Introduction
Ever wished your weeknight pasta could deliver bold, buttery steakhouse flavors in just one skillet? This Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine blends juicy chicken, garlic herb cowboy butter, and silky linguine into one decadent dish that’s ready in under 30 minutes. Think buttery, spicy, lemony goodness wrapped around perfectly cooked pasta—no campfire needed!
Ingredients List
- 8 oz linguine
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (plus more for garnish)
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- Optional: 1/4 cup grated Parmesan for serving
Timing
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15–20 minutes
- Total Time: 25–30 minutes
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook linguine according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Sear the chicken
Season chicken strips with salt, pepper, and paprika. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high. Cook chicken until golden and cooked through, about 5–6 minutes. Remove and set aside.
Step 3: Make the cowboy butter sauce
In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add butter. Stir in garlic, red pepper flakes, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and zest. Simmer for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in chopped parsley.
Step 4: Combine everything
Return chicken to the skillet. Add drained pasta and toss everything in the cowboy butter sauce until well coated. Add a splash of pasta water if needed for creaminess.
Step 5: Serve and garnish
Plate the pasta and top with extra parsley and optional Parmesan. Serve warm with lemon wedges if desired.
Tips
- Use rotisserie chicken to save time.
- Add spinach or sautéed mushrooms for extra veggies.
- Adjust chili flakes to your spice preference.
Nutrition (Per Serving – Serves 4)
- Calories: ~520
- Protein: 32g
- Carbs: 44g
- Fat: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
Conclusion
Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a savory, spicy, garlicky pasta dish with big flavor and weeknight simplicity. One skillet, no fuss, maximum flavor.
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FAQs
Can I use another type of pasta?
Yes! Fettuccine, spaghetti, or even penne all work great.
Is this spicy?
It has a mild kick from red pepper flakes. Adjust to your liking.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Use a vegan butter alternative and skip the Parmesan.
What’s cowboy butter?
It’s a compound butter with garlic, lemon, mustard, herbs, and spice—perfect for meats and pasta!
Can I prep this ahead?
Yes, you can cook the chicken and sauce ahead. Reheat with a splash of broth or pasta water.
