A rich, creamy pasta dish loaded with tender chicken and tossed in a zesty, garlic-herb “cowboy butter” sauce. Ready in about 30 minutes—perfect for busy nights or a family feast.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Bold, hearty flavors with smoky spices and garlic-herb butter
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Speedy one-pan preparation ready in ~30 minutes
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Creamy, silky sauce clings to every strand of linguine
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Easily customized—add veggies or swap proteins
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the pasta & chicken:
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12 oz linguine pasta
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1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
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2 Tbsp olive oil
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Salt and black pepper, to taste
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½ tsp smoked paprika
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½ tsp garlic powder
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½ tsp onion powder
For the cowboy butter sauce:
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½ cup unsalted butter
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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1 Tbsp Dijon mustard
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½ tsp paprika
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½ tsp red pepper flakes (adjust for spice level)
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1 tsp lemon juice (plus zest, optional)
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1 tsp Italian seasoning
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¼ cup chopped fresh parsley (plus extra for garnish)
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½ cup heavy cream
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¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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Optional: ½ cup chicken broth or reserved pasta water
Directions
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Cook the linguine: Boil in salted water according to package directions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
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Cook the chicken: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, warm olive oil. Season chicken with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Cook 5–7 minutes until golden and cooked through; remove and set aside.
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Build the sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant (~1 minute). Stir in Dijon, paprika, red pepper flakes, lemon juice, and Italian seasoning.
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Enrich the sauce: Pour in heavy cream (and chicken broth or pasta water if desired). Stir and bring to a gentle simmer for 1–2 minutes until slightly thickened.
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Combine: Return chicken to skillet. Add linguine and Parmesan; toss thoroughly. Add reserved pasta water to loosen as needed.
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Finish & Serve: Season to taste with salt and pepper. Garnish with parsley (and extra Parmesan if desired). Serve hot.
Servings and timing
Servings: 4
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: Approximately 30 minutes
Variations
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Use chicken thighs for added juiciness
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Lighter version: substitute half-and-half or milk for heavy cream
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Protein swap: use shrimp or thin-sliced steak instead of chicken
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Veggie boost: add spinach, cherry tomatoes, or bell peppers
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Increase heat: add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave, adding a splash of cream, broth, or water to restore sauce consistency.
FAQs
How spicy is the dish?
It has a mild kick from red pepper flakes and paprika. Adjust amounts to suit your tolerance.
Can I use another pasta shape?
Absolutely—fettuccine, spaghetti, or penne all work well.
Is it dairy-free or lighter?
Yes—swap butter and cream for plant-based alternatives or milk substitutes.
Can I prep ahead?
Cook the chicken and sauce in advance—simply reheat and toss with fresh pasta.
Can I add vegetables?
Definitely! Spinach, zucchini, or tomatoes work great when stirred in before serving.
What if I don’t have Dijon mustard?
Substitute with whole-grain mustard or omit—flavor still turns out great.
Do I need to reserve pasta water?
Yes—it’s full of starch and helps create a silky sauce texture when tossed with pasta.
Can I freeze leftovers?
You can, but the cream sauce may separate. Best to freeze chicken and sauce separately and toss with fresh pasta later.
Should I use pre-grated Parmesan?
Freshly grated gives a smoother melting result, but pre-grated works in a pinch.
How can I make this gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pasta and ensure your mustard and seasonings are certified gluten-free.
Conclusion
The Best Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine delivers rich, bold flavors in one creamy, satisfying dish that’s ready in 30 minutes. With tender chicken, a garlicky-herb butter sauce, and customizable extras, it’s destined to become a household favorite. Enjoy this comforting, delicious meal tonight!
