Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is packed with flavor and offers the perfect balance of creamy, savory, and smoky tastes. The tender, golden chicken adds a satisfying crunch, while the buttery sauce makes the linguine irresistibly creamy. It’s quick to prepare, requires minimal cleanup, and serves as both a hearty meal and a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

• 2 large chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)

• 8 oz linguine pasta

• ½ cup unsalted butter

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

• 1 teaspoon onion powder

• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 1 cup chicken broth

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the Chicken: Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, paprika, onion powder, and red pepper flakes. Cook the chicken in butter until golden and cooked through, about 6-7 minutes per side. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

2. Cook the Pasta: Boil linguine in salted water until al dente, then drain, reserving 1 cup of pasta water.

3. Make the Cowboy Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the remaining butter and sauté garlic, parsley, and thyme until fragrant. Add chicken broth and lemon juice, then simmer for 2-3 minutes. Season to taste.

4. Combine Pasta and Chicken: Slice the chicken and add the pasta to the sauce, tossing with reserved pasta water. Stir in the chicken.

5. Serve: Plate the pasta, garnish with Parmesan, parsley, and thyme.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes

• Cooking Time: 20 minutes

• Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Vegetarian: Replace chicken with sautéed mushrooms or roasted vegetables.

• Spicy: Add more crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.

• Lighter Version: Use less butter or substitute with olive oil.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, any pasta works well, but linguine is ideal due to its ability to hold the creamy sauce.

2. How can I make this recipe spicier?

Increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or add a splash of hot sauce to the sauce.

3. Can I substitute the chicken breasts?

You can use chicken thighs for a juicier option or even shrimp if preferred.

4. Can I prepare the cowboy butter sauce in advance?

Yes, you can make the sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days.

5. How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?

Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches 165°F.

6. Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes, the dish can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw before reheating.

7. Can I use frozen chicken breasts?

Yes, but ensure the chicken is fully thawed before cooking for even results.

8. Is this recipe gluten-free?

You can make this gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta.

9. Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Yes, vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers complement the dish well.

10. How do I make this recipe dairy-free?

Use dairy-free butter or olive oil and omit the Parmesan.

Conclusion

Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is an easy yet indulgent meal that brings a burst of rich, comforting flavors to your dinner table. With tender chicken, creamy pasta, and a savory butter sauce, it’s the ultimate comfort food for any night of the week. Whether for a quick weeknight dinner or a family gathering, this dish is sure to impress!

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Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a bold and creamy pasta dish featuring tender chicken breast and rich cowboy butter sauce made with garlic, herbs, lemon, and smoked paprika. This easy weeknight dinner combines comforting flavors with a hint of spice, making it the perfect quick meal for busy nights or cozy gatherings.

• Author: Janet
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Dinner, Pasta
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts

8 oz linguine pasta

½ cup unsalted butter

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 teaspoon onion powder

½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Salt and pepper, to taste

1 cup chicken broth

1 tablespoon lemon juice

Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish

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Instructions

• Season & Cook Chicken: Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, paprika, onion powder, and optional red pepper flakes. In a skillet, melt half the butter and cook chicken until golden and fully cooked (6–7 minutes per side). Remove and set aside.

• Cook Pasta: Boil linguine in salted water until al dente. Drain, reserving 1 cup of pasta water.

• Make Cowboy Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the remaining butter. Sauté garlic, parsley, and thyme until fragrant. Add chicken broth and lemon juice, then simmer for 2–3 minutes. Adjust seasoning to taste.

• Combine Everything: Slice the chicken. Add cooked pasta to the skillet, toss with sauce and reserved pasta water. Add sliced chicken and mix well.

• Serve: Plate pasta and chicken. Garnish with Parmesan, parsley, and thyme. Serve warm.

Notes

• To make it spicier, increase red pepper flakes or add hot sauce.

• Swap chicken with shrimp or mushrooms for a twist.

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge.

• Reheat with a splash of broth to revive the sauce.

• Use gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free version.

• To make it dairy-free, use plant-based butter and skip Parmesan.