If you’re on the hunt for a weeknight dinner that’s pure comfort with a dash of cowboy flair, the Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe is about to earn a permanent spot on your table. Picture golden, juicy chicken strips wrapped in a garlicky, buttery sauce with a touch of spice, all twirled up in tender linguine. Every bite bursts with big, bright flavors, thanks to a shower of fresh herbs and a squeeze of lemon. It’s a pasta dish that proves rustic, homey cooking can be downright irresistible!

Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes the Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe shine is its clever mix of humble pantry staples and a few flavor-packed extras. Each ingredient has a starring role, whether it’s adding velvety texture, pop of color, or a little kick. Here’s what you’ll need and why these picks make every forkful special:

12 oz linguine pasta: This is your perfect base, soaking up all the zesty butter sauce while staying delightfully silky and toothsome.
1 ½ lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts (cut into strips): Tender strips bring hearty protein and guarantee juicy bites in every mouthful.
1 teaspoon salt: Essential seasoning for both pasta water and chicken, helping all the other flavors pop.
1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds gentle heat and depth—never skip freshly cracked!
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika: This gives your chicken an irresistible smoky glow and savory undertone.
2 tablespoons olive oil: For searing the chicken to golden perfection and enriching the finished dish.
6 tablespoons unsalted butter: True backbone of the cowboy butter sauce, lending richness and silky texture.
4 garlic cloves (minced): A hit of aromatic warmth that’s simply non-negotiable here.
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes: For that subtle kick—adjust to your ideal heat level!
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard: Adds a tangy sharpness that brightens the buttery sauce.
1 tablespoon lemon juice: Fresh citrus balances the richness and amps up the flavor.
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce: A splash brings savory, umami complexity you can taste in every bite.
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning: For those herby notes that make everything sing together.
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley: A green burst of freshness and color at the end.
1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives: Their gentle onion flavor brings a finishing touch to the party.
Grated Parmesan cheese for serving: Nothing beats a generous, salty snow of Parmesan on top!

How to Make Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a roaring boil—this guarantees tasty, perfectly seasoned linguine later. Toss in your linguine and cook just until al dente, following package instructions. Before draining, scoop out half a cup of that starchy pasta water; you’ll use this culinary “liquid gold” later for a glossy, restaurant-quality sauce. Set both pasta and reserved water aside.

Step 2: Season & Sear the Chicken

While the pasta’s doing its thing, pat the chicken strips dry, then sprinkle them with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. This trifecta not only flavors the chicken but also helps lock in those savory juices during searing. Heat olive oil in a big skillet over medium-high, and lay in the chicken strips in a single layer. Sear each side for four to five minutes until golden and cooked through, then transfer to a plate—don’t wipe out the pan, it’s full of flavor!

Step 3: Make the Cowboy Butter Sauce

In the very same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and melt down all that glorious butter. Toss in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, swirling for about a minute until your kitchen smells absolutely divine. Stir in Dijon mustard, a squeeze of lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, and Italian seasoning. Let it all bubble and mingle for two minutes, so flavors deepen and combine into that signature cowboy butter magic.

Step 4: Combine Chicken & Pasta

Slide your chicken strips back into the pan and toss them through the buttery sauce, letting each piece soak up that flavor-packed goodness. Now, in goes the drained linguine! Splash in a bit of reserved pasta water if things get too thick—the goal is a luscious, silky sauce that coats every strand. Gently fold in chopped parsley and chives for a pop of color and herby lift.

Step 5: Serve & Enjoy

Grab your largest, prettiest bowl and transfer the Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe right in. Finish with a generous grating of Parmesan cheese. Serve it blazing hot so every bite is deliciously creamy, herby, and irresistibly buttery.

How to Serve Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe

Garnishes

A dazzling plate always starts with the perfect garnish. Shower your Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe with extra chopped fresh parsley, a pinch of red pepper flakes for boldness, and a final flurry of Parmesan. If you’re feeling fancy, a squeeze of fresh lemon wedged on the side is lovely for those who like a citrusy zing.

Side Dishes

This dish is hearty on its own, but if you want a full feast, serve it alongside a crisp garden salad tossed with a light vinaigrette. Warm, crusty bread is made for scooping up extra cowboy butter sauce. For a splash of color, try simple roasted vegetables—think asparagus spears, sweet cherry tomatoes, or bright green beans.

Creative Ways to Present

For date night, twirl individual nests of pasta onto plates and top each with a few strips of golden chicken. Feeding a crowd? Pile the whole skillet family-style in the center of your table and let everyone help themselves. You can even dish up the Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe in shallow bowls and tuck a lemon wedge and extra herbs along the rim for a restaurant-worthy flourish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers (rarer than you’d think), store the Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay fresh and flavorful for up to three days, and honestly, sometimes the flavors deepen overnight making it even more delicious!

Freezing

Linguine loves the freezer when stored properly. Portion the cooled pasta and chicken into freezer-safe bags or containers. Squeeze out excess air and freeze for up to two months. When you’re ready for round two, just thaw in the fridge overnight—no flavor will be lost!

Reheating

For best results, reheat portions gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat. Add a splash of water or chicken broth to revive the sauciness and stir frequently until hot. If you’re in a rush, the microwave works too—just cover loosely and heat in intervals, stirring in between.

FAQs

Can I substitute the chicken in the Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe?

Absolutely! Swap in peeled shrimp for a seafood twist, or go vegetarian by using sautéed mushrooms instead of chicken. Both options soak up that irresistible cowboy butter sauce.

How spicy is this dish?

The heat is gentle with 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes, but you can easily dial it up (or down) to suit your crowd. Start with less, then add more at the end if you crave extra kick.

Do I need to use fresh herbs?

Fresh parsley and chives lend amazing brightness and visual appeal, but you can swap in dried if that’s what you have. Just use about half the amount since dried herbs are more concentrated.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Simply use your favorite gluten-free linguine or spaghetti noodles, and double-check that your Worcestershire sauce brand is gluten-free. All the other ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

What’s the best way to keep the sauce from drying out?

The key is adding a touch of reserved pasta water as needed while tossing everything together. This helps emulsify the butter and coats every strand perfectly—don’t skip this step!

Final Thoughts

If you’ve never tried a Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe, this is your sign! Dive into those bold flavors, share a big bowl with someone you love, and watch this simple recipe turn any evening into the best kind of comfort food celebration.

Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe

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4.7 from 27 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine recipe is a delightful twist on classic pasta dishes. Tender chicken strips are coated in a rich cowboy butter sauce, infused with flavors of garlic, lemon, and herbs, then tossed with linguine for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Linguine:

12 oz linguine pasta

Chicken:

1 ½ lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts (cut into strips)
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

Cowboy Butter Sauce:

2 tablespoons olive oil
6 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 garlic cloves (minced)
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives

Serving:

Grated Parmesan cheese for serving

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Instructions

Cook Linguine: Cook linguine in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta water.
Sear Chicken: Season chicken strips with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Sear in olive oil until golden brown and cooked through. Set aside.
Make Cowboy Butter Sauce: Melt butter in the skillet. Add garlic, red pepper flakes, mustard, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, and Italian seasoning. Simmer.
Combine: Return chicken to the pan, toss in the sauce. Add linguine and pasta water. Stir in parsley and chives.
Serve: Top with grated Parmesan and serve warm.