Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine | Rich, Creamy Pasta Comfort
Cowboy butter chicken linguine brings bold garlic-butter flavor and tender seared chicken together with silky linguine, all coated in a creamy cowboy butter sauce. This easy one-pan pasta dinner is rich, comforting, and perfect for busy weeknights or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
For the Cowboy Butter Sauce & Chicken
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into strips
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp chili flakes optional
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ tsp dried thyme or Italian seasoning
For the Pasta
- 12 oz linguine
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp chopped parsley optional garnish
- 2 tbsp olive oil or more butter for the pan
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook the LinguineBring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the linguine according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve about ½ cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
- Step 2: Prepare the ChickenPat the chicken breast pieces dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add 1 tablespoon olive oil (or butter). Once hot, add the chicken in a single layer. Sear for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp 165°F). Remove the chicken to a plate and cover loosely to keep warm.
- Step 3: Make the Cowboy Butter SauceIn the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add the butter and let it melt, swirling the pan. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant—do not burn the garlic.Stir in chili flakes (if using), thyme, and smoked paprika. Let the spices bloom for about 30 seconds.
- Step 4: Create the Creamy BaseSlowly pour in the heavy cream, whisking to combine with the cowboy butter base. Bring to a gentle simmer (don’t boil). Add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and the sauce is thickened, about 2–3 minutes.If the sauce looks too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it.
- Step 5: Combine & FinishReturn the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to coat in the creamy cowboy butter sauce. Add the drained linguine and gently fold to combine, ensuring every strand is coated in the luscious sauce.Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or more Parmesan if desired.
- Step 6: ServeDivide the cowboy butter chicken linguine among serving plates. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately. Enjoy your bold, buttery pasta masterpiece!
Notes
Secret Tips for Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
- Sear the chicken for max flavor: Don’t skip the sear! Getting a golden crust on the chicken locks in moisture and adds rich flavor to your cowboy butter chicken linguine.
- Use high-quality butter: Since cowboy butter is the heart of this dish, choose a good-quality unsalted butter for the richest flavor.
- Bloom the spices: When making your cowboy butter sauce for pasta, take 30 seconds to bloom smoked paprika, garlic, and thyme in butter before adding cream—this deepens the flavor beautifully.
- Reserve your pasta water: A splash of pasta water helps emulsify the creamy cowboy butter sauce and gives it that silky texture that clings to the linguine perfectly.
- Grate your Parmesan fresh: Pre-grated cheese often has anti-caking agents that prevent melting. Grating Parmesan fresh ensures a smooth, luscious creamy cowboy butter pasta sauce.
- Balance with acidity: If your cowboy butter chicken linguine tastes a bit too rich, brighten it up with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice right before serving.
- Spice it up: For a bold kick, add red pepper flakes, cayenne, or diced jalapeños to create a spicy cowboy butter chicken pasta that really wakes up your taste buds.
- Rest your chicken: Let your seared chicken rest for 2–3 minutes before slicing or adding it back to the sauce. This keeps it juicy and tender in your cowboy butter chicken pasta skillet.
- Customize your pasta: Use gluten-free linguine or high-protein chickpea pasta for a gluten-free cowboy butter linguine that fits your dietary needs without sacrificing flavor.
- Leftovers taste even better: Cowboy butter chicken linguine reheats like a dream. Store sauce and chicken separately from the pasta, then toss together before serving for the freshest texture.