Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine – Creamy Cowboy Pasta Dinner
There’s something about the bold flavors of cowboy butter chicken linguine that feels like a warm hug after a long day. Picture tender chicken tossed in buttery, garlicky sauce spiked with paprika, chili flakes, and herbs all wrapped around silky linguine. Growing up in the Midwest, meals like this were the kind of cowboy meals dinners we looked forward to on chilly evenings: hearty, creamy, and full of kick. Whether you’re craving a quick stovetop version or want to try a cowboy butter chicken linguine crockpot style, this recipe brings comfort and spice to the table.
Why You’ll Love Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
Bold Flavor in Every Bite
The cowboy butter sauce combines butter, garlic, lemon juice, paprika, Dijon, chili flakes, and parsley. Toss that with golden seared chicken and tender linguine, and you’ve got a dish that tastes like a creamy cowboy butter chicken pasta dream.
Comfort Meets Versatility
This recipe is quick enough for a weeknight yet special enough for entertaining. It’s a cozy twist on both cowboy butter chicken recipe and cowboy butter pasta recipe turning rustic cowboy flavors into a creamy, comforting pasta dish.
Ingredients & Tips
What You’ll Need for Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
| Ingredient | Notes / Substitutions |
|---|---|
| Chicken Breast or Thighs | Thighs stay juicier, but breasts work well sliced thin. |
| Linguine | Use spaghetti for a cowboy butter spaghetti twist. |
| Butter | Base of the sauce—use unsalted for more control. |
| Garlic | Freshly minced for best flavor. |
| Spices | Paprika, chili flakes, and cayenne bring cowboy heat. |
| Dijon Mustard & Lemon Juice | Add tang and depth to the creamy sauce. |
| Cream or Half-and-Half | For a creamy cowboy butter chicken pasta finish. |
Quick Tips
- Salt pasta water generously for flavorful linguine.
- Reserve 1 cup of pasta water to adjust sauce creaminess.
- Add spinach or mushrooms for extra texture.
How to Make Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
- Cook the pasta: Boil linguine until al dente. Reserve some cooking water.
- Sear the chicken: In butter, cook seasoned chicken until golden and cooked through. Remove and slice.
- Make cowboy butter sauce: In the same pan, melt butter with garlic, paprika, Dijon, chili flakes, and lemon juice. Stir in cream for richness.
- Combine: Toss in linguine, chicken, and some pasta water until creamy.
- Finish: Sprinkle fresh parsley and serve warm.
Storage & Serving
Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently with a splash of milk or cream to revive the sauce.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with garlic bread, roasted vegetables, or a simple side salad. It’s hearty enough on its own but feels extra cozy with cornbread for a true Pumpkin Streusel Bread meal.
Variations & Notes
- Cowboy Linguine: Skip the chicken for a bold buttery vegetarian version.
- Spaghetti Twist: Swap linguine for spaghetti for a rustic cowboy butter spaghetti dinner.
- Extra Creamy: Add cream cheese for an indulgent, thicker sauce.
From My Kitchen
This easy cowboy butter chicken linguine recipe has become a favorite weeknight dinner. It’s bold, creamy, and just the right mix of comfort and spice everything a true cowboy meal should be.
FAQs
What makes cowboy butter chicken linguine unique?
The bold buttery sauce with garlic, Dijon, and paprika gives it a kick that sets it apart from classic chicken pasta.
Can I make cowboy butter pasta without chicken?
Yes! For a simple cowboy linguine or cowboy butter spaghetti, just skip the chicken.
How spicy is cowboy butter chicken linguine?
It has a mild heat from chili flakes and paprika, but you can adjust spice to taste.
Can I make cowboy butter chicken linguine in the crockpot?
Yes, try the cowboy butter chicken linguine crockpot method by cooking chicken in the sauce on low and stirring in pasta at the end.
🍴 Conclusion
This cowboy butter chicken linguine is rich, creamy, and full of rustic flavor. With its garlicky, buttery sauce and tender pasta, it’s a recipe you’ll return to often whether you call it cowboy butter chicken pasta, cowboy butter spaghetti, or simply comfort food in a bowl. Follow along on Pinterest and Medium for more hearty dinner recipes made with love.
Print
Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine – Creamy, Spicy & Comforting
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is creamy, bold, and comforting. Tender chicken and silky linguine are tossed in a garlicky cowboy butter sauce spiced with paprika, chili flakes, and Dijon for the ultimate weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless chicken breasts or thighs, sliced
- 8 oz linguine pasta
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp chili flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/2 cup cream or half-and-half
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh chopped parsley, for garnish
- Optional: 1 cup spinach or mushrooms
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook linguine until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water and drain.
- Season chicken with salt, pepper, and a pinch of paprika. In a large skillet, melt 1 tbsp butter and sear chicken until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt remaining butter. Add garlic, paprika, chili flakes, and cayenne. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in Dijon mustard and lemon juice. Add cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Return chicken to the skillet. Add cooked linguine and a splash of reserved pasta water. Toss until coated and creamy.
- Stir in optional spinach or mushrooms, if using. Let wilt for 1–2 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of cream or milk to revive the sauce. Swap linguine for spaghetti or add cream cheese for an extra creamy version.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
