Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a rich, creamy pasta dish that’s loaded with tender pieces of chicken, coated in a flavorful, buttery sauce packed with garlic, lemon, herbs, and a touch of heat. The dish is quick to prepare and has a perfect balance of savory, tangy, and slightly spicy flavors. Paired with linguine pasta, it’s an indulgent, comforting meal that’s perfect for any day of the week.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe brings the classic buttery goodness to a whole new level by infusing the sauce with bold flavors like garlic, lemon, and smoked paprika. The addition of juicy chicken pieces makes this dish hearty and satisfying. It’s a fusion of comfort food and a little kick, making it an instant hit with anyone who loves creamy pasta dishes with a hint of zest. Easy to make and loaded with flavor, Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is bound to become a favorite in your meal rotation.

Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

Ingredients

For the chicken:

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder

For the cowboy butter sauce:

1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried parsley
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and pepper, to taste
1/4 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup heavy cream (optional for creamier sauce)

For the pasta:

8 oz linguine (or pasta of choice)
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Grated Parmesan cheese (for garnish)

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

Directions

Cook the Chicken:
- Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken and cook for about 6-7 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C).
- Remove the chicken from the skillet, let it rest for a few minutes, then slice it into thin strips or bite-sized pieces. Set aside.
Prepare the Pasta:
- While the chicken is cooking, cook the linguine in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water.
Make the Cowboy Butter Sauce:
- In the same skillet where you cooked the chicken, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, crushed red pepper flakes, dried thyme, dried parsley, and smoked paprika. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, letting the sauce infuse with all the flavors.
- Pour in the chicken broth and simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to reduce slightly.
- If you prefer a creamier sauce, stir in the heavy cream and cook for an additional 2 minutes until smooth. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
Combine the Pasta, Chicken, and Sauce:
- Add the drained pasta and sliced chicken to the skillet with the cowboy butter sauce. Toss everything together, ensuring the pasta and chicken are well coated in the buttery sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta cooking water to loosen it up.
Serve:
- Serve the Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine in bowls, garnished with freshly chopped parsley and grated Parmesan cheese.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes 4 servings and takes about 30-40 minutes to prepare, including cooking time for the chicken and pasta.

Variations

Spicy Cowboy Butter Chicken: For a spicier version, increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or add a chopped jalapeño to the sauce.
Vegetarian Version: Replace the chicken with roasted vegetables, such as zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms, for a vegetarian take on this dish.
Extra Creamy: If you like a thicker, creamier sauce, you can double the amount of heavy cream or add a bit of cream cheese for added richness.
Lemon Herb Chicken: Add fresh herbs like basil or oregano for a more herbaceous flavor in the chicken and sauce.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat the pasta in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat. Add a splash of water or broth to help loosen the sauce if it thickens too much.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs work wonderfully in this dish. They’re juicy and flavorful, and will add extra richness to the recipe.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

While this dish is best served fresh, you can cook the chicken and make the sauce ahead of time, storing them separately in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, just reheat and toss everything together with the pasta.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute linguine with other pasta shapes like spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time for different pasta types.

Can I freeze this dish?

While the chicken and sauce can be frozen separately for up to 1-2 months, pasta dishes with creamy sauces tend to lose their texture when frozen. It’s best to freeze the chicken and sauce separately, and then cook fresh pasta when ready to serve.

How can I make this dish spicier?

For more heat, add extra red pepper flakes or drizzle the finished dish with hot sauce. You can also increase the amount of paprika or add a pinch of cayenne pepper for an extra kick.

What can I serve with this pasta?

Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine pairs well with a side salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables. You can also serve it with a light vegetable side like sautéed spinach or steamed broccoli.

Conclusion

Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a bold, flavorful, and creamy pasta dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its buttery, garlicky sauce and tender chicken, it’s the kind of meal that everyone will love. The combination of lemon, herbs, and a hint of heat adds layers of flavor to the rich sauce, making every bite a delight. Quick, easy, and totally satisfying, this dish is a must-try!