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Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a bold, buttery pasta dish made with tender chicken, garlic, herbs, lemon, and a touch of spice. Rich, comforting, and packed with flavor—perfect for an indulgent weeknight dinner.
Prep Time: 15 minutesCook Time: 25 minutesTotal Time: 40 minutes
Course: Main CourseCuisine: American / FusionServings: 4Calories: ~690 per serving
Print Recipe
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • Pasta
  • 12 oz linguine pasta
  • Salt for pasta water
  • Chicken
  • 1½ lb boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-size pieces
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Cowboy Butter Sauce
  • ½ cup unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes adjust to taste
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives or thyme
  • ¼ cup reserved pasta water as needed

Method
 

  1. Cook the Pasta
  2. Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil. Cook linguine until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.
  3. Cook the Chicken
  4. Season chicken with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
  5. Make the Cowboy Butter Sauce
  6. Lower heat to medium. Add butter to the skillet and let melt. Stir in garlic and cook until fragrant (about 30 seconds). Add Dijon mustard and red pepper flakes.
  7. Brighten the Sauce
  8. Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice and fresh herbs.
  9. Combine
  10. Add cooked linguine and chicken back to the skillet. Toss to coat evenly, adding pasta water as needed for a silky sauce.
  11. Serve
  12. Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve immediately.