Description

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. Perfect as a quick dinner or hearty lunch idea, this easy recipe turns simple pantry staples into a weeknight hero. It’s one of the best dinner ideas for families who love big flavor without a big mess. If you’re looking for food ideas that balance heat, creaminess, and craveable richness, this one’s a must-try.

Ingredients

8 oz linguine

2 boneless skinless chicken breasts

1 tsp paprika

1/2 tsp cayenne pepper

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp black pepper

2 tbsp olive oil

4 tbsp salted butter

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 tbsp lemon juice

1 tsp Dijon mustard

2 tbsp chopped parsley

3/4 cup heavy cream

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. 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.

2. While pasta cooks, cut chicken breasts into strips. Season with paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper.

3. In a skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil and sear chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until blackened and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.

4. In the same skillet, melt the salted butter. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

5. Stir in lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and parsley. Let simmer for 1-2 minutes.

6. Reduce heat to medium, pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.

7. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce thickens. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if needed.

8. Toss the cooked linguine in the sauce until well coated.

9. Slice the chicken and place over the pasta. Garnish with extra parsley and serve hot.

Notes

Reserve some pasta water before draining—it helps emulsify and thicken the sauce.

Adjust cayenne to control the spice level to your liking.

Fresh parsley makes a big difference—don’t skip it for garnish and flavor boost.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: One-Pan
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl
Calories: 640
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 580mg
Fat: 38g
Saturated Fat: 20g
Unsaturated Fat: 15g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 42g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 35g
Cholesterol: 130mg

Keywords: cowboy butter chicken, linguine pasta, creamy chicken pasta, easy dinner, cowboy butter recipe