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Creamy, spicy, and packed with flavor—this Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguini is a weeknight winner with major wow factor. #easyrecipes #pastadinner #dinnergoals
Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguini is the ultimate mashup of bold flavor and comfort food. Think garlicky, herbed cowboy butter tossed with juicy chicken and linguini noodles—rich, buttery, and just a little spicy. It’s a dish that feels indulgent but comes together with weeknight ease.
This recipe takes the iconic cowboy butter dip and turns it into a full-blown pasta dinner. It’s great for when you want something different, flavorful, and totally satisfying. Bonus: it’s perfect for feeding a hungry crowd or impressing guests with something unexpected.
1. Yield, Time & Tools
- Yield: 4 servings
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Tools Needed: Large skillet, pot for pasta, tongs, knife, cutting board, measuring cups and spoons
2. Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, sliced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Cowboy Butter Sauce:
- ½ cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon chopped chives or green onion
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Pasta:
- 8 oz linguini (or pasta of choice)
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
3. Preparation Steps
A. Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook linguini until al dente according to package directions. Reserve ½ cup pasta water before draining.
B. Cook the Chicken
Season sliced chicken with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sauté chicken until golden and cooked through, about 5–6 minutes. Remove and set aside.
C. Make the Cowboy Butter Sauce
In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute. Stir in Dijon, lemon juice, zest, red pepper flakes, paprika, cayenne (if using), parsley, and chives. Season with salt and pepper.
D. Combine Pasta and Sauce
Return chicken to skillet. Add drained pasta and a splash of pasta water. Toss everything together until coated and heated through.
E. Garnish & Serve
Sprinkle with Parmesan and extra herbs if desired. Serve immediately.
4. Tips & Variations
- Use shrimp or steak instead of chicken.
- Add spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor.
- Swap linguini for fettuccine, spaghetti, or penne.
- Double the cowboy butter and serve some on the side as dipping sauce.
5. Troubleshooting FAQ
Why is my sauce too thin?
Add a bit more Parmesan or let it simmer to thicken.
Can I make this less spicy?
Reduce or skip the cayenne and red pepper flakes.
Can I make it ahead?
It’s best fresh, but you can prep the sauce and chicken ahead and reheat gently.
Can I make it gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pasta and mustard.
6. Serving Suggestions
- Pair with garlic bread or a green salad.
- Serve with roasted vegetables or grilled corn.
- Add a side of sautéed spinach or steamed broccoli.
- Great with a crisp white wine or sparkling lemonade.
7. Storage and Make-Ahead Instructions
- Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of water or broth.
- Make-Ahead Tips: Prep chicken and sauce in advance; cook pasta just before serving.
- Freezer Instructions: Not ideal for freezing due to the butter sauce separating.
