I love creating recipes that bring bold flavors together in a comforting dish, and this Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is just that! It’s a rich, savory, and slightly spicy pasta dish that combines tender chicken with a luscious, garlicky cowboy butter sauce. The result? A mouthwatering meal that feels indulgent yet easy enough for a weeknight dinner.
A Bold and Flavorful Pasta Dish
This dish is inspired by the famous cowboy butter—a flavorful, spiced compound butter that enhances everything from grilled meats to seafood. Here, I’ve transformed it into a silky pasta sauce that perfectly coats every strand of linguine. The buttery, garlicky base is infused with tangy mustard, bright lemon, and a kick of spice, while tender, juicy chicken adds protein and depth.
If you love a pasta dish that’s both comforting and packed with flavor, this Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a must-try. It’s a great way to bring some rustic, smoky flair to your dinner table without requiring hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re cooking for family, entertaining guests, or simply treating yourself, this pasta is guaranteed to impress.
Let’s dive into this hearty and delicious recipe!
Ingredients for Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
To create this flavorful and satisfying pasta dish, you’ll need a combination of fresh ingredients that blend together to create the ultimate cowboy butter sauce and tender chicken.
Main Ingredients:
- Linguine – 12 oz (about 340g), cooked al dente
- Chicken Breast – 2 large, boneless and skinless, sliced into thin strips
- Butter – ½ cup (1 stick), unsalted
- Garlic – 4 cloves, minced
- Dijon Mustard – 1 tbsp for a slight tangy kick
- Lemon Juice – 2 tbsp, freshly squeezed for brightness
- Red Pepper Flakes – ½ tsp (adjust for spice preference)
- Paprika – 1 tsp for smoky depth
- Worcestershire Sauce – 1 tbsp to enhance umami flavors
- Honey – 1 tsp for a subtle hint of sweetness
- Fresh Parsley – ¼ cup, chopped for freshness
- Parmesan Cheese – ½ cup, grated for creaminess
- Salt & Black Pepper – To taste
How to Make Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
Creating this dish is simple and straightforward, but the end result is a rich, buttery, and flavorful meal. Here’s how to make it step by step:
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the linguine and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining the pasta. Set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat 1 tbsp of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced chicken breast and season with salt, black pepper, and paprika. Cook for about 5-6 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Cowboy Butter Sauce
In the same skillet, melt the remaining butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, honey, and red pepper flakes. Let the mixture simmer for 1-2 minutes until well combined.
Step 4: Combine Everything
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to coat in the sauce. Add the cooked linguine and toss everything together, ensuring the pasta is fully coated. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water until the desired consistency is reached.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Remove from heat and sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley. Toss one final time and serve immediately while warm.
This dish is rich, buttery, and packed with bold flavors—perfect for a comforting meal!
How Long to Cook Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
The cooking time for this dish is quite manageable, making it perfect for a quick yet satisfying meal. Here’s a breakdown of the estimated cooking times for each step:
- Cooking the Pasta – 8-10 minutes (following package instructions for al dente)
- Cooking the Chicken – 5-6 minutes until golden brown and cooked through
- Preparing the Cowboy Butter Sauce – 3-4 minutes to melt, mix, and develop flavors
- Combining Everything – 2-3 minutes to toss pasta, chicken, and sauce together
In total, this dish takes about 20-25 minutes to prepare, making it ideal for a weeknight dinner when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.
How to Store Leftovers
If you have leftovers, don’t worry! This dish stores well and can be enjoyed the next day. Follow these simple storage tips to keep it tasting fresh:
- Refrigerator – Store leftover Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine in an airtight container for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to keep the sauce from drying out.
- Freezer – While pasta dishes with butter-based sauces don’t always freeze well, you can freeze leftovers for up to 1 month. Store in a freezer-safe container and thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- Reheating – Warm leftovers in a skillet over low heat, adding a bit of butter or reserved pasta water to bring back the creamy consistency. Avoid microwaving, as it can dry out the sauce.
Tips for Perfect Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
Here are some expert tips to ensure your Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine turns out perfectly every time:
- Use Fresh Garlic – Freshly minced garlic provides the best flavor and enhances the butter sauce beautifully.
- Adjust Spice Level – If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the red pepper flakes. If you love spice, add a pinch more!
- Don’t Overcook the Chicken – Keep an eye on the chicken as it cooks. Overcooked chicken can become dry and chewy.
- Reserve Pasta Water – This trick helps loosen the sauce and makes it cling better to the linguine.
- Add More Cheese – Parmesan adds creaminess and depth. If you’re a cheese lover, feel free to sprinkle extra on top!
- Garnish for Freshness – A handful of fresh parsley brightens up the dish and adds color and freshness.
This Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is packed with flavor and texture, making it a dish you’ll want to make again and again!
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Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a bold, flavorful pasta dish featuring tender chicken coated in a rich, buttery sauce infused with garlic, Dijon mustard, lemon, and a hint of spice. It’s quick to prepare, making it perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner or a special meal to impress family and friends!
Ingredients
- 12 oz (340g) linguine
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 2 tbsp lemon juice, freshly squeezed
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (adjust for spice preference)
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp honey
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add linguine and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- Cook the Chicken:
- Heat 1 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the sliced chicken and season with salt, black pepper, and paprika.
- Cook for 5-6 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Cowboy Butter Sauce:
- In the same skillet, melt the remaining butter over medium heat.
- Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, honey, and red pepper flakes.
- Let simmer for 1-2 minutes until well combined.
- Combine Everything:
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to coat in the sauce.
- Add the linguine and toss everything together, ensuring the pasta is fully coated.
- If the sauce is too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water until desired consistency is reached.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Remove from heat and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley.
- Toss one final time and serve warm.
Notes
- Spice Level: Adjust the red pepper flakes to make it milder or spicier.
- Creamy Option: Stir in ¼ cup heavy cream for a richer sauce.
- Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of water.
- Pasta Substitutes: Fettuccine, spaghetti, or penne work well as substitutes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use a different type of pasta instead of linguine?
Yes! While linguine works beautifully in this dish, you can substitute it with fettuccine, spaghetti, or even penne. The key is to choose a pasta shape that holds onto the cowboy butter sauce well. If you prefer a lighter option, try using zucchini noodles or whole wheat pasta.
2. What can I substitute for Worcestershire sauce?
If you don’t have Worcestershire sauce on hand, you can replace it with soy sauce or a mix of balsamic vinegar and a dash of honey. Both options will provide the rich umami flavor that enhances the butter sauce.
3. How do I make this dish creamier?
To make the sauce even creamier, you can add ¼ cup of heavy cream or cream cheese to the cowboy butter sauce while it simmers. This will create a luscious, velvety texture that clings to the pasta even more.
4. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, but with a few adjustments. If preparing ahead, cook the pasta and chicken separately and store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat the cowboy butter sauce in a skillet, then toss in the pasta and chicken with a splash of pasta water to refresh the dish.
This FAQ section ensures you get the best results every time you make Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine!