Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

Category: Recipes the Whole Family Will Love

Cowboy butter chicken linguine combines golden seared chicken with rich, garlicky butter sauce, tossed with tender linguine for a dish brimming with bold flavor. The sauce blends melted butter, fresh garlic, parsley, thyme, smoked paprika, and a touch of lemon, creating a vibrant base for the juicy chicken. Sliced chicken is folded into the silky pasta, with Parmesan adding a final savory touch. This meal is simple to prepare yet deeply satisfying, ideal for weeknights or a cozy family gathering. Fresh herbs and special spices elevate every bite, making it a memorable comfort dinner.

A woman with a smile on her face.
Created By Melanie Carter
Updated on Sat, 24 May 2025 21:02:59 GMT
Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Pin
Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine | recipesvaleria.com

Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is the answer to craving a comforting meal packed with bold flavor but without hours in the kitchen. Inspired by the irresistible taste of cowboy butter and juicy, sautéed chicken, this creamy pasta brings together garlic herbs and a hit of spice for a dinner that always feels special yet simple. It is the kind of dish that brings everyone to the table fast, plates emptied and faces happy.

I whipped this up for a last minute family dinner once and now it is our go to when we need something both cozy and exciting. Every bite brings back memories of laughter around the table

Ingredients

  • Chicken breasts: look for plump boneless skinless ones for best texture
  • Linguine pasta: dried durum wheat linguine holds sauce beautifully
  • Unsalted butter: rich base for the cowboy butter sauce choose fresh high quality if possible
  • Garlic: fresh cloves give intense flavor avoid pre minced for depth
  • Fresh parsley: brings color and herbal freshness use flat leaf if you can
  • Fresh thyme: little leaves add savory notes pick bright green stems
  • Smoked paprika: gives the sauce its signature smoky kick Spanish varieties bring extra punch
  • Onion powder: rounds out flavor and adds subtle sweetness check for freshness
  • Crushed red pepper flakes: add gentle heat use less or more to taste
  • Salt and pepper: basic seasoning always freshly ground for best results
  • Chicken broth: low sodium keeps sauce balanced opt for homemade or quality boxed brands
  • Lemon juice: brightens everything fresh squeezed makes a difference
  • Freshly grated Parmesan cheese: for a final savory touch grate just before serving

Step-by-Step Instructions

Season the Chicken:
Pat chicken breasts dry using paper towels Take your time to season both sides thoroughly with salt pepper smoked paprika onion powder and red pepper flakes Press the spices in for deeper flavor
Cook the Chicken:
In a large skillet melt two tablespoons of butter over medium heat Once shimmering add chicken Sear undisturbed for six to seven minutes per side until deeply golden brown and cooked through Use a thermometer to check for 165 degrees Remove to a plate and cover loosely with foil
Boil the Linguine:
While chicken cooks fill a big pot with water and season generously with salt Bring to a rolling boil Add linguine and stir occasionally Cook until just al dente as directed on the box Scoop out a cup of cooking water and drain pasta well
Sauté Garlic and Herbs:
In the same skillet from the chicken melt six tablespoons butter over medium heat Scoot the bits in the pan around for extra flavor Toss in minced garlic chopped parsley and thyme Sauté one to two minutes until deeply fragrant and not browned
Deglaze with Broth and Lemon:
Pour in chicken broth and fresh lemon juice Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer Let bubble for two to three minutes so flavors combine and sauce reduces slightly Taste now and adjust with more salt pepper or lemon
Slice the Chicken:
While sauce cooks slice chicken breasts across the grain into thin juicy strips
Toss the Pasta:
Add drained linguine directly to the skillet Pour in splashes of reserved cooking water as you toss to help sauce cling perfectly
Add the Chicken:
Nestle sliced chicken into the pasta and gently fold together so everything is glossy and coated
Serve and Garnish:
Twirl pasta onto plates Shower with grated Parmesan and extra herbs Serve piping hot for best flavor
Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Pin
Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine | mellierecipes.com

One of the best things about this dish is how the smoked paprika brings the cowboy butter to life I love using it because it reminds me of grilled dinners we used to have out on the porch with the sun going down and everyone getting seconds

Storage Tips

This pasta keeps best when stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days For reheating gently warm on the stove with a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce If freezing leave out the Parmesan and add fresh when serving

