Name: Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 12 oz linguine; 2 chicken breasts, sliced; 2 tbsp butter; 2 tbsp olive oil; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp smoked paprika; ½ tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste); 1 tsp Dijon mustard; 1 tbsp lemon juice; 1 tsp honey; ½ tsp red pepper flakes; 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped; 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce; ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated; Salt & pepper to taste

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This bold, buttery, and garlicky Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine brings together tender chicken and a rich cowboy butter sauce that's bursting with herbs, spices, and just the right amount of heat. The smoky paprika and cayenne pepper give it a kick, while the Parmesan and fresh parsley add a perfect finish. It’s a comforting yet exciting twist on a classic pasta dish that I love making when I want something both simple and packed with flavor.

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

12 oz linguine

2 chicken breasts, sliced

2 tbsp butter

2 tbsp olive oil

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 tsp smoked paprika

½ tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)

1 tsp Dijon mustard

1 tbsp lemon juice

1 tsp honey

½ tsp red pepper flakes

1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

1 tsp Worcestershire sauce

½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated

Salt & pepper to taste

Directions

Cook the Pasta:

Boil the linguine according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Cook the Chicken:

Heat 1 tablespoon of butter and 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Season the sliced chicken with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
Sauté the chicken until golden and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Make the Cowboy Butter Sauce:

In the same skillet, add the remaining butter and olive oil.
Sauté the minced garlic, red pepper flakes, and cayenne pepper until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Stir in the Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, and honey. Mix well.

Toss & Serve:

Add the cooked linguine and chicken back to the skillet. Toss everything together until well coated in the sauce.
Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Servings and Timing

This recipe serves 3 to 4 people.

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cook time: 20 minutes

Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

For a creamier sauce, I sometimes add a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half when mixing the sauce.

To make it heartier, I toss in some sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers.

Swap chicken for shrimp or smoked sausage for a different protein twist.

For a vegetarian version, skip the chicken and add roasted veggies like zucchini and cherry tomatoes.

Adjust the heat level by increasing or reducing cayenne pepper and red pepper flakes.

Storage/Reheating

I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I gently warm the linguine and chicken in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to keep it from drying out. It reheats well but is best enjoyed fresh.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! Fettuccine, penne, or even spaghetti would work well with this cowboy butter sauce.

What if I don’t have Worcestershire sauce?

You can substitute with soy sauce or a splash of balsamic vinegar to keep some depth of flavor.

How spicy is this dish?

It has a moderate heat from cayenne and red pepper flakes, but I adjust it to my taste. Feel free to reduce or omit these spices if you prefer milder food.

Can I prepare the sauce in advance?

Yes, you can make the cowboy butter sauce ahead and reheat it gently before tossing with pasta and chicken.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

I recommend freezing the cooked chicken and sauce separately, then thawing and combining with freshly cooked pasta when ready to eat for best texture.

Conclusion

This Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is one of those dishes I turn to when I want comfort food with a punch of flavor. The combination of smoky, spicy, buttery, and tangy elements comes together beautifully to create a memorable meal. It’s quick, satisfying, and versatile enough to tweak based on what I have on hand. I hope this recipe inspires some bold, delicious dinners in your kitchen too.

Recipe:

Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

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Author: Cheryl
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 3-4 servings
Diet: Low Fat

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Description

Bold, buttery, and garlicky linguine with tender chicken and a rich cowboy butter sauce bursting with smoky paprika, cayenne heat, Parmesan, and fresh parsley.

Instructions

Cook the linguine according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Heat 1 tablespoon butter and 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Season sliced chicken with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
Sauté chicken until golden and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add remaining butter and olive oil.
Sauté minced garlic, red pepper flakes, and cayenne pepper until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Stir in Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, and honey. Mix well.
Add cooked linguine and chicken back to skillet. Toss until well coated in sauce.
Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley before serving.