There is something truly irresistible about the Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine, a dish that wraps you in the warmth of buttery garlic sauce paired with tender, spice-kissed chicken and perfectly cooked linguine. This flavorful, comforting meal brings together smoky paprika, a touch of heat from red pepper flakes, and the vibrant zest of lemon, delivering a harmony of tastes that feels both rustic and elegantly simple. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a special dinner, this dish is sure to become an all-time favorite that’s easy to prepare and incredibly satisfying.

Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients for this dish is key, but don’t be intimidated! Each item is straightforward and plays a crucial role in building the layers of flavor, texture, and color that make Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine shine. From bright herbs to gooey butter, these elements come together effortlessly.

12 ounces linguine: Choose your favorite pasta brand, and cook until just al dente for the perfect bite.

2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds a lovely base for cooking the chicken, enhancing flavor without overpowering.
2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced: Ensures quick, even cooking and perfect tenderness.

1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Infuses the chicken with a deep, smoky warmth that’s signature to this dish.
1 teaspoon garlic powder: Amplifies the garlic flavor complementing the fresh garlic used later.

½ teaspoon red pepper flakes: Adds a subtle kick; adjust according to your heat preference.
Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential for balancing and enhancing every flavor layer.
6 tablespoons unsalted butter: Creates a rich, silky sauce that coats every strand of pasta.

4 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic brings brightness and depth to the buttery sauce.
½ cup chicken broth: Keeps the sauce flavorful and perfectly saucy without heaviness.
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice: Adds a refreshing tang that lightens the buttery richness.

½ cup chopped fresh parsley: Brings vibrant color and a fresh herbal note.
2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives: Adds a subtle oniony flavor and enhances the visual appeal.
Grated Parmesan cheese: A finishing touch of savory, nutty goodness that’s hard to resist.

How to Make Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

Step 1: Cook the Linguine

Start by filling a large pot with water and bring it to a boil. Add a pinch of salt to season the water—this is your first chance to flavor the pasta itself. Cook the linguine according to the package instructions until it’s al dente, meaning tender but still with a slight bite. Once cooked, drain the pasta carefully and set it aside while you prepare the chicken and sauce.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. While that’s warming up, season the thinly sliced chicken breasts with smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. This seasoning mix is what gives the dish that unmistakable Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine flavor. Cook the chicken pieces for about 5 to 7 minutes, turning occasionally until they are golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside—your kitchen is already smelling fantastic!

Step 3: Make the Butter Garlic Sauce

Reduce the heat on the skillet to low and add the unsalted butter. Let it melt slowly, creating that rich base for your sauce. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about one minute until fragrant—watch carefully so the garlic doesn’t burn. Next, pour in the chicken broth and fresh lemon juice, stirring well to combine all those wonderful flavors into a silky sauce.

Step 4: Combine Chicken, Linguine, and Sauce

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet along with the drained linguine. Toss everything together gently but thoroughly to ensure each noodle is coated with the luscious butter sauce and the chicken pieces are evenly distributed. This step is where the magic of Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine truly happens—each bite promises a mouthful of delicious, balanced flavors.

Step 5: Finish with Fresh Herbs and Cheese

Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the chopped fresh parsley and chives. These fresh herbs add brightness, color, and a subtle fresh note to contrast with the richness of the sauce. Serve immediately, offering a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top, which adds the perfect savory finish. Now you’re ready to enjoy one of the most comforting and flavorful dishes you’ll ever taste.

How to Serve Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese always elevates the dish, adding a rich, nutty dimension. Some extra fresh herbs like parsley or chives on top brighten the presentation and give a fresh burst with every bite. If you love a bit of heat, a light scattering of red pepper flakes can add a nice finishing touch.

