Nora
Imagine tender chicken bites smothered in a velvety, buttery sauce infused with garlic, paprika, and fresh herbs—all tossed with silky linguine. This dish captures the bold flavors of cowboy butter and pairs them with the comforting indulgence of creamy pasta.
Perfect for weeknights yet elegant enough for guests, Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine delivers both comfort and excitement on a plate. The rich, golden sauce clings to every strand of linguine, while the juicy chicken cubes add heartiness and flavor. This recipe turns your kitchen into a cozy bistro with a Western twist.
Why You’ll Love This Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
This dish is more than just another creamy chicken pasta. It’s buttery, garlicky, and kissed with the warmth of paprika and a hint of citrus. Every bite is coated in rich flavor, and the fresh parsley sprinkled on top adds a bright finish. Whether it’s a weeknight craving or a weekend treat, it satisfies every pasta lover.
What Kind of Chicken Works Best for This Recipe?
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work perfectly. Breasts cook quickly and remain tender when diced, while thighs add an extra layer of juiciness and flavor. Whichever cut you choose, make sure to sear it to a golden crust for maximum flavor before it meets the cowboy butter sauce.
Ingredients for Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
Before diving into the cooking process, here’s why each ingredient matters:
- Linguine Pasta – Holds the creamy cowboy butter sauce beautifully with its flat, silky strands.
- Chicken Breasts or Thighs – Provides a juicy protein base and absorbs all the buttery flavors.
- Butter – The heart of cowboy butter, creating a rich and indulgent sauce.
- Garlic – Brings bold, aromatic depth to the dish.
- Paprika & Chili Flakes – Adds warmth and a touch of smokiness.
- Lemon Juice – Balances the richness with a bright, zesty kick.
- Fresh Parsley – Sprinkled on top for freshness and color.
- Heavy Cream & Parmesan – Combine with butter to create the luscious, clingy sauce.
- Olive Oil, Salt, and Pepper – Essential base seasonings to enhance flavor.
How To Make Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
Step 1: Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a skillet, add diced chicken, and cook until golden on all sides. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika to lock in flavor.
Step 2: Create the Cowboy Butter Base
Melt butter in the same pan with minced garlic and chili flakes. Let the garlic sizzle and perfume the kitchen without burning.
Step 3: Build the Creamy Sauce
Pour in heavy cream, a splash of pasta water, and grated Parmesan. Stir until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon.
Step 4: Toss in the Pasta
Add cooked linguine and the chicken back to the pan. Toss until every strand is coated in buttery, garlicky goodness.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Squeeze in fresh lemon juice, sprinkle parsley, and serve hot. The pasta should be glossy and irresistible.
How to Serve and Store Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
This recipe comfortably serves 4 people as a main dish. Serve it immediately for the best texture, but leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days in an airtight container. Reheat gently with a splash of cream or milk to bring the sauce back to life.
What to Serve With Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine?
Here are some pairing ideas to elevate your meal:
1. Garlic Bread
Perfect for soaking up the rich cowboy butter sauce.
2. Simple Green Salad
A crisp salad with lemon vinaigrette balances the richness of the pasta.
3. Roasted Vegetables
Caramelized carrots, zucchini, or asparagus complement the buttery flavors.
4. Grilled Corn on the Cob
Adds a sweet, smoky element that pairs perfectly with the Western-inspired butter.
5. Chilled White Wine
A Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay enhances the creamy, garlicky notes.
6. Pickled Jalapeños or Peppers
Adds a tangy-spicy kick to contrast the creamy sauce.
Want More Pasta Dinner Ideas?
If you’re loving this Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine, you’ll probably enjoy these other comforting pasta creations:
- Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta for a seafood twist on buttery pasta.
- Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe for a rich, romantic dinner idea.
- Beef Pasta in a Creamy Garlic Sauce for a hearty, beefy alternative.
- Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Shells for a cheesy, veggie-packed option.
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I love hearing how others customize this dish! Did you add extra chili flakes for heat or a handful of spinach for a green boost? Share your version in the comments.
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Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
Equipment
- Large skillet
- Pot for boiling pasta
- Tongs or pasta spoon
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 300 g linguine pasta
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp paprika
- 0.5 tsp chili flakes
- 0.5 cup heavy cream
- 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- salt and pepper to taste
- 0.5 cup reserved pasta water
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add diced chicken and season with salt, pepper, and paprika. Cook until golden brown on all sides.
- Remove the chicken and set aside. In the same skillet, melt butter with garlic and chili flakes until fragrant.
- Stir in heavy cream, pasta water, and Parmesan cheese. Simmer until slightly thickened.
- Return chicken to the pan and toss in the cooked linguine until fully coated in the creamy cowboy butter sauce.
- Finish with lemon juice and fresh parsley. Serve hot.
Notes
2. Reheat leftovers gently with a splash of cream or milk to revive the sauce’s silky texture.