Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
Looking for a dish that’s creamy, garlicky, buttery, and just the right amount of spicy? Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is your new go-to. Inspired by the zesty “cowboy butter” dipping sauce (loaded with garlic, herbs, lemon, and heat), this pasta dish brings together tender chicken and a luscious butter-cream sauce tossed with linguine. It's indulgent, comforting, and packed with bold, ranch-style flavor.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into cubes
- 8 oz linguine pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper optional, for heat
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes optional
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the linguine pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside, reserving a little pasta water.
- Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat. Season the chicken cubes with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until browned and fully cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare the Cowboy Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the softened butter over medium heat. Add the chicken broth, heavy cream, Dijon mustard, and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir to combine, allowing the sauce to simmer and thicken slightly for 2-3 minutes.
- Combine Everything: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to coat in the sauce. Add the cooked linguine to the skillet, tossing to combine and coat the pasta in the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
- Finish and Serve: Stir in the lemon juice, fresh parsley, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Serve your creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine hot and enjoy!
Notes
- For extra spice, add more cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, reduce the amount of pasta water you add.
- You can substitute the linguine with any pasta shape you like.
- For a richer flavor, use fresh Parmesan cheese instead of pre-grated.
- Add a squeeze of lemon juice for a fresh, zesty finish.