Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a creamy, spicy, and utterly irresistible pasta dish that brings bold flavors to your dinner table with minimal effort. Picture juicy chicken bathed in a savory cowboy butter sauce infused with garlic, tangy Dijon mustard, smoky paprika, and a splash of lemon, all wrapped in a velvety blend of cream and Parmesan cheese. Paired with perfectly cooked linguine, this dish is as satisfying as it is quick to prepare. Whether you’re cooking for your family or impressing guests, cowboy butter chicken linguine is the flavorful, 30-minute meal that elevates any occasion with its comforting, gourmet taste.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is a true flavor bomb! The cowboy butter sauce adds a spicy, garlicky depth that enhances the juicy chicken and tender pasta perfectly. It’s versatile enough for a cozy family dinner yet elegant enough to serve guests. Plus, the quick cook time means less kitchen stress and more time enjoying your meal. With easy-to-find ingredients and a rich, creamy finish, this dish will quickly become a favorite.
Ingredients
- 12 oz linguine
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Cowboy Butter Sauce
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust for heat preference)
- 1 tsp fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
How to Make Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
- Cook the Pasta: Boil linguine in well-salted water until it reaches an al dente texture. Drain and save 1/2 cup of the pasta water.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Lightly season the chicken with salt and pepper, then sauté until it turns golden and is cooked through. Set aside.
- Make the Sauce: Using the same pan, melt the butter and sauté the garlic until fragrant. Blend in the mustard, paprika, red pepper flakes, and lemon juice.
- Build the Creamy Base: Stir in heavy cream and slowly incorporate the Parmesan cheese until fully melted and smooth.
- Combine: Add the cooked chicken and linguine to the sauce. Mix thoroughly, using the reserved pasta water to fine-tune the sauce’s texture.
- Serve: Top with fresh parsley and serve hot for the best experience.
Helpful Tips
- Opt for smoked paprika to deepen the dish’s flavor profile.
- Use pasta water to help the sauce adhere better to the noodles.
- Avoid overcooking garlic to prevent bitterness—just cook until it releases its aroma.
- Add an extra splash of lemon juice at the end for a vibrant finish.
Substitutions And Variations
- Protein Swap: Try shrimp or sliced sausage instead of chicken.
- Dairy-Free: Use coconut cream and a dairy-free cheese alternative.
- Low-Carb: Serve the sauce over zoodles or cauliflower rice.
- Vegetable Boost: Mix in spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes for added nutrients and flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes, but it’s best served fresh. Reheat gently with a splash of cream or milk to maintain the sauce’s smooth texture.
Is cowboy butter spicy? It has a kick, but you can reduce the red pepper flakes for a milder version.
Can I freeze leftovers? It’s not ideal, as cream sauces can separate when frozen.
Storage Instructions
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or microwave, adding a bit of cream or pasta water to revive the sauce.
Conclusion
Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is your new go-to for when you need a comforting, flavorful dinner in a hurry. Creamy, zesty, and just the right amount of spicy, this dish hits all the right notes. Try it tonight and let us know what you think! Don’t forget to share this recipe, leave a comment with your twist, or explore our other delicious pasta creations!
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Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a creamy, spicy pasta dish with tender chicken, cowboy butter sauce, and Parmesan. A bold, quick dinner that’s perfect for weeknights or entertaining.
Ingredients
12 oz linguine
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
2 tbsp olive oil
Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Cowboy Butter Sauce:
4 tbsp unsalted butter
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
1 tsp lemon juice
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil linguine in well-salted water until it reaches an al dente texture. Drain and save 1/2 cup of the pasta water.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Lightly season the chicken with salt and pepper, then sauté until it turns golden and is cooked through. Set aside.
- Make the Sauce: Using the same pan, melt the butter and sauté the garlic until fragrant. Blend in the mustard, paprika, red pepper flakes, and lemon juice.
- Build the Creamy Base: Stir in heavy cream and slowly incorporate the Parmesan cheese until fully melted and smooth.
- Combine: Add the cooked chicken and linguine to the sauce. Mix thoroughly, using the reserved pasta water to fine-tune the sauce’s texture.
- Serve: Top with fresh parsley and serve hot for the best experience.
Notes
Add extra lemon juice for brightness.
Toss in spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes for a veggie boost.
Use shrimp or sausage as protein variations.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 36g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 135mg