Description
This Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a rich, buttery, and flavor-packed pasta dish featuring tender chicken tossed in a bold and garlicky cowboy butter sauce. Infused with fresh herbs, a kick of spice, and plenty of parmesan, this pasta is a perfect balance of creamy, zesty, and savory flavors.
Ingredients
For the Cowboy Butter Sauce
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (adjust for spice level)
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh chives
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
For the Chicken & Pasta
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- 12 oz linguine pasta
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- ½ cup heavy cream (optional, for extra creaminess)
- ½ cup pasta water (reserved)
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook linguine according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
2. Prepare the Cowboy Butter Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, red pepper flakes, paprika, cayenne, Worcestershire sauce, parsley, chives, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
3. Cook the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and Italian seasoning. Sear for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.
4. Combine Everything
In the same skillet, pour in the cowboy butter sauce and let it simmer for 1 minute. Add cooked pasta and toss to coat. Stir in grated parmesan and heavy cream (if using), adding reserved pasta water as needed for a silky sauce.
5. Slice Chicken & Serve
Slice the cooked chicken and add it to the pasta. Toss gently to combine. Serve immediately with extra parmesan and lemon wedges.
Notes
- Spicy Boost: Add more cayenne or a dash of hot sauce.
- Protein Swap: Try shrimp or steak instead of chicken.
- Extra Creamy: Use more heavy cream or add cream cheese for richness.
- Low-Carb Option: Substitute linguine with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: ~550 per serving