Save This Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a rich and flavorful pasta dish featuring tender, seasoned chicken tossed in a garlicky, buttery sauce with Dijon, lemon, and a touch of spice. The creamy sauce coats every strand of linguine, creating an indulgent meal perfect for weeknights or special occasions.
I first made this Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine for a family dinner, and everyone loved how the spicy, buttery sauce elevated the humble chicken and pasta into something truly special. It’s now my go-to recipe whenever I want to impress with minimal effort.
Ingredients
- Linguine: 12 oz, dried
- Chicken breasts: 2, boneless, skinless
- Olive oil: 2 tbsp
- Butter: 2 tbsp
- Garlic: 4 cloves, minced
- Smoked paprika: 1 tsp
- Red pepper flakes: ½ tsp, adjust to taste
- Dijon mustard: 1 tsp
- Lemon juice: 1 tbsp
- Chicken broth: ½ cup
- Heavy cream: ½ cup
- Parmesan cheese: ½ cup, grated
- Salt and black pepper: To taste
- Fresh parsley: 2 tbsp, chopped
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:
- Boil salted water in a large pot. Cook the linguine until al dente, according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water then drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Season chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika and red pepper flakes. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and cook chicken for 5 (5) minutes per side or until fully cooked. Remove from heat let rest then slice into bite-sized pieces.
- Make the Cowboy Butter Sauce:
- Lower heat to medium and add butter to the same skillet. Stir in garlic and cook until fragrant (about 30 seconds). Add Dijon mustard, lemon juice and chicken broth scraping up browned bits from the pan. Simmer for 2 (3) minutes.
- Add Cream and Cheese:
- Pour in heavy cream and stir well. Let simmer for another 2 minutes until slightly thickened. Add Parmesan cheese stirring until melted and smooth. If needed add a splash of reserved pasta water for consistency.
- Combine Everything:
- Add sliced chicken back to the skillet followed by the drained linguine. Toss to coat the pasta evenly in the sauce. Cook for 1 (2) more minutes to let flavors meld.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Remove from heat sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve immediately with extra Parmesan on top.
Save We gathered around the dinner table with steaming bowls, and even the kids asked for seconds. It’s one of those recipes that everyone requests again and again after one bite.
Substitutions and Variations
You can swap linguine for any pasta shape you love or use chicken thighs for extra richness. Try adding spinach for extra color and nutrition.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with crusty bread and a simple green salad, and sprinkle extra Parmesan on top to finish each plate.
Storage and Reheating
Leftovers keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently and add a splash of cream if you need to loosen the sauce.
Save Try this Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine the next time you want comfort food with a twist. It is guaranteed to please any crowd.
Recipe Help
- → What type of pasta works best?
Linguine is traditional for this dish, but fettuccine or spaghetti can also be used for similar texture and sauce cling.
- → Can I substitute chicken breasts?
Chicken thighs are a flavorful alternative; just adjust cooking time to ensure proper doneness.
- → How spicy is the final dish?
Red pepper flakes provide mild heat, and you can easily adjust the amount to preference for more or less spice.
- → Is it possible to make ahead?
Preparing sauce and chicken in advance is possible, but cook pasta fresh for best texture and combine just before serving.
- → What sides complement this meal?
A crisp green salad and crusty bread pair wonderfully, helping balance the rich flavors.
- → Can I use pre-grated Parmesan?
Freshly grated Parmesan melts better and enhances flavor but pre-grated is a quick, acceptable option.