Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

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Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is the bold, creamy comfort food you’ve been craving. Marrying juicy, spice-rubbed chicken with silky linguine in a luscious cowboy butter sauce, this dish brings a satisfying kick and rich flavor to your dinner table. The cowboy butter adds a garlicky, herbed tang that balances perfectly with the heat of the blackened chicken and the smoothness of the cream sauce.

Perfect for weeknights or when you want to impress guests without the fuss, this one-pan wonder transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality meal. Every twirl of pasta is coated in a dreamy butter sauce, and every bite of chicken is seared to juicy perfection.

Why You’ll Love This Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

• Packed with bold flavor from cowboy butter and Cajun-spiced chicken
• Creamy, garlicky, and ultra-satisfying
• One-pan pasta dinner = easy cleanup
• Feels indulgent but comes together in under 40 minutes
• A crowd-pleaser the whole family will love

What Makes Cowboy Butter So Good in Pasta?

Cowboy butter isn’t just a steakhouse secret weapon—it’s a flavor bomb of melted butter, garlic, lemon, Dijon, and herbs that melts perfectly into pasta. In this dish, it acts as both a seasoning and a sauce base, creating that restaurant-style finish without complicated steps. Use it fresh or make a batch ahead and freeze!

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Ingredients

• Linguine: Choose traditional semolina linguine for its ideal texture to hold the creamy sauce.
• Chicken breast: Boneless and skinless, perfect for blackening and slicing over pasta.
• Paprika and cayenne pepper: For a smoky heat on the chicken.
• Salted butter: The base of the cowboy butter that brings richness and flavor.
• Fresh garlic: Minced for that essential cowboy butter zing.
• Lemon juice: Adds brightness to balance the creamy richness.
• Dijon mustard: For a tangy, subtle sharpness in the butter blend.
• Chopped parsley: Brings freshness and color to the sauce and finish.
• Heavy cream: For a velvety sauce that hugs every strand of pasta.
• Parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce for a creamy, savory depth.
• Olive oil: Helps sear the chicken and prevents sticking.
• Salt and pepper: To season each layer of flavor perfectly.

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How To Make the Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

Step 1: Cook the Linguine

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook linguine until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.

Step 2: Season and Sear the Chicken

While the pasta cooks, cut the chicken breasts into strips. Season them generously with paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. In a skillet over medium-high heat, heat olive oil and sear the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until blackened and cooked through. Remove from pan and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Cowboy Butter Sauce

In the same pan, melt the salted butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and chopped parsley. Let simmer for 1-2 minutes.

Step 4: Build the Creamy Sauce

Lower the heat to medium. Stir in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Add grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and the sauce thickens. If needed, stir in a splash of reserved pasta water for a silkier texture.

Step 5: Toss and Finish

Add cooked linguine to the sauce and toss until evenly coated. Slice the seared chicken and place it on top. Garnish with extra parsley and black pepper. Serve hot!

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How to Serve This Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

This recipe feeds 4 people generously as a main course. Serve it with warm garlic bread, a side salad, or roasted vegetables. A sprinkle of red chili flakes or more grated Parmesan makes a delicious final touch.

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Best Way to Store Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

Let leftovers cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce. Avoid freezing, as the creamy sauce may separate.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes! Boneless skinless thighs offer even juicier results and hold up well to blackening spices.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can prep the cowboy butter and cook the chicken in advance. Cook the pasta fresh for best texture, then toss everything together when ready to serve.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half or full-fat coconut milk, though the sauce may be slightly less rich.

Is cowboy butter spicy?
Cowboy butter has a mild kick, but you control the heat. Adjust cayenne or add red pepper flakes to taste.

Can I make it gluten-free?
Absolutely. Use your favorite gluten-free linguine and check that your Dijon and other seasonings are gluten-free.

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Want More Dinner Ideas with a Kick?

If you loved this Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine, try these bold, satisfying favorites:

• Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Bake
• Cheesesteak Tortellini in Rich Provolone Sauce
• Creamy Garlic Butter Lobster Tails
• Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti
• Shrimp Broccoli Alfredo

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📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you use chicken thighs or stick with breast? Add more cowboy butter? I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other cook bolder!

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