Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta Linguine Recipe

Introduction

Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta Linguine is a quick and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken with a rich, garlicky butter sauce. In just 25 minutes, you can enjoy a creamy, comforting meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual dinners with family.

Ingredients

• 8 ounces linguine
• 1 ½ pounds boneless chicken
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon garlic salt
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ cup cowboy butter (4 tablespoons, divided)
• ¾ cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon garlic salt (for sauce)
• ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• ½ teaspoon lemon juice
• Lemon slices and chopped parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the linguine and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside without rinsing to help the sauce adhere better.
2. Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer and season evenly with paprika, garlic salt, kosher salt, and black pepper. Let it cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes until golden brown on one side.
3. Step 3: Add 2 tablespoons of cowboy butter to the pan. Flip the chicken pieces and cook for another 3-4 minutes, or until fully cooked through (internal temperature 165°F). Remove the chicken from the skillet and keep warm.
4. Step 4: Reduce heat to low. Add the remaining cowboy butter, heavy cream, 1 teaspoon garlic salt, and crushed red pepper flakes to the skillet. Stir well, scraping up the browned bits from the bottom. Simmer until the butter melts and the sauce thickens slightly.
5. Step 5: Return the cooked pasta and chicken to the skillet. Toss gently to coat everything evenly with the sauce. Stir in the lemon juice for a bright, fresh finish.
6. Step 6: Garnish with lemon slices and chopped parsley before serving hot. Enjoy the creamy, buttery flavors in every bite!

Tips & Variations

• For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream.
• Add sautéed mushrooms or spinach to the sauce for extra veggies and flavor.
• If you like more heat, increase the crushed red pepper flakes to taste.
• Use homemade cowboy butter or a good quality store-bought version to enhance the dish’s flavor.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of cream or water if the sauce has thickened too much. This helps maintain the creamy texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

What is cowboy butter?

Cowboy butter is a flavorful compound butter made with garlic, herbs, lemon juice, and spices. It adds richness and a zesty kick to dishes like this pasta.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, feel free to substitute linguine with fettuccine, spaghetti, or any pasta shape you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions.

Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta Linguine Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 76 reviews

This Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta Linguine is a luscious, creamy dish featuring golden seared chicken, smoky paprika, and a rich cowboy butter sauce made with garlic, herbs, and lemon. Perfectly cooked linguine is tossed in a velvety butter and cream sauce with a hint of heat from red pepper flakes, garnished with fresh lemon slices and parsley for a bright finishing touch. Ready in just 25 minutes, this comforting yet flavorful recipe is ideal for a satisfying weeknight dinner.

• Author: lina
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta

• 8 ounces dried linguine

Chicken and Seasoning

• 1 ½ pounds boneless chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon garlic salt
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Sauce

• ¼ cup cowboy butter (4 tablespoons, divided)
• ¾ cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon garlic salt
• ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• ½ teaspoon lemon juice

Garnish

• Lemon slices
• Chopped parsley

Instructions

1. Cook the linguine: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and add the linguine. Cook according to package instructions until al dente, then drain but do not rinse to help the sauce adhere better to the pasta. Set aside.
2. Sear the chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Layer the chicken breasts evenly in the pan and season with paprika, garlic salt, kosher salt, and black pepper. Cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes until the underside is golden brown.
3. Add butter and finish cooking chicken: Nestle 2 tablespoons of cowboy butter into the skillet. Flip the chicken pieces and cook for another 3-4 minutes until fully cooked through and internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove chicken from skillet and keep warm.
4. Prepare the sauce: Reduce heat to low. In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of cowboy butter, heavy cream, garlic salt, and crushed red pepper flakes. Stir well while scraping up the browned bits from the pan for extra flavor. Simmer gently until the butter melts and the sauce thickens slightly.
5. Toss pasta and chicken in sauce: Return the cooked linguine and chicken to the skillet. Toss gently to coat everything evenly with the creamy cowboy butter sauce. Pour in the lemon juice and stir one last time to incorporate the bright citrus flavor.
6. Garnish and serve: Plate the pasta and chicken, topping with fresh lemon slices and a sprinkle of chopped parsley for a fresh, vibrant finish. Serve immediately while hot and creamy.

Notes

• Do not overcook the linguine; al dente texture ensures the best bite and hold of the sauce.
• Keep the chicken in a single layer while searing for even browning.
• Use fresh lemon juice instead of bottled for a brighter, fresher flavor.
• Adjust crushed red pepper flakes to your preferred heat level.
• Leftover pasta can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days; reheat gently to avoid drying out.

Keywords: Cowboy butter chicken, creamy pasta, linguine recipe, quick dinner, chicken pasta, stovetop pasta, comfort food