Description
This Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine recipe combines tender chicken, creamy cowboy butter sauce, and perfectly cooked linguine for a bold and comforting dinner. Ideal for pasta night, it’s loaded with garlic, paprika, lemon zest, and fresh herbs. A spicy and buttery pasta dish that’s both quick and unforgettable.
Ingredients
1 lb chicken breast or thighs, diced
8 oz linguine pasta
4 tbsp unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp lemon zest
1 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
1/4 cup heavy cream
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
1 tbsp chives, chopped
Instructions
1. Cook linguine in salted water until al dente. Drain and reserve 1/4 cup of pasta water.
2. In a large skillet, melt 1 tbsp butter and sear chicken with salt, pepper, and paprika until golden. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same pan, melt remaining butter. Add garlic, red pepper flakes, lemon juice, and zest. Cook until fragrant.
4. Stir in heavy cream and let it simmer gently to thicken slightly.
5. Return chicken to the skillet and coat in sauce. Add pasta and reserved water as needed to loosen sauce.
6. Stir in parsley and chives. Let simmer for 2–3 minutes before serving.
Notes
Let the sauce rest with the pasta for a few minutes before serving to help flavors absorb.
Use freshly grated lemon zest for a more vibrant finish.
If reheating leftovers, add a splash of cream or milk to revive the sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 490mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 105mg