Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
A quick and indulgent pasta dish featuring linguine tossed in a rich, buttery sauce with tender chicken, garlic, and herbs, all ready in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Pasta Base
- 12 ounces linguine (regular or whole-wheat) Cooks quickly and holds the sauce well.
Chicken and Sauce Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced Cooks fast and soaks up the cowboy butter.
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter The star that makes this dish irresistible.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil Prevents butter from burning and adds depth.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced Aromatic and essential.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika Gives that subtle cowboy warmth.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano or 1 tablespoon fresh, chopped Herbaceous lift.
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) For a gentle kick.
- 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth Light sauce base.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan (or nutritional yeast for dairy-free) Adds cheesy richness without overpowering.
- Juice of half a lemon Brightens and balances the butter.
- to taste Salt and black pepper Adjust according to preference.
- Fresh parsley, chopped For color and freshness.
Instructions
Cooking Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add linguine and cook according to package until al dente. Reserve 1 cup pasta water before draining.
Cooking Chicken
- While pasta cooks, season sliced chicken with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and oregano.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken and sear until golden and just cooked through, about 4–5 minutes per side depending on thickness. Transfer to a plate.
Making the Sauce
- Reduce heat to medium, add butter to the skillet. Once melted, stir in garlic and red pepper flakes.
- Pour in chicken broth and scrape up browned bits from the pan. Let the broth reduce slightly for 1–2 minutes.
Combining Ingredients
- Add drained linguine, cooked chicken, Parmesan, and lemon juice to the skillet.
- Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time until the sauce is silky and coats the pasta.
- Taste and adjust salt and pepper.
Finishing Touches
- Finish with chopped parsley and a final drizzle of butter if you want extra sheen.
- Serve immediately and watch smiles appear.
Notes
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For a lighter version, use less butter and more broth, and add steamed broccoli. Make it festive by topping with crispy bacon bits and extra Parmesan.