Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

Looking to spice up your pasta night? This Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine blends juicy seared chicken, tender linguine, and a rich, buttery sauce infused with garlic, lemon, Dijon, and herbs. It’s savory, slightly spicy, and full of bold Southern-style flavor. This quick and comforting dish is perfect for busy weeknights but delicious enough to serve for guests.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Flavor-Packed – The cowboy butter sauce is zesty, garlicky, and absolutely addictive.
Quick & Easy – Ready in 30 minutes with simple ingredients.
Perfectly Balanced – Rich, tangy, and lightly spicy all in one bowl.
Great for Meal Prep – Holds up well for next-day leftovers.
Family Favorite – A pasta dish everyone will ask for again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chicken:

• 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp paprika
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper

For the Cowboy Butter Sauce:

• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tsp dried thyme (or 2 tsp fresh)
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Pasta:

• 8 oz linguine
• Salt for boiling water
• 2 tbsp reserved pasta water

Optional Garnish:

• Fresh parsley
• Lemon wedges
• Grated Parmesan cheese

Tools You’ll Need

• Large skillet
• Pot for boiling pasta
• Tongs or spatula
• Grater or zester
• Mixing bowl

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Cook linguine until al dente, following package directions.
Reserve 2 tbsp of pasta water, then drain and set aside.

Step 2: Season and Cook the Chicken
Pound the chicken breasts to even thickness.
Rub with olive oil and season with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Cook chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.
Transfer to a plate, let rest for a few minutes, then slice into strips.

Step 3: Make the Cowboy Butter Sauce
In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium.
Melt butter, then stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add Dijon mustard, lemon juice, lemon zest, red pepper flakes, parsley, thyme, and smoked paprika.
Season with salt and pepper. Simmer for 2–3 minutes.

Step 4: Toss It All Together
Add the cooked linguine and reserved pasta water to the skillet.
Toss until the pasta is evenly coated in sauce.
Add the sliced chicken and toss again to heat through.

Step 5: Serve
Plate the Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine hot.
Top with fresh parsley, a squeeze of lemon, and grated Parmesan if desired.

Tips for Success
Use Fresh Lemon – The zest and juice add brightness and balance to the buttery sauce.
Reserve Pasta Water – Helps bind the sauce to the noodles.
Don’t Skip the Rest – Letting the chicken rest before slicing keeps it juicy.
Customize It – Add sautéed spinach, cherry tomatoes, or mushrooms for extra color and flavor.

Serving Suggestions

• With garlic bread or toasted baguette
• Side salad with lemon vinaigrette
• Grilled asparagus or roasted vegetables
• A chilled glass of iced tea or lemonade

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Reheating:
Stovetop – Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of broth or water.
Microwave – Heat in intervals, stirring halfway through.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is cowboy butter?
   Cowboy butter is a savory melted butter sauce flavored with garlic, herbs, mustard, lemon, and spices. It’s often served with steak or seafood, but works beautifully with chicken and pasta.
2. Can I use a different cut of chicken?
   Yes—boneless thighs or rotisserie chicken work well.
3. Can I make it dairy-free?
   Use plant-based butter and skip the cheese for a dairy-free version.
4. Can I use another type of pasta?
   Absolutely. Fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti all work great.
5. Is this dish spicy?
   It has a mild kick from red pepper flakes, but you can increase or decrease the amount to your taste.

Final Thoughts
Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is the kind of dish that turns a regular dinner into something exciting. With bold flavors and a buttery kick, it’s the ultimate comfort food with a Southern-inspired twist. It’s quick, versatile, and guaranteed to please everyone at the table.

Give it a try and let me know how you like it—don’t forget to snap a photo and tag us!

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Cuisine: American

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 510 | Protein: 30g | Carbohydrates: 40g | Fat: 28g | Fiber: 2g | Sodium: 430mg

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