Name: Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 12 oz linguine pasta; 1½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts (cut into strips); 2 tablespoons olive oil; 4 tablespoons unsalted butter; 4 cloves garlic (minced); 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard; ½ teaspoon smoked paprika; ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes; juice of ½ lemon; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped); ½ teaspoon dried thyme; ½ teaspoon dried oregano; ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese; Additional lemon wedges and parsley

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If you’re ready to wrangle major flavor into your weeknight dinners, Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is about to become your new staple. Think tender chicken strips tossed with perfectly cooked pasta and bathed in a zippy, aromatic cowboy butter sauce brimming with garlic, herbs, and a pop of lemon. It’s cozy comfort food, but with a little wild spirit thanks to smoky paprika and a touch of heat. In just 30 minutes, you’ll have a seriously satisfying meal that’s bold, buttery, and impossible to resist.

Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine keeps things blissfully simple, but every ingredient plays a big part in building layers of heat, tang, and pure buttery richness. Grab these pantry and fridge must-haves, and let’s make something special!

12 oz linguine pasta: The sturdy, flat ribbons soak up every drop of that cowboy butter sauce. Substitute with fettuccine or spaghetti if you prefer.
1½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts (cut into strips): Chicken cooks up tender and juicy, perfect for catching the flavorful sauce in every bite.
2 tablespoons olive oil: Just enough to sear the chicken to golden perfection without drying it out.
Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning both the chicken and the whole dish—don’t skimp!
4 tablespoons unsalted butter: The key to rich, luscious flavor and a silky sauce base.
4 cloves garlic (minced): That unmistakable hit of savory depth—freshly minced gives the best punch.
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard: Adds subtle tang and creaminess, making the cowboy butter unique.
½ teaspoon smoked paprika: Provides a gentle smoky warmth that keeps you coming back for more.
¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes: For just the right hint of heat; adjust to your spice preference.
Juice of ½ lemon: Freshly squeezed for a bright lift that cuts through all that butteriness.
2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped): Adds color and a fresh finish—save some for topping at the end.
½ teaspoon dried thyme: Brings a woodsy, savory note that complements the chicken beautifully.
½ teaspoon dried oregano: Rounds out the herb flavor, making every bite sing with Italian-American comfort.
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Melts right in for salty, cheesy richness—go for freshly grated if you can!
Additional lemon wedges and parsley for serving: The final, vibrant touch right before you dig in.

How to Make Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

Step 1: Cook the Linguine

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your linguine until it’s perfectly al dente. Give it a good stir now and then to keep the noodles from sticking. Drain and set aside, but remember to reserve a splash of the pasta water in case you want to loosen the sauce later.

Step 2: Season and Sauté the Chicken

While your pasta cooks, pat the chicken strips dry and season them generously with salt and pepper. In a big skillet over medium-high heat, swirl in the olive oil and let it get hot. Add the chicken in a single layer and let it sear undisturbed for a minute before stirring—this locks in those golden, flavorful edges. After about 5–6 minutes or when cooked through, transfer the chicken to a plate and keep it handy.

Step 3: Create the Cowboy Butter Sauce

Lower the heat to medium and melt the butter right in the same skillet, scraping up any golden bits left behind by the chicken. Stir in minced garlic, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, crushed red pepper flakes, fresh lemon juice, parsley, thyme, and oregano. Let everything bubble and become fragrant for about 1–2 minutes, stirring to keep the garlic from burning and to blend all the flavors together.

Step 4: Toss Chicken and Pasta Together

Return the chicken (plus any juices from the plate!) to the skillet, coating it in that cowboy butter magic. Scatter in the drained linguine and the grated Parmesan cheese, using tongs to toss until every strand is cloaked in savory, buttery sauce. If the mixture looks a bit thick, add a tablespoon of reserved pasta water at a time until it’s silky and perfect.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Spoon the piping hot Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine onto plates or into shallow bowls. Top generously with extra chopped parsley, more Parmesan, and a wedge of lemon for that bright, final squeeze. Dig in straight away for the most satisfying flavor and texture!

How to Serve Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh parsley and a grating of Parmesan cheese make your Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine look as dazzling as it tastes. Add a wedge of lemon on the side—just a little squeeze at the table brings every flavor to life. Don’t be shy with fresh herbs; they add brightness that balances all that butter.

Side Dishes

Pair your cowboy-inspired pasta with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables to add crunch and color to the meal. Warm, crusty bread is a must for mopping up any lingering cowboy butter sauce—you won’t want a drop to go to waste. A simple bowl of marinated olives or sautéed greens complements the richness of the pasta without stealing the show.

Creative Ways to Present

You can twirl individual nests of Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine onto plates for an elegant look. For family-style fun, pile everything onto a big platter and scatter extra herbs across the top. Want to dress it up? Add roasted cherry tomatoes or a flourish of microgreens for a restaurant-worthy finish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you end up with extra Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine, pop cooled leftovers into an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, making tomorrow’s lunch a treat!

Freezing

While pasta can soften during freezing, this dish holds up quite well thanks to the richness of the cowboy butter sauce. Place cooled portions in freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags and freeze for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for easiest results.

Reheating

For best results, reheat Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine gently on the stovetop over low heat. Add a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce as it warms. If using a microwave, cover and stir every 30 seconds to keep the pasta from drying out. Always serve with fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon to revive those bright flavors!

FAQs

Can I use a different type Main Course

Absolutely! While linguine gives great texture, you can substitute with spaghetti, fettuccine, or even penne. Just aim for a shape that will hold onto the cowboy butter sauce.

What if I don’t have Dijon mustard?

If Dijon is missing from your fridge, try a little whole grain or yellow mustard for tang. You can also leave it out, but it really does add a subtle richness to the cowboy butter.

How can I make this dish spicier?

For more heat in your Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine, increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne. Don’t forget, you can always offer extra chili flakes at the table for spice-lovers.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Replace butter with a vegan buttery spread and use a dairy-free Parmesan substitute to keep your Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine creamy and delicious without the dairy.

Is there a way to add more vegetables?

Definitely—sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or cherry tomatoes work beautifully. Add them in with the garlic step to the cowboy butter sauce, or stir in baby spinach at the end for an extra pop of green.

Final Thoughts

Once you try Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine, I have a feeling it’ll steal the show at your dinner table. It’s weeknight easy, guest-worthy, and so full of flavor that seconds are almost a certainty. Give it a whirl and let your taste buds ride into the sunset—cowboy boots optional!

Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe

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4.8 from 13 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in a flavorful twist on classic chicken linguine with this Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine recipe. Tender chicken strips are coated in a rich cowboy butter sauce featuring garlic, Dijon mustard, and smoked paprika, then tossed with al dente linguine and Parmesan cheese for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Linguine Pasta:

12 oz linguine pasta

Chicken:

1½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts (cut into strips)

Cowboy Butter Sauce:

2 tablespoons olive oil
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic (minced)
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
juice of ½ lemon
2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped)
½ teaspoon dried thyme
½ teaspoon dried oregano
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Additional for Serving:

Additional lemon wedges and parsley

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Instructions

Cook Linguine: Cook linguine in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Cook Chicken: Season chicken strips with salt and pepper. Cook in olive oil until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
Prepare Cowboy Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter. Add garlic, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, lemon juice, parsley, thyme, and oregano. Cook until fragrant.
Combine Ingredients: Return chicken to the skillet, toss in the cowboy butter sauce. Add linguine and Parmesan cheese. Toss until well combined and heated through.
Serve: Serve immediately with extra lemon wedges and parsley on top.