Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a bold, flavor-packed pasta dish that combines tender chicken with a rich, buttery sauce infused with garlic, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and a kick of Cajun spices.
Inspired by the famous cowboy butter dipping sauce, this recipe brings a smoky, tangy, and slightly spicy twist to classic linguine. The creamy, buttery coating enhances the pasta’s texture, while fresh herbs and Parmesan add the perfect finishing touch.
Ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this dish offers a hearty and indulgent meal that’s easy to prepare and bursting with mouthwatering flavors in every bite.
Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
Description
Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a bold and flavorful pasta dish that combines tender, juicy chicken with a rich, buttery sauce infused with garlic, lemon, Dijon mustard, and Cajun-style spices.
The linguine is coated in this indulgent, slightly spicy sauce, creating a creamy, savory dish with a hint of heat. Fresh herbs and Parmesan cheese add depth, while a touch of honey balances the spice.
This dish is perfect for a comforting dinner, offering a fusion of cowboy-style bold flavors with Italian pasta elegance. Serve it with crusty bread for a complete meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
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Cook the pasta:
Boil linguine according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
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Prepare the chicken:
Season sliced chicken with paprika, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until golden and fully cooked. Remove from the pan and set aside.
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Make the cowboy butter sauce:
In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in Dijon mustard, cayenne pepper, and red pepper flakes. Pour in chicken broth and let it simmer for 2 minutes.
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Creamy finish:
Lower the heat and add heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and lemon juice. Stir well until the sauce thickens.
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Combine:
Return the chicken to the skillet and add the cooked linguine. Toss everything together until well coated.
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Garnish & serve:
Sprinkle with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan. Serve hot!
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 850kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 35g54%
- Saturated Fat 15g75%
- Sodium 800mg34%
- Total Carbohydrate 80g27%
- Dietary Fiber 3g12%
- Protein 45g90%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine – Tips & Tricks
Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a rich, flavorful dish that combines tender chicken, buttery garlic sauce, and perfectly cooked linguine.
The star ingredient, cowboy butter, is a bold, zesty, and slightly spicy sauce made with butter, garlic, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and a mix of herbs and spices.
Here are some tips and tricks to elevate your dish:
1. Perfecting the Chicken
- Choose the Right Cut: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work best. Thighs add extra juiciness, while breasts offer a leaner option.
- Marinate for Extra Flavor: Marinate the chicken in a bit of olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, and Cajun or smoked paprika for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
- Sear for Maximum Flavor: Cook the chicken over medium-high heat in a heavy skillet until golden brown on both sides. Let it rest before slicing to keep it juicy.
2. Making the Cowboy Butter Sauce
- Use High-Quality Butter: Real unsalted butter enhances the richness. If you prefer a more intense flavor, try European-style butter.
- Balance the Acidity: A mix of Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and lemon juice creates a tangy contrast to the butter. Adjust to taste.
- Herbs & Spices Matter: Fresh parsley, thyme, smoked paprika, and a pinch of red pepper flakes add depth. Don't skip the garlic—it’s the backbone of the sauce!
- Don't Overheat the Butter: Melt it gently to prevent burning and to keep the flavors balanced.
3. Cooking the Linguine Just Right
- Salt the Water Generously: This flavors the pasta from the inside out.
- Cook Until Al Dente: Overcooked pasta will become mushy in the sauce. Reserve about ½ cup of pasta water to adjust the sauce’s consistency.
- Toss Immediately: Mix the linguine into the sauce while it’s hot, allowing it to absorb the flavors.
4. Bringing It All Together
- Combine Thoughtfully: Toss the sliced chicken into the buttery linguine mixture, making sure every strand is coated in sauce. If needed, add a splash of pasta water to keep it silky.
- Cheese for Extra Creaminess: Parmesan or a sharp white cheddar sprinkled on top adds a nutty, salty finish.
- Garnish for a Fresh Touch: Fresh herbs (parsley, basil) and a squeeze of lemon brighten up the dish.
5. Serving & Pairing Ideas
- Servings: This recipe makes 4 servings, but it can easily be doubled for larger gatherings.
- Side Dishes: Serve with a crisp green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables.
- Wine Pairing: A buttery Chardonnay or a light Pinot Noir pairs well with the richness of the dish.
Final Tip: Make It Your Own!
For a spicier kick, add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce. Prefer a lighter version? Swap out some butter for olive oil and use whole wheat linguine.
Enjoy your Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine—a dish that’s bold, comforting, and absolutely delicious!
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine?
Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a creamy, buttery pasta dish featuring tender chicken tossed in a rich, garlicky, and slightly spicy cowboy butter sauce.
The sauce typically includes butter, garlic, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, and fresh herbs, creating a bold and zesty flavor.
The dish combines the heartiness of a Western-style butter sauce with the comfort of linguine, making it a unique fusion meal.
How can I make this dish healthier?
To make a lighter version of Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine, try these modifications:
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Use less butter or substitute part of it with olive oil.
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Choose whole wheat or chickpea linguine for added fiber and protein.
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Use lean chicken breast instead of thighs to reduce fat content.
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Replace heavy cream with Greek yogurt or a splash of milk for a creamy texture with fewer calories.
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Add more vegetables, such as spinach, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes, to enhance nutrition.
What are some good side dishes to serve with it?
Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine pairs well with a variety of sides. Some great options include:
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Garlic bread or crusty baguette to soak up the buttery sauce.
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Roasted vegetables, like asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or zucchini, for a balanced meal.
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A fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to contrast the richness of the pasta.
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Grilled corn on the cob, which complements the smoky, buttery flavors of the dish.
