If you love rich, savory flavors with a touch of buttery spice, this Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is the ultimate comfort food! Featuring tender chicken, silky linguine, and a creamy, garlicky cowboy butter sauce, this dish is packed with flavor.
Whether you’re craving creamy pasta dishes, pasta dinner recipes, or a unique twist on classic chicken linguine, this recipe delivers bold taste and comforting indulgence. Perfect for a weeknight meal or a special dinner, this pasta dish will leave everyone wanting seconds!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bold & buttery flavor – The cowboy butter sauce brings a rich, garlicky, and slightly spicy kick.
- Super creamy & indulgent – The perfect balance of butter, cream, and parmesan creates a luxurious sauce.
- Easy to make – A one-pan recipe that comes together in just 30 minutes!
- Savory & satisfying – Ideal for hearty pasta dinner recipes that the whole family will love.
Ingredients Needed
For the Cowboy Butter Sauce:
- ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, melted
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the Chicken Linguine:
- 8 oz (225g) linguine pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breast, sliced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ cup (120ml) heavy cream
- ½ cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for extra spice)
- ¼ cup chopped fresh basil or parsley (for garnish)
Kitchen Equipment Required
- Large skillet
- Large pot (for boiling pasta)
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Tongs or spatula
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Linguine
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook the linguine according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of pasta water.
Step 2: Make the Cowboy Butter Sauce
- In a bowl, whisk together the melted butter, garlic, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, lemon juice, parsley, salt, and black pepper.
- Set aside for later use.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Season the chicken slices with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 5-6 minutes, until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Linguine Sauce
- In the same skillet, add the cowboy butter sauce and let it simmer for 1 minute.
- Pour in the heavy cream and stir until combined.
- Add the Parmesan cheese and mix until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
Step 5: Combine & Serve
- Return the cooked chicken to the pan, stirring to coat it in the sauce.
- Add the cooked linguine, tossing everything together until fully coated. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of reserved pasta water to loosen it.
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and serve immediately!
Tips for the Best Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
- Don’t overcook the chicken – Cook just until golden for juicy, tender bites.
- Use fresh garlic & parsley – Enhances the bold cowboy butter flavors.
- Add pasta water if needed – Helps create a silky, restaurant-quality sauce.
- For extra heat – Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
Recipe Variations
- Cowboy Pasta Twist – Use penne or fettuccine instead of linguine.
- Spicy Cajun Chicken Linguine – Add Cajun seasoning for a Southern-style kick.
- Lighter Version – Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lower-calorie dish.
- Vegetarian Option – Swap the chicken for mushrooms or roasted veggies.
Serving Suggestions
Pair your cowboy butter chicken linguine with:
- Garlic bread – Perfect for soaking up the extra sauce.
- Crisp side salad – A fresh contrast to the rich, buttery pasta.
- Roasted vegetables – Try asparagus or Brussels sprouts.
How to Store & Reheat Leftovers
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: This pasta can be frozen for up to 2 months (without the cream, as dairy can separate).
- Reheat: Warm on the stove with a splash of cream or milk to revive the sauce.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using cold pasta – Toss freshly cooked linguine into the sauce for better absorption.
- Skipping the pasta water – This helps thicken the sauce and coat the noodles evenly.
- Overcooking the chicken – Keep it tender by searing at medium heat.
FAQ Section
Can I make this without heavy cream?
Yes! You can substitute half-and-half or whole milk, though the sauce may be less creamy.
What’s the best pasta for this dish?
Linguine works best, but you can also use fettuccine, spaghetti, or penne.
Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken works well—just toss it in at the end to warm it up.
How can I make this dish spicier?
Increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce to the cowboy butter.
Conclusion & Call to Action
This Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a bold, buttery, and creamy pasta dish that’s easy to make and packed with savory goodness. Whether you’re looking for linguine recipes, creamy pasta dishes, or a comforting weeknight meal, this dish ticks all the boxes.
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Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine : A Creamy Pasta Dish!
If you love rich, savory flavors with a touch of buttery spice, this Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is the ultimate comfort food!
- Large skillet
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Tongs or spatula
- 8 oz 225g linguine pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound 450g boneless, skinless chicken breast, sliced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ cup 120ml heavy cream
- ½ cup 50g grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for extra spice)
- ¼ cup chopped fresh basil or parsley (for garnish)
- Step 1: Cook the Linguine
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook the linguine according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of pasta water.
- Step 2: Make the Cowboy Butter Sauce
- In a bowl, whisk together the melted butter, garlic, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, lemon juice, parsley, salt, and black pepper.
- Set aside for later use.
- Step 3: Cook the Chicken
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Season the chicken slices with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 5-6 minutes, until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- Step 4: Make the Creamy Linguine Sauce
- In the same skillet, add the cowboy butter sauce and let it simmer for 1 minute.
- Pour in the heavy cream and stir until combined.
- Add the Parmesan cheese and mix until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
- Step 5: Combine & Serve
- Return the cooked chicken to the pan, stirring to coat it in the sauce.
- Add the cooked linguine, tossing everything together until fully coated. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of reserved pasta water to loosen it.
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and serve immediately!
Don’t overcook the chicken – Cook just until golden for juicy, tender bites.
Use fresh garlic & parsley – Enhances the bold cowboy butter flavors.
Add pasta water if needed – Helps create a silky, restaurant-quality sauce.