Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine – Bold, Buttery & Irresistible!
This Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a flavor-packed fusion of creamy pasta and spicy, buttery chicken! Inspired by the viral cowboy butter trend, this dish combines garlic, herbs, chili flakes, and lemon with tender chicken and silky linguine for a dinner that’s both comforting and crave-worthy. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for weeknights, date nights, or when you want something bold and satisfying without the fuss.
Equipment
- Large skillet
- Pasta pot
- Mixing bowl
- Tongs or spatula
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Knife and cutting board
Ingredients
- 2 boneless chicken breasts or thighs, sliced
- 8 oz linguine (or fettuccine/penne)
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional)
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley
- ½ tsp thyme or rosemary
- ½ cup heavy cream (or chicken broth for lighter version)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: lemon slices, grated parmesan, fresh herbs for garnish
Instructions
- Season chicken with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Sear chicken in a hot skillet with oil until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water before draining.
- In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic. Add lemon juice, red pepper flakes, mustard, and herbs.
- Stir in cream and simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Return chicken to skillet, add pasta, and toss gently. Add pasta water gradually to loosen and emulsify the sauce.
- Garnish with lemon slices, parsley, and parmesan. Serve warm.
Notes
- Use fresh herbs and real butter for best flavor.
- For gluten-free: use GF pasta.
- For dairy-free: swap butter for olive oil and cream for coconut cream or broth.
- For vegetarian: replace chicken with mushrooms or tofu.
- For low-carb: use zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash.
- Reheat gently with a splash of cream or broth to revive sauce.
- Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3 days.