Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine takes the internet-famous cowboy butter craze and transforms it into a full, flavour-packed pasta dish. The result is a rich, buttery, herb-forward sauce wrapped around tender chicken and silky linguine. This recipe is perfect when you want something indulgent yet lively, thanks to layers of garlic, paprika, Dijon, lemon, and fresh herbs. It feels elevated enough for a special dinner but quick enough for a weeknight. I have even thinned the sauce with almond milk during testing, and it still produced a wonderfully glossy finish without compromising the bold cowboy butter taste. If you love creamy pasta with a punchy kick and crave a dish that stands out from traditional chicken linguine, this one will quickly become a repeat favourite.
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Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a rich, savory pasta dish featuring tender seasoned chicken tossed in a zesty cowboy butter sauce made with garlic, herbs, lemon, and a touch of heat.
Ingredients
- 12 oz linguine
- 1 lb chicken breast, sliced into strips
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 6 tbsp butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tbsp chopped chives
- 1/4 cup pasta water (reserved)
- Fresh Parmesan for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Cook linguine in salted boiling water according to package instructions. Reserve pasta water and drain.
- Season chicken with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and cook chicken until golden and fully cooked, 6–7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter and add garlic. Sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Stir in Dijon mustard, lemon juice, cayenne, red pepper flakes, parsley, and chives.
- Return chicken to the skillet and toss to coat in the cowboy butter sauce.
- Add linguine and a splash of reserved pasta water, tossing until everything is well combined and glossy.
- Serve warm with freshly grated Parmesan if desired.
Notes
- Adjust spice level by adding more or less cayenne and crushed red pepper.
- Great with shrimp instead of chicken for a seafood variation.
- Add spinach or cherry tomatoes for extra color and nutrients.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Category: Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Linguine
The ideal pasta shape for this saucy dish. Linguine’s flat surface helps the cowboy butter cling beautifully, delivering flavour in every bite.
Chicken breasts or thighs
A versatile protein that cooks quickly and absorbs the buttery, lemony, herb-laden sauce. Thighs offer more tenderness, while breasts keep the dish leaner.
Butter
The heart of cowboy butter. It melts into a velvety base that carries all the aromatics and spices throughout the linguine.
Garlic
Fresh garlic infuses depth and warmth. It is essential for creating the signature cowboy butter aroma.
Paprika
Adds smokiness and colour, giving the dish that slightly spicy, rustic edge.
Dijon mustard
Brings tang and complexity, helping balance the richness of the butter.
Red pepper flakes
Optional, but they contribute a lively heat that complements the buttery sauce without overwhelming it.
Lemon juice and zest
Brightens the dish and prevents the sauce from feeling heavy. Lemon plays a major role in achieving cowboy butter’s signature zing.
Fresh parsley and chives
Herbs give the dish freshness and colour. Their gentle bite lifts the richness of the sauce beautifully.
Parmesan cheese
Adds savoury depth and helps the sauce bind together as it coats the pasta.
Salt and pepper
Simple but necessary to highlight every layer of flavour.
Directions
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add linguine and cook until al dente. Reserve a cup of pasta water, then drain the rest.
Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and a light dusting of paprika. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat with a small amount of butter. Sear the chicken on both sides until golden and cooked through, then remove from the pan and slice or cube.
In the same skillet, lower the heat and melt the remaining butter. Add minced garlic, Dijon, paprika, red pepper flakes, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Stir gently until the mixture becomes fragrant and cohesive. Add chopped parsley and chives.
Return the sliced chicken to the skillet and toss to coat it in the cowboy butter sauce. Add the cooked linguine and a splash of pasta water. Toss until the sauce clings to the pasta, adjusting consistency as needed. Sprinkle in Parmesan and stir until glossy. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or extra lemon. Serve warm with additional herbs and cheese.
Equipment needed :
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4 people. Total cooking time is approximately 25–30 minutes, including preparing the cowboy butter, cooking the chicken, and finishing the linguine.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to two days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. Microwaving is acceptable but may thicken the butter sauce slightly, so adding moisture helps restore the silky texture.
Variations and Customizations
Creamy Cowboy Butter Linguine
Add a splash of cream or half-and-half to produce a richer, velvety sauce.
Spicy Cowboy Chicken Pasta
Increase red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne for more heat.
Cowboy Shrimp Linguine
Swap chicken for shrimp, which cooks faster and pairs beautifully with lemon butter sauces.
Herb-Loaded Cowboy Pasta
Boost the fresh herbs with dill, basil, or tarragon for a brighter finish.
Low-Carb Cowboy Bowl
Replace linguine with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash.
Cowboy Butter Steak Pasta
Use sliced seared steak for a heartier, more indulgent version.
Smoky Cowboy Pasta
Add smoked paprika or a dash of Worcestershire sauce for deeper savoury flavour.
Vegetarian Cowboy Linguine
Replace chicken with sautéed mushrooms, roasted broccoli, or blistered cherry tomatoes.
Lemon-Pepper Cowboy Butter
Increase lemon zest and cracked pepper for a punchy, citrus-forward pasta.
Cowboy Alfredo Fusion
Blend cowboy butter with a small amount of Alfredo sauce for a hybrid that is both creamy and bold.
FAQs
Can I use a different pasta shape instead of linguine?
Does the cowboy butter make the dish too spicy?
Can I prepare the cowboy butter in advance?
Should the herbs be fresh or dried?
Can I substitute chicken with seafood?
How do I prevent the sauce from becoming too greasy?
What can I use instead of Dijon mustard?
Can I freeze the cooked chicken for future batches?
How can I make this dish lighter?
Will gluten-free pasta work well with this recipe?
Conclusion
Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a bold, comforting pasta that blends richness with lively flavours. The buttery, lemon-herb sauce pairs perfectly with tender chicken and silky linguine, creating a dish that feels both rustic and refined. With endless opportunities for customisation and a quick cooking time, it is an excellent choice for weeknight dinners or special meals. This recipe brings a memorable twist to traditional pasta, offering warmth, zest, and deep savoury notes in every bite.
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