If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with bold, buttery flavors and comforting pasta vibes, the Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe is about to become your new favorite weeknight dinner. Imagine tender chicken strips cooked to golden perfection, tossed in a luscious garlic-lemon butter sauce with a perfect hint of spice, all wrapped around al dente linguine. This recipe brings together simple, everyday ingredients in a way that feels special and soul satisfying—a true cowboy-worthy feast that’s both easy and irresistible.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of the Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients, each chosen to create a harmonious blend of taste, texture, and color. From the rich butter and fragrant herbs to the smoky spices and fresh lemon juice, every component plays an essential role.
- 12 ounces linguine pasta: The perfect shape to soak up the buttery sauce without overpowering the other flavors.
- 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts (sliced into strips): Tender, lean protein that cooks quickly and absorbs seasoning beautifully.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds a smooth base for sautéing the chicken to golden perfection.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors in every element of the dish.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds subtle heat and depth to the chicken seasoning.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Provides that signature smoky, slightly sweet flavor essential to cowboy-style cooking.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Deepens the savory notes in the chicken with its mellow garlic flavor.
- ½ cup unsalted butter: The star of the cowboy butter sauce, creating richness and a silky texture.
- 4 cloves garlic (minced): Fresh garlic infuses the sauce with irresistible aroma and boldness.
- Juice of 1 lemon: Adds a bright, zesty contrast that cuts through the richness.
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard: Brings a subtle tang that complements the butter and spices perfectly.
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes: Offers a gentle kick that lingers pleasantly on the palate.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Adds color and a mild smoky sweetness not to be missed.
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat): Use if you love your Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe with an extra spicy punch.
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (chopped): Gives a fresh, herbaceous note and bright green color.
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ½ tsp dried): Earthy and aromatic, thyme balances the flavors beautifully.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Ensures the sauce tastes just right without overpowering.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: A light touch to round out the seasoning in the sauce.
How to Make Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Linguine
Start by boiling the linguine in generously salted water until it’s perfectly al dente—the ideal texture that will hold up beautifully when tossed with the rich cowboy butter sauce later. Once cooked, drain and set the pasta aside, ready to soak up all those amazing flavors.
Step 2: Prepare and Cook the Chicken
While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season your sliced chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder—this seasoning blend gives each bite a smoky, savory punch that’s unmistakably cowboy-inspired. Cook the chicken strips for about 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally until they’re golden brown and completely cooked through. Then, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
Step 3: Make the Cowboy Butter Sauce
The sauce is where the Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe truly shines. In the same skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat, allowing it to coat the pan with a golden glow. Add minced garlic and sauté for just about a minute until fragrant—this step unlocks the garlic’s full aromatic potential. Next, stir in lemon juice, Dijon mustard, crushed red pepper flakes, paprika, cayenne pepper if you’re feeling bold, fresh parsley, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Let the sauce simmer gently for 1 to 2 minutes so it thickens just enough to cling to the chicken and pasta.
Step 4: Combine and Toss Everything Together
Return the cooked chicken strips to the skillet and toss them in the cowboy butter sauce, making sure every piece is coated with that luscious buttery goodness. Then add the drained linguine and gently toss everything together until the chicken and pasta are evenly coated and warmed through. This melding of flavors creates a deliciously cohesive dish that tastes like it took hours, but in reality, is super quick and simple to pull off.
How to Serve Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe
Garnishes
Finish your Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and fresh herbal brightness. If you’re a cheese lover, a dusting of grated Parmesan adds a lovely nutty richness that pairs beautifully with the buttery sauce.
Side Dishes
This dish is the star of the show, but pairing it with roasted vegetables like asparagus or bell peppers brings a delightful sweetness and crunch. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette can also help balance the richness of the pasta, making your meal feel both hearty and fresh.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving the Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe in individual cast iron skillets or rustic bowls to bring an authentic cowboy ranch feel to your dinner table. Garnish with lemon wedges on the side so everyone can squeeze a little extra brightness onto their dish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers from your Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors deepen overnight, making it just as delicious the next day.
Freezing
While this dish shines best fresh, you can freeze leftover chicken and sauce separately from the pasta for up to two months. Freeze the components in airtight containers, then thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain the best texture.
Reheating
For perfectly reheated Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe, gently warm the chicken and sauce mixture on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to loosen the sauce. Toss in the pasta just before serving to keep it from getting mushy.
FAQs
Can I use another type of pasta instead of linguine?
Absolutely! While linguine is ideal for this recipe, fettuccine, spaghetti, or even penne work well too. Just be sure to cook them until al dente so the pasta holds up nicely with the buttery sauce.
How spicy is the Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe?
The spice level is moderate, thanks to crushed red pepper flakes and optional cayenne pepper. You can adjust it by reducing or skipping the cayenne for a milder dish or adding more if you love heat.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
To make a dairy-free version, swap out butter for a vegan butter alternative or olive oil, keeping in mind that the sauce’s richness will be slightly different but still delicious.
What’s the best way to slice the chicken for this dish?
Slicing chicken breasts into uniform strips ensures quick and even cooking. Aim for about ½ inch wide strips to get that perfect bite-sized balance between tender and crispy edges.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes! The flavors are bold but not overwhelming, and you can easily adjust the spice level by omitting the cayenne and red pepper flakes to suit younger palates.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend enough giving the Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe a try—it’s the kind of dish that turns simple ingredients into a memorable meal with minimal effort. With its rich buttery sauce, smoky spices, and fresh herbs, this recipe feels like comfort and adventure all at once. Grab your skillet, invite some friends or family, and dive in. You’re going to love every bite!
Print
Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a flavorful and hearty American main course featuring tender chicken strips cooked in a rich and spicy garlic butter sauce, tossed with perfectly cooked linguine pasta. A perfect easy weeknight dinner with a wonderful balance of smoky, tangy, and mildly spicy flavors.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 ounces linguine pasta
Chicken
- 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Cowboy Butter Sauce
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Cook the linguine: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the linguine pasta and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken strips evenly with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. Add the chicken strips to the skillet and cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare the cowboy butter sauce: In the same skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in lemon juice, Dijon mustard, crushed red pepper flakes, paprika, cayenne pepper if using, fresh parsley, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Cook the sauce for 1–2 minutes to slightly thicken and meld the flavors.
- Combine chicken and pasta with sauce: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to coat thoroughly with the cowboy butter sauce. Add the cooked linguine and gently toss until the pasta is evenly coated and heated through.
- Serve: Serve the Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine immediately, optionally garnished with extra fresh parsley or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for added flavor.
Notes
- Adjust the spice level by reducing or omitting cayenne pepper and crushed red pepper flakes to suit your taste.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
