Name: Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces; 8 oz linguine pasta; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 tablespoon butter; Salt and black pepper, to taste; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional); 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional); 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/4 cup chicken broth; 1/4 cup heavy cream; 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

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Introduction

Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a creamy pasta dish featuring tender chicken and a zesty, buttery sauce enriched with garlic, lemon, and Parmesan. Quick to prepare and full of bold flavors, it’s perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

A white plate holds a creamy pasta base with a pale yellow sauce, topped with several browned, grilled shrimp pieces showing golden and slightly charred spots. The pasta strands are thick and mixed with finely chopped green herbs scattered on top. In the background, there are some blurred broccoli florets adding a touch of green. The dish looks warm and appetizing with a slight sprinkle of black pepper and herbs over the shrimp and pasta. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
8 oz linguine pasta
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon butter
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup chicken broth
1/4 cup heavy cream
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the linguine and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta water.
Step 2: In a large skillet, heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Season the chicken pieces with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: In the same skillet, melt the softened butter over medium heat. Add the chicken broth, heavy cream, Dijon mustard, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Stir to combine and let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
Step 4: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, then add the drained linguine. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water as needed to achieve a silky consistency. Stir in the lemon juice, grated Parmesan cheese, and chopped parsley.
Step 5: Divide the Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine among plates and serve immediately, garnished with additional parsley and Parmesan cheese if desired.

Tips & Variations

Swap chicken with shrimp, thinly sliced steak, or sautéed mushrooms for different flavor profiles.
Adjust the heat by varying the amount of cayenne pepper and red pepper flakes to suit your taste.
Use other pasta types like fettuccine, spaghetti, or penne if desired.
For a dairy-free version, substitute butter with plant-based alternatives and use coconut milk or dairy-free cream along with a dairy-free Parmesan substitute.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce, or microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between sessions until heated through.

How to Serve

A white plate holds creamy pasta layered at the bottom with smooth, yellowish fettuccine noodles, topped with golden-brown grilled chicken pieces speckled with black pepper and herbs, and garnished with tiny green parsley bits scattered around and on top. Small green broccoli florets are visible in the background, giving a splash of color. The dish has a warm, rich look with juicy textures and fresh herb details, set against a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

What is cowboy butter?

Cowboy butter is a flavorful compound butter made by combining softened butter with ingredients like garlic, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, herbs, and spices. It adds rich and zesty flavors to dishes.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead and store them separately in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, cook the pasta fresh and combine everything, reheating gently.

Is this dish spicy?

The spice level is moderate, with a gentle kick from the cayenne pepper and red pepper flakes. You can adjust the spices to your preference.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! Linguine works great, but fettuccine, spaghetti, or penne are excellent alternatives.

Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Yes, by substituting butter with plant-based alternatives and using coconut milk or a dairy-free cream substitute and Parmesan alternatives, you can easily make this recipe dairy-free.