Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

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Rich, creamy, and bold with a hint of smoky heat—Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is the kind of dish that brings comfort and excitement to the dinner table all at once. The tender chicken is seared to golden perfection, then bathed in a luscious cowboy butter sauce that’s bursting with garlic, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, red pepper flakes, and herbs. Paired with silky linguine that soaks up every last drop, it’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate.

Whether you’re looking for a cozy weeknight dinner or something special to impress guests, this dish delivers big flavor with minimal fuss. The fusion of buttery spice and creamy pasta makes it crave-worthy and unforgettable. A little indulgent, absolutely satisfying, and totally worth every bite—Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine might just become your new go-to comfort food.

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Ingredients for Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

• 12 oz linguine pasta
• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to heat preference)
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ¼ cup fresh chopped parsley
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

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Step 1: Cook the Linguine

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the linguine and cook until al dente, according to the package instructions. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water, then drain the rest and set the pasta aside.

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Step 2: Season and Sear the Chicken

While the pasta cooks, season the cubed chicken generously with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear until browned and cooked through—about 6-8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

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Step 3: Make the Cowboy Butter Sauce

In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add the butter and let it melt. Stir in the garlic, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, and Italian seasoning. Cook for 1-2 minutes, just until the garlic is fragrant and the flavors start to meld together.

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Step 4: Create the Creamy Base

Pour the heavy cream into the skillet with the cowboy butter. Stir well to combine. Let the sauce simmer gently for 3-5 minutes, then stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.

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Step 5: Bring It All Together

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to coat in the creamy cowboy butter sauce. Add the cooked linguine and toss everything together, using reserved pasta water a splash at a time if needed to loosen the sauce.

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Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Finish the dish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley. Serve hot, with extra Parmesan or a side of garlic bread if desired. Enjoy the creamy, buttery, spicy magic in every bite!

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Storage Instructions

To keep your Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine fresh and delicious for later:

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The sauce may thicken, so add a splash of milk or cream when reheating.
• Reheating: Reheat on the stove over medium-low heat or in the microwave. Stir occasionally and add a bit of reserved pasta water or cream to restore the creamy texture.
• Freezing: While possible, freezing may slightly alter the sauce texture. If needed, freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat gently on the stove.

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Estimated Nutrition (per serving — based on 4 servings)

• Calories: 650–700 kcal
• Protein: 36g
• Carbohydrates: 48g
• Fat: 35g
• Saturated Fat: 18g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 620mg
• Cholesterol: 140mg

Nutrition may vary based on ingredient brands and portion sizes.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! Fettuccine, penne, or even spaghetti will work well with the cowboy butter sauce.

2. What is cowboy butter?

It’s a flavorful compound butter made with garlic, Dijon, lemon juice, herbs, and spices—perfect for adding bold flavor to meat and pasta dishes.

3. Is this dish spicy?

It has a mild heat from red pepper flakes. You can adjust the amount to suit your taste or omit it entirely for a milder version.

4. Can I make it dairy-free?

Yes, substitute the butter with a dairy-free alternative and use coconut cream or oat cream in place of heavy cream. Be sure to use a dairy-free Parmesan substitute too.

5. What proteins can I use instead of chicken?

Shrimp, sausage, or tofu make great alternatives, depending on your preference or dietary needs.

6. Can I prep this ahead of time?

You can cook the chicken and cowboy butter sauce ahead, then reheat and toss with freshly cooked pasta for the best texture.

7. Does it work as a meal prep option?

Yes! Store in portioned containers and refrigerate. Add a touch of cream or broth when reheating to revive the sauce.

8. What side dishes go well with it?

A crisp green salad, roasted veggies, or garlic bread make perfect companions to this rich, creamy pasta.

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