Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine: Zesty Creamy Pasta Recipe
Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a creamy, zesty pasta dish packed with juicy chicken, garlicky cowboy butter sauce, and a hint of lemon brightness. It’s rich, comforting, and quick to make — perfect for weeknight dinners or when you want restaurant-level flavor at home.
Ingredients
- 1.25–1.5 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
- 1.25 tsp kosher salt
- 0.75 tsp black pepper
- 12 oz linguine pasta
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
- 4–5 garlic cloves, minced
- 1.5 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp paprika (sweet or smoked)
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- 0.25 cup chopped fresh parsley, divided
- 0.5 cup chicken broth or reserved pasta water
- 1 cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for dairy-free)
- 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Pat chicken dry and slice thinly across the grain. Season with salt and black pepper. Zest and juice the lemon, mince garlic, and chop parsley.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook linguine until just shy of al dente. Reserve 1.5 cups pasta water and drain.
- Heat olive oil and 1 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken in a single layer for 3–4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Transfer to a plate and tent loosely.
- Lower heat to medium. Add remaining 3 tbsp butter and garlic; cook 30–45 seconds until fragrant. Stir in Dijon mustard, paprika, and red pepper flakes.
- Pour in chicken broth or pasta water. Simmer 1–2 minutes, then add lemon zest and juice. Taste and adjust seasoning.
- Reduce heat to medium-low. Stir in heavy cream and simmer 2–3 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens. Whisk in Parmesan until smooth.
- Return chicken and juices to the skillet. Add cooked linguine and 0.5 cup pasta water. Toss well to coat evenly. Stir in most of the parsley.
- Taste and adjust salt, pepper, and lemon. Add red pepper flakes if desired. Finish with a knob of butter for extra sheen and serve hot.
Notes
- Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for extra tenderness.
- Substitute coconut cream and vegan butter for a dairy-free version.
- Try gluten-free linguine or zucchini noodles for a lighter meal.
- Add shrimp or salmon for a pescatarian variation.
- Use Calabrian chili paste instead of red pepper flakes for a fruity heat.