This Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a dinner that will lasso your taste buds and leave you coming back for seconds! It’s a perfect fusion of smoky, savory chicken paired with a rich and zesty butter sauce that clings to every strand of linguine. Whether you’re cooking for your family, impressing guests, or just treating yourself, this dish is as comforting as it is indulgent.

Inspired by the bold flavors of cowboy cuisine, this recipe combines the earthy spices of paprika and cayenne with the creamy richness of butter and garlic. Tossed with pasta, it becomes a complete, satisfying meal that’s ready in under 40 minutes!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Full of Flavor: Smoky, buttery, and slightly spicy, this dish hits all the right notes.
• Quick and Easy: Ready in about 35 minutes, it’s ideal for busy weeknights.
• Customizable: Add veggies, switch the protein, or adjust the spice level to suit your taste.
• Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters will enjoy the creamy, savory goodness.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chicken:

• 2 medium chicken breasts, sliced thin
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tbsp olive oil

For the Cowboy Butter Sauce:

• ½ cup unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (plus more for garnish)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Pasta:

• 12 oz linguine pasta
• 1 tsp salt (for boiling water)

How to Make Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

1. In a small bowl, mix the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper.
2. Coat the chicken slices evenly with the spice mixture.
3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
4. Sear the chicken for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add the linguine and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
3. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water before draining the rest.

Step 3: Make the Cowboy Butter Sauce

1. Using the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Stir in the Dijon mustard, lemon juice, red pepper flakes, Italian seasoning, and parsley.
4. Let the sauce simmer for 1-2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 4: Combine the Dish

1. Add the cooked linguine to the skillet with the sauce, tossing to coat thoroughly.
2. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add the reserved pasta water until you reach the desired consistency.
3. Slice the cooked chicken and add it to the pasta, tossing everything together until evenly distributed.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

1. Garnish with additional parsley and, if desired, a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
2. Serve warm and enjoy this bold and hearty dish!

Helpful Tips

1. Chicken Cutting Tip: For thin, even slices, freeze the chicken for 10–15 minutes before slicing.
2. Adjusting Heat: For milder spice, omit the cayenne and reduce the red pepper flakes.
3. Boost the Veggies: Toss in sautéed zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach for added nutrition and color.
4. Perfect Pasta: Always reserve some pasta water to adjust the sauce’s consistency—it’s the secret to a silky finish.
5. Protein Swap: Try shrimp, steak, or even turkey for a twist on the recipe.

Details

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Fusion

Notes:

1. Even Cooking: Slice or pound chicken thin for uniform cooking.
2. Adjust Spice: Reduce cayenne/red pepper for less heat.
3. Butter Swap: Use a mix of butter and olive oil for a lighter sauce.
4. Pasta Options: Swap linguine for spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne.
5. Reserve Pasta Water: Use it to create a silky sauce.
6. Add Veggies: Sauté zucchini, spinach, or bell peppers for extra flavor.
7. Herb Alternatives: Swap parsley for basil or cilantro.
8. Garlic Tip: Sauté garlic carefully to avoid bitterness.
9. Meal Prep: Make chicken and sauce ahead; toss with fresh pasta when ready.
10. Top It: Garnish with Parmesan for a savory finish.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: ~550 kcal
• Protein: 28g
• Fat: 24g
• Carbohydrates: 54g

Storage Instructions

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.
• Freezer: Freeze the cooked chicken separately for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat with freshly cooked pasta and sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! Spaghetti, fettuccine, or even penne would work beautifully with this dish.

2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
The chicken and sauce can be made in advance. Reheat and toss with freshly cooked pasta before serving for best results.

3. Can I make it dairy-free?
Swap the butter for a plant-based alternative, such as vegan butter or olive oil.

Related Recipes

If you enjoyed this Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine, you might also love:

• Classic Chicken Alfredo – Creamy, Cheesy, and Irresistibly Delicious!
• Chicken Alfredo: The Ultimate Comfort Dish
• Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta : A Spicy, Comforting Delight!

Conclusion

Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a dish that brings big, bold flavors to your dinner table. With its smoky, buttery sauce and tender chicken, it’s a recipe you’ll return to time and time again. Easy to customize and endlessly satisfying, this meal is sure to become a new family favorite. Grab your skillet, and let’s get cooking!

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