Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe

Howdy, flavor lovers!

If you’re looking to wrangle up a meal that’s bold, buttery, and downright irresistible, then saddle up for this Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine. It’s everything you love about the zesty, garlicky richness of cowboy butter—tossed with tender chicken and twirled into a creamy bed of linguine. It’s a little bit rustic, a little bit indulgent, and a whole lotta delicious.

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This is the kind of recipe that makes weeknights feel like something special and weekends taste like a rodeo of flavor. Perfect for impressing guests or just feeding a hungry crew at home.

Servings: 4 hearty servings

Prep Time:

15 minutes
Cook Time:
20 minutes
Total Time:
35 minutes

Ingredients:

For the Cowboy Butter:

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a kick)
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
  • Salt & freshly cracked black pepper to taste

For the Chicken Linguine:

  • 12 oz linguine pasta
  • 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast, sliced into thin strips
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt & pepper
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan (optional, for garnish)
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • Lemon wedges (for serving)

Instructions:

  1. Boil the Pasta
    Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook linguine according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
  2. Make the Cowboy Butter
    In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, garlic, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, red pepper flakes, paprika, cayenne, and parsley. Season with salt and black pepper. Set aside.
  3. Cook the Chicken
    In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil. Season chicken strips with salt and pepper. Sauté until golden and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes.
  4. Combine It All
    Lower heat to medium. Pour the cowboy butter into the skillet with the chicken. Stir to coat everything in that buttery goodness. Add cooked linguine and toss everything together. If it’s too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water.
  5. Garnish & Serve
    Sprinkle with Parmesan and fresh parsley. Serve with lemon wedges on the side.

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