Introduction

Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a flavorful and creamy pasta dish that combines tender chicken with a rich butter and garlic sauce. This easy-to-make recipe brings together smoky spices and fresh lemon for a satisfying meal perfect for weeknights or gatherings.

Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

12 oz linguine
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1 tbsp lemon juice
½ cup chicken broth
½ cup heavy cream
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and black pepper to taste
Chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the linguine in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water, then drain and set the linguine aside.
Step 2: Season the chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken for 5-6 minutes per side until fully cooked. Remove from the heat and slice the chicken.
Step 3: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and chicken broth, then simmer for 2-3 minutes.
Step 4: Pour in the heavy cream and stir continuously until the sauce thickens. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and mix until smooth. If the sauce is too thick, adjust the consistency with the reserved pasta water.
Step 5: Add the sliced chicken and drained linguine to the skillet. Toss everything together to coat well in the sauce and heat through for about 1 minute.
Step 6: Serve immediately garnished with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

Tips & Variations

For extra smoky flavor, add a dash of chipotle powder or smoked salt.
Swap chicken breasts for chicken thighs for a juicier texture.
If you prefer a vegetarian option, use sautéed mushrooms and omit the chicken broth, replacing it with vegetable broth.
Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and smooth sauce.
Adjust the red pepper flakes to control the heat level according to your taste.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce if needed. This dish is best enjoyed fresh but reheats well when careful.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute linguine with fettuccine, spaghetti, or penne depending on your preference and what you have on hand.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Cook the chicken breasts until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) or the juices run clear when pierced with a fork. Slicing the chicken and checking that it’s no longer pink inside can also help ensure it’s cooked through.

Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe

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4.6 from 66 reviews

Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a creamy, flavorful pasta dish featuring tender chicken breasts seasoned with smoked paprika and red pepper flakes. Tossed in a rich butter, garlic, and Parmesan cream sauce, this linguine meal offers a perfect balance of spice, tang, and comfort. Garnished with fresh parsley, it’s a quick and satisfying dinner option that combines Southern-inspired flavors with Italian pasta.

Author: Daniel
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Dish
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

12 oz linguine

Chicken

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Salt and black pepper to taste
1 tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
2 tbsp olive oil

Sauce

2 tbsp butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1 tbsp lemon juice
½ cup chicken broth
½ cup heavy cream
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Garnish

Chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the linguine until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
Prepare the chicken: Season the chicken breasts evenly with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 5-6 minutes on each side or until fully cooked through. Remove from the skillet and slice into strips.
Make the sauce base: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and melt butter. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and chicken broth, then simmer for 2-3 minutes to develop flavor.
Add cream and cheese: Pour in the heavy cream and cook, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens slightly. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until the sauce is smooth and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, adjust the consistency by gradually adding the reserved pasta water.
Combine chicken and pasta: Add the sliced chicken back into the skillet with the sauce. Then add the drained linguine and toss well to coat the pasta and chicken evenly in the creamy sauce. Heat through for about 1 minute to meld flavors.
Serve: Spoon the Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine onto plates and garnish with chopped fresh parsley. Serve immediately for best taste and texture.

Notes

Adjust red pepper flakes to your desired spice level.
Reserve pasta water to help loosen the sauce if needed.
Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for best melting and flavor.
Chicken breasts can be swapped for thighs if preferred, but adjust cooking time accordingly.
If you want a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, but the sauce won’t be as thick.

Keywords: Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine, creamy chicken pasta, smoked paprika chicken, garlic butter pasta, easy chicken linguine recipe