Name: Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 8 oz linguine pasta; 1/2 cup butter; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1 teaspoon lemon zest; 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 tablespoon olive oil

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If you’re looking for a creamy, flavorful, and comforting dish, Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is the perfect choice. The juicy chicken is enveloped in a luscious, garlicky butter sauce, creating a rich, savory coating that pairs beautifully with the al dente linguine. This dish comes together quickly and is sure to please everyone at the table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I absolutely love how versatile and delicious this Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is. The chicken is perfectly cooked and coated in a rich, buttery sauce that is packed with flavor. The combination of garlic, lemon, and herbs gives the dish a zesty kick, while the linguine adds a satisfying bite to balance everything out. Whether it’s for a casual weeknight meal or a special occasion, this dish will always hit the spot.

Ingredients

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
8 oz linguine pasta
1/2 cup butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Start by cooking the linguine according to the package instructions. Once done, drain the pasta, reserving about a cup of pasta water for later.
While the pasta cooks, season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and fully cooked through. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook for about 1-2 minutes, until fragrant. Stir in the crushed red pepper flakes, lemon juice, and lemon zest.
Slice the cooked chicken into strips or cubes and return it to the skillet. Add the cooked linguine to the skillet as well and toss everything together, ensuring the pasta is coated in the flavorful butter sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the dish and serve hot.

Servings and Timing

This recipe serves about 4 people. It takes approximately 30 minutes to prepare and cook.

Variations

For a spicier version, add more crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the butter sauce.
Swap the chicken for shrimp or even grilled vegetables for a lighter, vegetarian version.
If you want to add extra creaminess, stir in a bit of heavy cream or Parmesan cheese.

Storage/Reheating

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the pasta in a skillet over low heat and add a splash of water or broth to help loosen the sauce. You can also microwave it, but be sure to cover it to keep it from drying out.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?

Absolutely! While I love linguine for this dish, you can swap it out for any pasta you prefer. Fettuccine, spaghetti, or even penne would all work wonderfully.

How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?

The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F. If you don’t have a meat thermometer, simply cut into the thickest part of the chicken to ensure there’s no pink left inside.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

While this dish is best served fresh, you can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time. When ready to serve, simply reheat the chicken and sauce, then cook the pasta and toss everything together.

How can I make this dish dairy-free?

You can use a dairy-free butter substitute, like vegan butter or olive oil, to make the recipe dairy-free. For the creamy texture, you can try coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative.

Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes, you can freeze the leftovers, though the texture may change slightly after thawing. Be sure to store the dish in an airtight container, and it should be good in the freezer for up to 1-2 months.

Conclusion

Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a comforting, flavorful dish that I can’t get enough of. The chicken is juicy, the butter sauce is rich and creamy, and the linguine adds the perfect texture. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this recipe is sure to be a hit!

Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine