This cowboy butter chicken linguine is my go-to when I want comfort food with a bit of flair. Juicy chicken and silky pasta get smothered in a cowboy butter sauce that bursts with garlic lemon and Parmesan. You only need half an hour and a handful of kitchen basics to create this crowd-pleaser that feels special enough for company but is quick enough for any weeknight.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Quick to prepare and cooks in just thirty minutes
Uses easy pantry staples and a couple of fresh upgrades
Creamy rich sauce with a mild kick and plenty of flavor
Flexible for ingredient swaps or add ins
Each bite tastes restaurant worthy with minimum fuss
The first time I tried this was after a long workday when I needed something delicious but also easy. My family fell in love on the spot and it has been a regular on our table ever since.
Ingredients
Boneless skinless chicken breasts: I like to use fresh and cut them into even pieces for the best texture
Linguine pasta: Choose best quality or bronze cut pasta for a silky finish
Olive oil: Adds richness for searing the chicken
Butter: Use good unsalted butter for a creamy base
Garlic powder and onion powder: Give steady flavor that blends smoothly
Smoked paprika: Pick a deep smoky variety for signature taste
Cayenne pepper: Optional for a bit of heat unless you are sensitive
Salt and pepper: Season to your taste with sea salt for brightness
Crushed red pepper flakes: Optional enhances the cowboy butter kick
Fresh parsley: Provides fresh herby lift go for flat leaf if possible
Lemon juice: Fresh squeezed brings brightness that cuts the richness
Parmesan cheese: Use freshly grated if you can for best melting and flavor
Chicken broth: Adds juicy depth pick low sodium if preferred
Heavy cream: Brings everything together with that silkiness
Dijon mustard: Rounds out the sauce with a tangy finish
Choose the freshest parsley and lemon for brightness and always grate the Parmesan right before serving for maximum flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Boil the Linguine:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Drop in the linguine and stir well so it does not stick. Cook until al dente with a little bite in the center usually nine to ten minutes. Reserve one quarter cup of the pasta water before you drain the noodles.
Season and Cook the Chicken:
Pat chicken dry and cube it evenly. Place chicken in a bowl and sprinkle over garlic powder onion powder smoked paprika cayenne salt and pepper. Mix to coat every piece. In a large skillet heat olive oil over medium high until shimmering. Add the chicken pieces in a single layer. Sear three to four minutes without moving then flip and finish cooking until golden all over and cooked through. Remove chicken to a plate.
Make the Cowboy Butter Sauce:
Wipe out your skillet and add the butter. Let it melt over medium low heat until foamy. Sprinkle in more garlic powder if you love garlic. Pour in the chicken broth heavy cream Dijon mustard and red pepper flakes. Stir this mixture as it heats gently. Let it simmer for two to three minutes so it thickens and blends.
Combine Pasta and Chicken:
Add your cooked chicken and linguine to the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together gently so every bit of pasta is coated. Stir in the grated Parmesan chopped parsley and fresh lemon juice. If the sauce feels too thick use a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
Finish and Serve:
Pile the creamy cowboy butter chicken linguine into bowls. Shower a little more parsley and fresh Parmesan over the top. Serve piping hot.
A bowl of pasta with chicken and lemon.
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A bowl of pasta with chicken and lemon. | lilicooks.com
You Must Know
Family friendly and easily mild or spicy depending on your mood
Freezes well for future fast meals just thaw gently and add a splash of broth to reheat
Packed with protein pasta and fresh flavors for satisfying dinners
Parmesan cheese is my top pick here. I have childhood memories of my grandfather grating Parmesan into all his pasta dishes and the nutty flavor makes this dinner feel extra special. My daughter always wants to be the one to sprinkle the last handful of cheese and it has become her job at the table.
Storage Tips
