Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a rich, flavorful pasta dish that combines tender chicken pieces with creamy, garlicky, and buttery cowboy sauce tossed with linguine noodles. This recipe is a perfect blend of spicy, tangy, and savory flavors with fresh herbs and lemon juice. The buttery sauce is infused with garlic, mustard, lemon, and chili flakes, making it irresistible for any pasta lover. It’s quick to make, hearty, and satisfying, perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
- 12 oz linguine pasta
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into thin strips)
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- ½ tsp paprika
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tbsp chopped chives
- ½ tsp salt (or to taste)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Cook linguine pasta according to package directions in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving ¼ cup of pasta water.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken strips, season with salt, pepper, and paprika, and cook for 5–7 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
- In the same pan, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in Dijon mustard, lemon juice, red pepper flakes, and cayenne pepper. Mix well.
- Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, whisking continuously. Allow it to simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Add the cooked chicken back to the pan, toss to coat evenly, and then add the cooked linguine. Mix until the pasta is fully coated in the cowboy butter sauce.
- Stir in chopped parsley, chives, and Parmesan cheese. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if the sauce is too thick.
- Serve immediately with extra herbs and Parmesan on top if desired.
Servings
4 servings
Nutritional Info (per serving, approx.)
Calories: 520
Protein: 32g
Carbohydrates: 48g
Fat: 22g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 630mg
Notes
For the best flavor, use freshly squeezed lemon juice and fresh herbs. You can substitute linguine with fettuccine or spaghetti. Adjust the spice level by increasing or decreasing the red pepper flakes or cayenne.
Tips
- Cook pasta just until al dente so it holds texture when mixed with sauce.
- Use fresh garlic and real butter for a rich flavor base.
- For extra creaminess, add a tablespoon of cream cheese to the sauce.
- Grill the chicken for a smoky flavor variation.
- Garnish with lemon zest for a refreshing finish.
Health Benefits
This dish provides a good balance of protein and carbohydrates, making it energizing and satisfying. The chicken offers lean protein, while the butter and olive oil provide healthy fats in moderation. Garlic and herbs contain antioxidants that support immune health. Lemon juice adds vitamin C and aids digestion.
