There’s something magical about combining the rustic charm of cowboy butter with tender chicken and perfectly cooked linguine pasta. This Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine has become my go-to dinner recipe when I want to impress family and friends without spending hours in the kitchen. The rich, herb-infused cowboy butter creates an incredible sauce that clings to every strand of pasta, while juicy chicken pieces add protein and heartiness to this unforgettable dish.
What makes this chicken linguine recipe truly special is its perfect balance of simplicity and sophistication. Ready in just 30 minutes, this pasta dinner recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavors using ingredients you likely already have in your pantry. Whether you’re looking for chicken dinner recipes for busy weeknights or summer recipes that won’t heat up your kitchen, this cowboy butter chicken linguine checks all the boxes for the best chicken recipes.
Recipe Information
Difficulty: Easy
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4-6 people
Cost: Affordable
Ingredients for Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
For the Cowboy Butter:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh chives, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
For the Chicken and Pasta:
- 1 pound linguine pasta
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup white wine (optional)
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley for garnish
- Lemon wedges for serving
Equipment Required
- Large pot for cooking pasta
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Mixing bowl for cowboy butter
- Colander for draining pasta
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Tongs for tossing pasta
Recipe Preparation
Step 1: Prepare the Cowboy Butter
Start by making the star of this dish – the cowboy butter. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened butter with minced garlic, chopped chives, parsley, and thyme leaves. Add the smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, kosher salt, black pepper, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard. Mix everything together until well combined and set aside. This cowboy butter can be made up to 24 hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
Step 2: Cook the Linguine Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the linguine pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking water before draining – this starchy water will help create a silky sauce later. Drain the pasta in a colander and set aside.
Step 3: Season and Cook the Chicken
While the pasta cooks, cut the chicken breasts into uniform bite-sized pieces for even cooking. In a large bowl, toss the chicken pieces with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the seasoned chicken pieces. Cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F).
Step 4: Create the Sauce Base
Once the chicken is cooked, add the white wine (if using) to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Let the wine reduce for about 1 minute, then add the chicken broth and heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it reduce slightly, about 2-3 minutes.
Step 5: Add the Cowboy Butter
Reduce the heat to low and add half of the prepared cowboy butter to the skillet with the chicken. Stir gently until the butter melts and creates a rich, aromatic sauce. The herbs and spices will bloom in the warm butter, creating an incredible fragrance.
Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the cooked linguine to the skillet with the chicken and cowboy butter sauce. Using tongs, toss everything together, adding pasta cooking water a little at a time until you achieve a silky, cohesive sauce that coats each strand of pasta. Add the remaining cowboy butter and the grated Parmesan cheese, tossing until everything is well combined.
Step 7: Final Seasoning and Serving
Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes as needed. Remove from heat and garnish with fresh chopped parsley. Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side and additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
Chef’s Tips and Variations
Pro Tips for Perfect Results:
Don’t overcook the chicken – Cut pieces uniformly and avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure even cooking and prevent tough, dry chicken. Save that pasta water – The starchy cooking liquid is essential for creating a restaurant-quality sauce that binds everything together perfectly.
Make cowboy butter ahead – This compound butter actually improves in flavor when made a day in advance, allowing all the herbs and spices to meld together beautifully. Store covered in the refrigerator and bring to room temperature before using.
Delicious Variations:
Transform this chicken pasta recipe by adding sun-dried tomatoes for a Mediterranean twist, or incorporate cherry tomatoes for a fresh, summery flavor that makes it perfect among summer recipes. For a spicier version, increase the red pepper flakes or add a diced jalapeño to the cowboy butter.
Protein substitutions work wonderfully – try this recipe with shrimp for a seafood version, or use Italian sausage for a heartier meal. Vegetarians can omit the chicken and add roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms.
Wine Pairing and Side Dishes:
This rich chicken linguine pairs beautifully with a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc. For side dishes, consider a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette, garlic bread, or roasted asparagus to complete your pasta dinner.
