Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

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Creamy, bold, and packed with a smoky, herby kick, Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a hearty pasta dish that brings the wild west straight to your weeknight table. Imagine tender bites of seasoned chicken tossed with silky linguine, all drenched in a luscious cowboy butter sauce full of garlic, lemon, Dijon, smoked paprika, and fresh herbs.

This recipe is everything comfort food should be: rich, satisfying, and absolutely loaded with flavor. Whether you’re serving it up for a quick weeknight dinner or wowing guests at a dinner party, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser with minimal fuss.

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What Makes Cowboy Butter So Irresistible?

Cowboy butter isn’t just a sauce—it’s a flavor explosion. The secret lies in its balance of ingredients: garlic for depth, lemon juice for brightness, Dijon mustard for tang, red pepper flakes for heat, and fresh herbs like parsley and thyme for that rustic finish. Melted into butter, it clings to the chicken and pasta like a savory dream.

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Ingredients for the Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

• Linguine Pasta – A wide, flat pasta that catches all the sauce in every bite.
• Chicken Breast – Diced and seared until golden; the protein powerhouse of the dish.
• Butter – The base of the cowboy butter; rich and indulgent.
• Garlic – Minced for a punchy aromatic flavor.
• Lemon Juice – Brightens up the richness of the butter.
• Dijon Mustard – Adds a tangy, savory depth.
• Red Pepper Flakes – A pinch adds the perfect smoky kick.
• Smoked Paprika – Gives the sauce its signature warmth and color.
• Fresh Parsley & Thyme – Brings herbaceous balance to the richness.
• Heavy Cream – Adds silkiness to the final sauce.
• Parmesan Cheese – Melts into the sauce for a salty, cheesy backbone.
• Salt & Black Pepper – For seasoning throughout the dish.

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How To Make the Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook linguine according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Season diced chicken breast with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Heat a tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

Step 3: Build the Cowboy Butter Sauce

In the same skillet, melt the remaining butter over medium heat. Stir in minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add lemon juice, Dijon mustard, red pepper flakes, chopped parsley, and thyme. Stir well to combine.

Step 4: Cream It Up

Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Let it thicken slightly, then stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 5: Toss Everything Together

Return the seared chicken to the pan, along with the drained linguine. Toss everything together until the pasta is fully coated in the cowboy butter sauce. If needed, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Plate the linguine and top with extra chopped parsley and freshly grated Parmesan. Serve hot and dig into the bold flavors!

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How to Serve and Store Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

Serve this dish hot and fresh for the most luxurious, silky sauce experience. The flavors intensify beautifully as the sauce clings to every strand of linguine and every tender piece of chicken. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan and a touch of fresh parsley elevate it even more.

Leftovers? Lucky you! Store any extra in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of cream or milk to bring back the velvety texture.

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What to Serve With Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine?

Garlic Bread

You’ll want something to mop up all that cowboy butter sauce—crispy, buttery garlic bread is perfect.

Grilled Asparagus

A fresh, green contrast to the richness of the dish.

Simple Caesar Salad

The cool crunch and tangy dressing of a Caesar salad makes an ideal side.

Roasted Broccoli

Earthy and slightly crisp, it adds texture and balance.

Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio

Pair this pasta with a glass of chilled white wine to complement the creamy sauce.

Lemon-Herb Zucchini

Light and citrusy zucchini rounds add freshness to the plate.

Cracked Black Pepper Chips

For a fun twist, serve a handful of peppery kettle chips on the side.

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