Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a rich, savory pasta dish that combines juicy, golden-brown chicken with a flavorful cowboy butter sauce. Infused with garlic, smoked paprika, lemon juice, and fresh herbs, this dish delivers bold and satisfying flavors in every bite. The creamy butter sauce coats the linguine perfectly, making this a hearty and indulgent meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

Ingredients

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

2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
8 oz linguine pasta
½ cup unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 cup chicken broth
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish

Directions

Prepare the Chicken:

Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, onion powder, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using).
Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F). Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Cook the Pasta:

While the chicken is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the linguine and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving 1 cup of pasta water.

Make the Cowboy Butter Sauce:

In the same skillet used for the chicken, melt the remaining 6 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic, parsley, and thyme, and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice, stirring to combine. Simmer for 2-3 minutes to let the flavors meld. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

Combine the Pasta and Chicken:

Slice the cooked chicken breasts into thin strips.
Add the drained linguine to the skillet with the cowboy butter sauce. Toss to coat, adding reserved pasta water as needed for a smooth, silky sauce.
Gently fold in the sliced chicken and stir to combine.

Serve and Garnish:

Divide the pasta among plates and sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
Garnish with additional parsley and thyme, then serve immediately.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

Spicy Version: Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper for heat.
Creamy Option: Stir in ¼ cup of heavy cream to make the sauce extra rich.
Vegetarian Twist: Swap the chicken for sautéed mushrooms or roasted vegetables.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat with a splash of broth or butter to restore the sauce’s consistency.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, fettuccine or spaghetti would also work well with the cowboy butter sauce.

How do I keep the chicken juicy?

Avoid overcooking by using a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can cook the chicken and sauce ahead of time, then combine with freshly cooked pasta when ready to serve.

What can I serve with this dish?

A side salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables make great accompaniments.

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes, rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken can be used for a quicker version of this recipe.

Conclusion

Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a bold and indulgent dish packed with flavor. The combination of tender chicken, buttery garlic sauce, and perfectly coated pasta makes this a comforting yet impressive meal. Whether for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish is sure to become a household favorite!

Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

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Author: Chef Sara
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

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Description

Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a rich and savory pasta dish featuring golden-brown chicken, a flavorful cowboy butter sauce, and perfectly coated linguine. Infused with garlic, smoked paprika, lemon juice, and fresh herbs, this indulgent meal is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken:
- Pat the chicken dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, onion powder, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken for 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked (165°F internal temperature). Set aside.
Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook linguine until al dente. Drain, reserving 1 cup of pasta water.
Make the Cowboy Butter Sauce:
- In the same skillet, melt the remaining butter over medium heat. Add garlic, parsley, and thyme, sautéing for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in chicken broth and lemon juice, letting the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes. Adjust seasoning.
Combine Everything:
- Slice the cooked chicken into thin strips.
- Add drained pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat in the cowboy butter sauce. Add reserved pasta water as needed for a silky texture.
- Gently fold in sliced chicken.
Serve:
- Divide onto plates, garnish with Parmesan and extra herbs, and serve immediately.

Notes

Spicy Version: Add extra red pepper flakes or cayenne for heat.
Creamy Option: Stir in ¼ cup heavy cream for a richer sauce.
Vegetarian Twist: Swap chicken for mushrooms or roasted vegetables.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Dinner, Pasta
Method: Sautéing, Simmering
Cuisine: American