Side Dishes

This robust meal pairs beautifully with simple sides. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast, while roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli add a lovely texture and color balance. Garlic bread is always a winner, perfect for soaking up any leftover buttery sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve this Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine in warm, shallow bowls and garnish each portion with edible flowers or thin lemon slices for a bright, eye-catching touch. You can also dress it up by plating the chicken sliced on top of the pasta with a drizzle of extra butter sauce around the edges for an elegant restaurant feel.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine keeps well when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. For the best texture and flavor, enjoy it within 2 to 3 days. The butter sauce can thicken in the fridge, so a gentle reheat with a splash of broth or water is recommended.

Freezing

While not ideal, you can freeze leftover Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Because pasta can become a bit softer after freezing, it’s best to undercook the linguine slightly if you plan to freeze the dish ahead of time.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm your leftovers in a skillet over low heat. Add a little chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce and prevent it from drying out. Stir often until heated through, then finish with a fresh sprinkle of chopped parsley before serving.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta for Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine?

Absolutely! While linguine is ideal for its shape and texture, fettuccine, spaghetti, or even penne can work beautifully. Just cook the pasta according to its package instructions and enjoy the same delicious buttery sauce and chicken.

Is this dish spicy?

The recipe includes red pepper flakes, which can add a mild heat, but it is adjustable. Feel free to reduce or omit the flakes if you prefer no spice, or add more if you enjoy a kick.

Can I substitute the chicken with another protein?

Yes! Shrimp or turkey slices can be excellent alternatives. Just adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure your protein is tender and flavorful.

What can I use if I don’t have fresh herbs?

If fresh parsley and chives aren’t available, dried herbs may be used in a pinch. Use about one-third of the amount called for and add them during cooking to release their flavor.

Is Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine suitable for meal prepping?

This dish is fantastic for meal prep since it stores and reheats well with a little care. Prepare the sauce and chicken separately from pasta if you want to maintain the best texture, then combine before eating.

Final Thoughts

There is nothing quite like the comforting feast that Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine delivers. It’s a dish that invites you to slow down, enjoy each bite, and share a warm meal with those you care about. Once you try it, it’s sure to find a permanent spot in your weeknight rotation or special dinner plans. Give it a go—you’ll be so glad you did!

Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 22 reviews

Author: lina
Total Time: 30 minutes

Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Low Fat

Print Recipe

Description

Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a flavorful, hearty pasta dish featuring tender, spiced chicken breasts sautéed in a rich buttery garlic sauce, tossed with linguine and fresh herbs. This easy one-pan meal combines smoky paprika and herbs with fresh lemon juice and Parmesan cheese for a satisfying dinner that’s perfect for any night of the week.

Instructions

Prepare the Pasta: Start by boiling water in a large pot. Add a pinch of salt and cook the linguine according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside to keep warm.

Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Season the thinly sliced chicken breasts with smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until fully cooked through and golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Make the Sauce: Lower the heat to medium-low and add the butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant and lightly golden. Carefully pour in the chicken broth and fresh lemon juice, stirring well to combine all the flavors.
Combine Ingredients: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, then add the drained linguine. Toss everything together gently but thoroughly until the pasta is evenly coated with the buttery garlic sauce and the chicken is well distributed.

Finish with Herbs and Serve: Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the chopped fresh parsley and chives for brightness and freshness. Serve immediately, sprinkling each portion with grated Parmesan cheese to taste.

Notes

Adjust the red pepper flakes according to your preferred spice level.
For a richer sauce, use unsalted butter and adjust the seasoning accordingly.

Fresh lemon juice adds brightness; avoid bottled lemon juice for the best flavor.
You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a lighter taste or to suit dietary preferences.
Use gluten-free pasta if you need a gluten-free version.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days; reheat gently to avoid drying out the sauce.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes

Category: Main Course
Method: Sautéing, Boiling
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 520 kcal
Sugar: 2 g

Sodium: 450 mg
Fat: 18 g
Saturated Fat: 9 g

Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
Trans Fat: 0.2 g
Carbohydrates: 55 g

Fiber: 3 g
Protein: 34 g
Cholesterol: 85 mg

Keywords: Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine, garlic butter chicken pasta, easy chicken pasta recipe, smoky paprika chicken, lemon garlic linguine, quick dinner, one-pan pasta