Ingredient Substitutions

No linguine Use spaghetti or tagliatelle instead For the herbs swap in basil or chives for a different twist For a lighter version replace half the butter with olive oil

Serving Suggestions

Serve this with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables Some warm crusty bread on the side makes sure no sauce goes to waste For a crowd offer extra Parmesan and lemon wedges

Cultural Context

Cowboy butter is rooted in the tradition of bold buttery sauces perfect for grilled meats This pasta version brings that big flavor to cozy home kitchens making it a modern comfort classic that blends rustic American inspiration with Italian pasta traditions

Recipe FAQs

→ How can I ensure the chicken stays juicy?

Pat the chicken dry before seasoning, cook until just golden, and let it rest before slicing. Avoid overcooking for best results.

→ Can I use a different pasta type?

Absolutely, fettuccine or spaghetti work well with this dish, though linguine holds the sauce beautifully.

→ Is it possible to make the dish milder?

Yes, simply omit the crushed red pepper flakes to reduce the heat while preserving all the essential flavors.

→ What pairs well on the side?

A crisp green salad or roasted vegetables make excellent sides, helping balance the richness of the pasta.

→ How can I thicken the sauce?

Add a splash of reserved pasta water and toss until the butter sauce lightly coats each strand of linguine.

→ Can leftovers be reheated?

Yes, gently reheat on the stovetop with a splash of broth to keep the chicken tender and the sauce creamy.

Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

Hearty chicken linguine in cowboy butter sauce with garlic, herbs, and parmesan for a cozy, flavorful meal.

Prep Time
10 minutes
Cooking Duration
20 minutes
Overall Cooking Time
30 minutes
Created By: Melanie Carter

Recipe Category: Family-Friendly Meals

Skill Level: Beginner-Friendly

Cuisine Style: American

Result Amount: 4 Portions

Diet Preferences: ~

What You’ll Need to Make This

→ Pasta

01 225 grams linguine pasta

→ Chicken

02 2 large chicken breasts, boneless and skinless

→ Cowboy butter sauce

03 115 grams unsalted butter
04 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
05 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
06 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
07 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
08 1 teaspoon onion powder
09 0.5 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
10 Salt, to taste
11 Black pepper, freshly ground, to taste
12 240 milliliters chicken broth
13 1 tablespoon lemon juice

→ Garnish

14 Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, to serve
15 Additional chopped parsley and thyme, for garnish

How to Prepare

Step 01

Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels, then season both sides with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, onion powder, and crushed red pepper flakes if using.

Step 02

Melt 30 grams of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken breasts and cook for 6 to 7 minutes per side until golden and internal temperature reaches 74°C. Transfer chicken to a plate and rest.

Step 03

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add linguine and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain, reserving 240 milliliters of pasta cooking water.

Step 04

Melt remaining butter (85 grams) in the same skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic, parsley, and thyme, and sauté for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 05

Pour in chicken broth and lemon juice, stirring to combine. Allow the mixture to come to a simmer and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, letting flavors meld.

Step 06

Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, black pepper, or additional lemon juice as needed.

Step 07

Cut rested chicken breasts into thin strips against the grain.

Step 08

Add drained linguine to the skillet, tossing pasta in the cowboy butter sauce. Add reserved pasta water in small amounts to achieve desired consistency.

Step 09

Gently fold sliced chicken into the pasta and sauce, stirring to coat evenly.

Step 10

Divide among serving plates, finishing with freshly grated Parmesan and additional parsley or thyme to garnish. Serve immediately.

Extra Tips

  1. Resting the seared chicken briefly before slicing helps retain juiciness and tenderness.
  2. Reserve some pasta water to emulsify the sauce for a silkier texture.

Tools Required

  • Large skillet
  • Chef's knife
  • Cutting board
  • Large pot
  • Tongs
  • Colander
  • Grater

Allergen Info

Review ingredients carefully for allergens. Reach out to your healthcare provider if you’ve got specific concerns.
  • Contains dairy from butter and Parmesan cheese.
  • Contains gluten from pasta.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Remember, this info is purely for reference and isn’t meant to replace dietary guidance.
  • Caloric Value: 650
  • Fat Content: 30 grams
  • Carbohydrate Content: 60 grams
  • Protein Content: 35 grams