Name: Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 large chicken breasts (boneless, skinless); Salt and pepper, to taste; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1 teaspoon onion powder; ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional); 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for cooking chicken); 8 oz linguine pasta; 1 cup salted water (for boiling pasta); ½ cup (8 tablespoons) unsalted butter; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped; 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves; 1 cup chicken broth; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; Salt and pepper, to taste; Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish; Additional parsley and thyme, for garnish

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Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is an absolute crowd-pleaser that brings together tender, juicy chicken and silky linguine pasta all swirled in a rich, buttery sauce bursting with bold, savory flavors. This dish is the perfect blend of comfort food and a little western-inspired kick that will have everyone asking for seconds. The creamy cowboy butter sauce, infused with garlic, fresh herbs, and a touch of smoked paprika, transforms a simple pasta dinner into an unforgettable meal that feels both hearty and elegant. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this dish is sure to warm hearts and delight taste buds.

Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting the right ingredients for Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is key to hitting all the perfect flavor and texture notes. Each element plays a unique role, from the tenderness of the chicken breasts to the creamy richness of the butter, and the zing of fresh herbs that brighten every bite.

2 large chicken breasts (boneless, skinless): These provide the juicy, protein-packed star of the dish, perfectly soaking up all the flavors.
8 oz linguine pasta: The thin, flat noodles hold onto the sauce beautifully, creating the ideal mouthfeel.
½ cup unsalted butter: This is the base of that decadent cowboy butter sauce, making everything silky and luscious.
4 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic adds a punch of aromatic flavor that wakes up the whole dish.
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped: Parsley gives a fresh, herbaceous pop and a lovely green color.
1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves: Thyme brings subtle earthiness, balancing the richness of the butter.
1 teaspoon smoked paprika: A smoky, slightly spicy note that gives this dish its cowboy-inspired flair.
1 teaspoon onion powder: Enhances the savory depth in the seasoning mix for the chicken.
½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional): Adds a mild kick for those who like a little heat in their meals.
Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning the chicken and sauce perfectly.
1 cup chicken broth: A flavorful liquid component to build the sauce and keep it from being too heavy.
1 tablespoon lemon juice: The citrusy brightness that lifts the whole dish and balances the richness.
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish: Adds the perfect salty finish and melt-in-your-mouth texture.

How to Make Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

Step 1: Season and Cook the Chicken

Start by patting your chicken breasts dry; this ensures the seasoning sticks and the chicken browns beautifully. Season generously with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, onion powder, and the crushed red pepper flakes if you want that extra kick. When the skillet heats up with 2 tablespoons of butter, cook the chicken over medium heat for about 6 to 7 minutes on each side until it’s golden outside and juicy inside. Cooking to an internal temperature of 165°F guarantees perfectly safe and tender chicken. Once done, remove from the skillet and set aside. This step is crucial because the flavorful sear sets the foundation for the entire dish.

Step 2: Cook the Linguine Pasta

While the chicken is sizzling, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. The salt seasons the pasta from within. Add the linguine and cook according to package instructions until al dente—tender, but with a little bite. Don’t forget to reserve a cup of pasta water before draining; this starchy liquid is magic for adjusting your sauce’s consistency later. Perfectly cooked pasta is what will bring everything together in this dish.

Step 3: Create the Cowboy Butter Sauce

In the very same skillet that carried the chicken’s browned goodness, melt the remaining 6 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Toss in the minced garlic, fresh parsley, and thyme leaves, and sauté for 1 to 2 minutes until you’re greeted by an irresistible herbal-garlic aroma. Next, pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice, stirring everything into a simmer. Let it cook gently for 2 to 3 minutes to meld all these vibrant flavors. At this point, taste your sauce and season with salt, pepper, and if you like, a bit more lemon juice for brightness. This cilantro-kissed cowboy butter sauce is what makes Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine so memorable.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Chicken with the Sauce

Slice the rested chicken breasts thinly to make sure every forkful gets a bit of that juicy chicken flavor. Add the cooked linguine directly into the skillet with your luscious cowboy butter sauce. Toss everything well to coat the pasta evenly, adding a splash of the reserved pasta water as needed to reach a silky, saucy texture. Finally, gently fold in the sliced chicken, ensuring each strand of linguine and every bite of chicken is drenched in buttery goodness. This last step comes together effortlessly and guarantees a harmonious taste sensation.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Serve your Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine plates fresh and hot. Sprinkle generously with freshly grated Parmesan cheese to add that classic Italian finishing touch. A little extra parsley and thyme over the top brighten the dish visually and flavor-wise. This final flourish elevates the presentation and makes the dish feel special and inviting, ready to share with your loved ones.

How to Serve Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese adds savory saltiness and richness, while a scattering of chopped parsley and thyme leaves gives a fresh, verdant pop of color. These simple garnishes enhance both flavor and presentation, making every bite delightfully balanced and restaurant-worthy.

Side Dishes

Since Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is rich and satisfying on its own, lighter side options work best. Consider a crisp garden salad with a citrus vinaigrette, roasted seasonal vegetables, or garlic bread to soak up any leftover sauce. These choices complement the dish without overpowering it.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the linguine twirled into neat nests on individual plates, topped with a fan of sliced chicken and a delicate drizzle of the cowboy butter sauce. You can also add a wedge of lemon on the side for guests to squeeze fresh juice over. For dinner parties, plated servings garnished with edible flowers or microgreens add a refined touch that impresses visually as much as on the palate.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors tend to deepen overnight, making leftovers almost as good as fresh.

Freezing

While freezing is possible, it’s best to freeze the chicken and sauce separately from the pasta to avoid mushiness. Keep the chicken and cowboy butter sauce in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Reheat gently, then toss with freshly cooked pasta for optimal texture.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or pasta water to loosen the sauce if it has thickened. This method keeps the chicken tender and the sauce silky without overcooking your linguine.

FAQs

Can I use a different pasta instead of linguine?

Absolutely! While linguine is perfect because its flat shape holds the sauce beautifully, fettuccine, spaghetti, or even penne can be great alternatives depending on what you have on hand.

Is Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine spicy?

The spice level is mild by default, with just a hint of heat from the smoked paprika and optional crushed red pepper flakes. You can adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to suit your taste or leave them out entirely for a milder dish.

Can I make this dish dairy-free?

To make a dairy-free version, substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative and skip the Parmesan cheese or use a dairy-free cheese substitute. The dish will still be delicious, though the flavor profile will differ slightly.

How long does it take to prepare Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine?

This dish comes together quickly—about 30 minutes from start to finish—making it a fantastic option for weekday dinners when you want something delicious without a ton of fuss.

Can I prepare any parts of this recipe in advance?

You can season and cook the chicken ahead of time and store it separately in the fridge. The sauce is best made fresh, but you can prep your garlic and herbs in advance for an even quicker assembly.

Final Thoughts

Chicken and pasta have never felt so exciting as they do with this Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine. Bursting with bold, buttery flavor and bright herbal notes, it’s a comforting yet impressive dish easy enough for busy nights but special enough to share. Grab your skillet, gather these simple ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a dinner that’s as warm and welcoming as a cowboy’s campfire.