Storage and Reheating:
Leftover cowboy butter chicken linguine keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore the sauce’s consistency. While this dish doesn’t freeze particularly well due to the cream-based sauce, the cowboy butter itself can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Nutrition Information
Per Serving (based on 4 servings):
- Calories: 685
- Protein: 42g
- Carbohydrates: 68g
- Fat: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sodium: 580mg
Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
Why This Recipe Works
This Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine succeeds because it combines simple techniques with bold flavors. The cowboy butter serves multiple purposes – it seasons the chicken, creates a luxurious sauce, and adds layers of herb and spice complexity that elevate ordinary chicken pasta into something extraordinary.
The key to this recipe’s success lies in the balance of flavors and textures. The tender chicken provides protein and substance, while the al dente linguine offers the perfect vehicle for the rich cowboy butter sauce. The addition of cream and Parmesan creates a restaurant-quality finish that makes this dish worthy of special occasions yet simple enough for weeknight chicken dinner recipes.
Unlike traditional marinara-based pasta dishes, this recipe showcases how butter-based sauces can create incredibly satisfying chicken dishes recipes. The herbs in the cowboy butter – chives, parsley, and thyme – add freshness that prevents the dish from feeling too heavy, while the smoked paprika provides a subtle depth that sets this apart from other chicken pasta recipes.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether you’re planning chicken summer recipes for outdoor entertaining or need reliable chicken dinner recipes for family meals, this cowboy butter chicken linguine adapts beautifully to any situation. It’s elegant enough for date nights yet comforting enough for casual family dinners.
The 30-minute cooking time makes this one of the best chicken recipes for busy schedules, while the impressive flavors ensure it stands out among pasta dinner recipes. The combination of familiar ingredients prepared in an unexpected way creates a memorable meal that will have everyone asking for the recipe.
Conclusion
This Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine represents everything I love about great cooking – simple ingredients transformed into something spectacular through thoughtful technique and bold flavors. The aromatic cowboy butter creates a sauce so delicious, you’ll find yourself making extra just to have on hand for other dishes.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility and reliability. It works equally well as a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive meal for entertaining. The combination of herbs, spices, and butter creates a sauce that’s both familiar and exciting, while the tender chicken and perfectly cooked pasta provide satisfying substance.
I encourage you to make this recipe your own by experimenting with different herb combinations or protein options. The cowboy butter technique alone will revolutionize your approach to pasta dinner recipes and chicken dishes recipes.
Have you tried this Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine? I’d love to hear about your experience! Please leave a comment below sharing how it turned out, any modifications you made, or questions you might have. Don’t forget to share photos of your creation on social media – tag me so I can see your delicious results!
For more incredible chicken dinner recipes and pasta dinner recipes, be sure to explore other recipes on the blog. Your culinary adventure is just beginning!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make the cowboy butter ahead of time? A: Absolutely! The cowboy butter actually improves in flavor when made 24 hours in advance. Store it covered in the refrigerator and bring to room temperature before using. It will keep for up to a week refrigerated or can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Q: What can I substitute for heavy cream in this chicken linguine recipe? A: You can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version, or use full-fat coconut milk for a dairy-free option. Greek yogurt mixed with a little pasta water also works, though add it off the heat to prevent curdling.
Q: Is this recipe suitable for meal prep? A: While this cowboy butter chicken linguine is best served fresh, it can be meal prepped for 2-3 days. Store in the refrigerator and reheat gently with a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore the sauce consistency.
Q: Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe? A: Yes! While linguine works perfectly, you can substitute with fettuccine, penne, or even spaghetti. Just adjust the cooking time according to the pasta package directions and ensure you save some pasta cooking water for the sauce.
Q: How can I make this dish spicier? A: To increase the heat level, add more red pepper flakes to the cowboy butter, include diced jalapeños, or add a pinch of cayenne pepper. You can also serve with hot sauce on the side for individual preference adjustment.
What are you waiting for? This Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is calling your name! Try it tonight and discover why it’s quickly becoming one of the most requested recipes among food lovers everywhere.
