Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

Some nights, you just want something cozy but crave bold flavor. That’s how this Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine came to life—on a cold weeknight with nothing but butter, garlic, and a leftover lemon. One pan, one pasta, and boom—everyone was fighting for seconds. It’s rich, it’s garlicky, it’s got that smoky cowboy kick…and it’s ready in 30 minutes.

Why You’ll Love This Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

This dish hits all the right notes—rich, buttery flavor with garlic, herbs, and smoky paprika. Cowboy butter sauce clings to every strand of linguine while juicy pan-seared chicken brings the protein. It’s quick (just 30 minutes), hearty enough for dinner, and easy to clean up thanks to a one-skillet approach. The lemony finish cuts the richness perfectly, and it’s absolutely made to impress without any stress.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what makes this dish shine:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts – tender and lean
• 8 oz linguine pasta – perfect for soaking up the buttery sauce
• ½ cup unsalted butter – the base of the cowboy butter magic
• 4 cloves garlic, minced – don’t skimp
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
• 1 tsp smoked paprika – adds that cowboy smokiness
• 1 tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes – optional, for heat
• Salt and pepper – season to taste
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 tbsp lemon juice – brightens everything up
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese – for that final savory finish

How to Make Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

Cook the Chicken

Start by patting your chicken breasts dry. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and a pinch of paprika. Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Sear chicken for 6–7 minutes per side until golden and cooked through (165°F internal temp). Remove from skillet and let rest before slicing.

Boil the Pasta

While the chicken cooks, boil a pot of salted water. Cook linguine until just al dente. Before draining, reserve 1 cup of pasta water—it’s liquid gold for your sauce.

Make the Cowboy Butter Sauce

In the same skillet, melt the remaining 6 tablespoons of butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in parsley, thyme, paprika, onion powder, and crushed red pepper flakes. Add chicken broth and lemon juice; let it simmer for 2–3 minutes to marry the flavors.

Combine and Finish

Add the cooked linguine to the skillet and toss to coat in the cowboy butter sauce. Slice the rested chicken and add it in. If the sauce needs loosening, stir in reserved pasta water a splash at a time. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan and extra herbs, and serve it up while it’s hot.

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Tips for Perfect Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

• Don’t overcook the chicken—use a meat thermometer for best results.
• Always reserve pasta water; it helps create that luscious, clingy sauce.
• Fresh herbs make a big difference—go for it if you have them.
• Add more crushed red pepper or a dash of cayenne for a spicier kick.
• Try a pasta shape like fettuccine or penne if that’s what’s in your pantry.

Easy Variations & Add-Ins

Want to riff on this dish? Here are some tasty twists:

• Vegetarian: Swap chicken with sautéed mushrooms or a plant-based option.
• Creamy: Stir in a splash of heavy cream for a luscious version.
• Cajun-style: Add Cajun seasoning and a pinch of cayenne.
• BBQ: Use BBQ chicken instead and skip the lemon for a smoky-sweet finish.
• Spinach-enhanced: Toss in a couple of handfuls of fresh spinach before serving.

Storage & Reheating Tips

Got leftovers? Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, warm gently on the stove with a splash of chicken broth or water to bring the sauce back to life. Freezing isn’t ideal for butter-based sauces, but you can freeze the chicken on its own.

FAQ About Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

Final Thoughts

This Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is one of those recipes that tastes like a restaurant dish but feels like home cooking. Quick enough for a weeknight but rich enough to serve guests, it’s a dish you’ll crave again and again. Want more buttery chicken ideas? Check out this comforting Garlic Butter Chicken with Zucchini and Corn, or for something citrusy and light, try Lemon Pepper Chicken. Craving a cozy slow-cooker version? You’ll love this Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta.

Don’t forget to follow along on Pinterest and Facebook for more cozy, crave-worthy dinners.

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