Per Serving Estimate)

Calories: 620
Carbohydrates: 65g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 25g
Fiber: 4g
Sugar: 4g

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this ahead?
Yes! Store pasta and sauce separately. Reheat sauce and toss with freshly cooked pasta for best results.

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2. What proteins work best?
Chicken is ideal, but shrimp, steak, tofu, or mushrooms are excellent alternatives.

3. Can I use different pasta?
Absolutely! Fettuccine, spaghetti, or penne work well. Cook al dente for the best texture.

4. Is cowboy butter spicy?
Mild by default, but easily adjustable by adding more cayenne or red pepper flakes.

5. Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes. Substitute butter and Parmesan with plant-based alternatives.

Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is the ultimate fusion of creamy comfort and bold flavor. With tender chicken, garlic-herb butter, and perfectly cooked linguine, it’s a versatile, crowd-pleasing dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Customize the heat, swap proteins, or add veggies—the possibilities are endless!