Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine: The Ultimate One-Pan Comfort Food Recipe
the perfect Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine recipe! Creamy, garlicky pasta with tender chicken in rich herb butter sauce. Ready in 30 minutes – your new family favorite!
What is Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine?
Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine combines the viral TikTok sensation of cowboy butter with perfectly cooked chicken and al dente linguine pasta. This indulgent dish features tender chicken breast smothered in a rich, garlicky herb butter sauce that’s absolutely irresistible. The “cowboy butter” – a mixture of butter, garlic, herbs, and spices – transforms simple linguine into a restaurant-quality meal that’s ready in just 30 minutes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes
- One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup required
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults love the rich, buttery flavors
- Restaurant Quality: Tastes like fine dining at home
- Customizable: Easy to adapt with your favorite herbs and spices
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
For the Cowboy Butter Sauce:
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz linguine pasta
- 1/2 cup pasta cooking water (reserved)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Additional herbs for garnish
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Serves: 4-6 people
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to boil
- Cook linguine according to package directions until al dente
- Reserve 1/2 cup pasta cooking water before draining
- Drain pasta and set aside
Step 2: Season and Cook the Chicken
- Season chicken strips with salt, pepper, and paprika
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat
- Add chicken strips and cook for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F)
- Remove chicken to a plate and tent with foil
Step 3: Make the Cowboy Butter Sauce
- In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium-low
- Add butter and let it melt completely
- Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant
- Stir in parsley, chives, oregano, red pepper flakes, and smoked paprika
- Add lemon juice and season with salt and pepper
Step 4: Combine Everything
- Return chicken to the skillet with the cowboy butter
- Add the cooked linguine and toss to combine
- Pour in heavy cream and reserved pasta water gradually
- Add half the Parmesan cheese and toss until creamy
- Adjust seasoning as needed
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
- Transfer to serving bowls
- Top with remaining Parmesan cheese
- Garnish with fresh herbs
- Serve immediately while hot
Nutritional Benefits
High in Protein: Each serving provides approximately 35-40g of protein from the chicken, supporting muscle health and satiety.
Rich in Healthy Fats: The butter and olive oil provide essential fatty acids that help with nutrient absorption.
Complex Carbohydrates: Linguine pasta offers sustained energy release and fiber.
Antioxidant Power: Fresh herbs like parsley and garlic provide antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds.
Bone Health: Parmesan cheese contributes calcium and phosphorus for strong bones.
Pro Tips and Variations
Pro Tips:
- Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Use a meat thermometer to ensure 165°F internal temperature
- Save Pasta Water: The starchy water helps create a silky sauce
- Fresh Herbs Make a Difference: Use fresh herbs whenever possible for maximum flavor
- Let Butter Brown Slightly: This adds a nutty depth to the cowboy butter
- Toss Quickly: Work fast when combining pasta to prevent it from cooling
Recipe Variations:
Spicy Cowboy Butter: Add extra red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño
Seafood Version: Replace chicken with shrimp or scallops (cook for 2-3 minutes per side)
Vegetarian Option: Omit chicken and add roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free linguine or zucchini noodles
Dairy-Free: Substitute butter with vegan butter and use coconut cream instead of heavy cream
Lower Carb: Serve over zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash instead of pasta
Storage and Meal Prep Tips
Storage:
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3-4 days
- Freezer: Can be frozen for up to 2 months (sauce may separate slightly when reheated)
Reheating:
- Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or pasta water
- Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval
Meal Prep:
- Prep Ahead: Season chicken and chop herbs up to 24 hours in advance
- Partial Cook: Cook chicken completely and store separately, then reheat when combining with fresh pasta
- Sauce Base: Make cowboy butter ahead and store in refrigerator for up to 1 week
