If you love bold flavors, creamy sauces, and a touch of spice, this Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is calling your name! This dish combines tender, seasoned chicken with a rich, buttery sauce packed with garlic, smoked paprika, and a hint of heat. Toss it all with silky linguine and a splash of cream, and you’ve got a comforting meal that’s easy enough for weeknights but impressive enough for company.
Why You’ll Love This Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
- Creamy & Buttery: The cowboy butter sauce adds a rich, velvety texture.
- Bold & Spicy: A perfect balance of smoky paprika, garlic, and a touch of cayenne.
- Quick & Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes with simple pantry ingredients.
- Protein-Packed: Juicy seared chicken makes this a satisfying meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Cowboy Butter Sauce:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
For the Pasta & Chicken:
- 8 ounces linguine (or your favorite pasta)
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced thin
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme (or ½ teaspoon dried)
How to Make Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook linguine according to package directions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Season chicken slices with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden and fully cooked. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Cowboy Butter Sauce
In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the garlic, smoked paprika, cayenne, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, parsley, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Step 4: Make It Creamy
Reduce heat to low and add the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Stir until smooth and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water.
Step 5: Toss Everything Together
Add the cooked pasta and chicken back to the skillet, tossing to coat in the sauce. Let everything warm through for 1-2 minutes. Sprinkle with fresh thyme and more Parmesan if desired.
Step 6: Serve & Enjoy
Serve hot with extra Parmesan, a squeeze of lemon, or a sprinkle of fresh parsley for extra flavor.
Tips & Variations
- Make It Spicier: Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
- Swap the Protein: Use shrimp or steak instead of chicken.
- Lighter Option: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Extra Veggies: Stir in spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or mushrooms for more texture.
What to Serve with Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
Pair this creamy, comforting dish with other flavorful meals for a perfect dinner experience:
- Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta – A dreamy, cheesy pasta dish for true comfort food lovers.
- Creamy Pasta Recipes – A collection of the best creamy pasta recipes you need to try!
- Greek Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Orzo – A fresh, zesty option to balance out the richness of this dish.
Storage & Reheating Tips
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm in a skillet over low heat with a splash of cream or broth.
- Freezer: Not recommended, as the creamy sauce may separate.
FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Cook everything and store the sauce separately from the pasta. Reheat gently before serving.
What’s the best pasta for this dish?
Linguine works great, but fettuccine, spaghetti, or even penne will do!
Can I make this without dairy?
Yes! Use coconut milk instead of heavy cream and a dairy-free butter alternative.
Try This Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Tonight!
This dish is rich, creamy, and packed with bold cowboy flavors. Perfect for busy weeknights or a special dinner, it’s guaranteed to be a hit! Let me know if you try it—tag me in your photos on Pinterest!
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Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
Ingredients
- For the Cowboy Butter Sauce:
- ½ cup unsalted butter melted
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper adjust to taste
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional, for extra heat
- Salt & black pepper to taste
- For the Pasta & Chicken:
- 8 ounces linguine
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, sliced thin
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme or ½ teaspoon dried
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook linguine according to package directions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- Sear the Chicken: Season chicken slices with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden and fully cooked. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Cowboy Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in garlic, smoked paprika, cayenne, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, parsley, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Make It Creamy: Reduce heat to low and add heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Stir until smooth. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water.
- Toss Everything Together: Add cooked pasta and chicken back to the skillet, tossing to coat in the sauce. Let everything warm through for 1-2 minutes.
- Serve & Enjoy: Garnish with fresh thyme and extra Parmesan. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm in a skillet over low heat with a splash of cream or broth.
- Lighter Option: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Extra Flavor: Add sun-dried tomatoes or mushrooms for more depth.
- Make It Spicier: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.