Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine C (Bold, Buttery & Ready in 30 Minutes)

If you’re craving a pasta dish that delivers big flavor with minimal effort, Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine C is about to become your new favorite dinner. This rich, comforting pasta combines juicy pan-seared chicken with a bold garlic-butter sauce infused with herbs, spices, and a bright pop of lemon. It’s inspired by the wildly popular cowboy butter sauce—known for its robust, crave-worthy flavor—and transformed into a complete, satisfying pasta meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed family dinners.

What makes Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine C stand out is the balance it strikes between indulgence and simplicity. The sauce is luxurious without being heavy, the chicken stays tender and juicy, and the linguine soaks up every drop of that buttery goodness. Best of all, this dish comes together in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for those nights when you want something special without spending hours in the kitchen.

Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or guests, this Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine C recipe feels restaurant-worthy while still being approachable for home cooks of all skill levels.

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Why You’ll Love Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine C

There are countless pasta recipes out there, but this one earns a permanent place in your rotation for several reasons:

• Big, bold flavor thanks to garlic, butter, herbs, and spices

• Quick and easy—ready in just 30 minutes

• Family-friendly yet impressive enough for entertaining

• Customizable for spice level, pasta type, or creaminess

• Comforting but balanced, with lemon juice cutting through the richness

Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine C delivers everything you want in a weeknight dinner: comfort, flavor, and efficiency.

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What Is Cowboy Butter?

Before diving into the recipe, it helps to understand what makes cowboy butter so special.

Cowboy butter is a compound butter traditionally made with:

• Butter

• Garlic

• Fresh herbs

• Spices like paprika and red pepper flakes

• Lemon juice or zest

It’s bold, savory, slightly spicy, and incredibly versatile. While it’s often served with steak, chicken, seafood, or vegetables, transforming it into a sauce for pasta takes it to the next level. When combined with pasta water and chicken broth, cowboy butter becomes silky, glossy, and perfectly suited for coating linguine.

This is the heart of Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine C—a sauce that’s simple but deeply flavorful.

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Recipe Details

Category: 30-Minute Meals
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4

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Ingredients for Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine C

For the Chicken

• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

• 1 teaspoon onion powder

• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

For the Pasta

• 8 oz linguine pasta

For the Cowboy Butter Sauce

• ½ cup unsalted butter, divided

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves

• 1 cup chicken broth

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

For Serving

• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese

• Extra herbs (optional)

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare and Cook the Chicken

Start by patting the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This step helps achieve a beautiful golden sear. Season both sides generously with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, onion powder, and crushed red pepper flakes if you like a little heat.

Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once melted and sizzling, add the chicken breasts. Cook for 6–7 minutes per side, depending on thickness, until golden brown and fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F / 74°C).

Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside to rest. Resting allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the chicken moist and tender.

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2. Cook the Linguine

While the chicken rests, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the linguine according to package instructions until al dente—tender but with a slight bite.

Before draining, reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the linguine and set it aside.

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3. Make the Cowboy Butter Sauce

In the same skillet used for the chicken (do not wipe it out—those browned bits add flavor), melt the remaining 6 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.

Add the minced garlic, parsley, and thyme. Sauté for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly, until fragrant but not browned.

Pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice. Let the mixture simmer gently for 2–3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to slightly reduce.

Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or additional lemon juice as needed.

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4. Combine Everything

Slice the rested chicken into thin strips.

Add the cooked linguine directly to the skillet with the cowboy butter sauce. Toss well to coat, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time until the sauce becomes creamy and glossy.

Gently fold in the sliced chicken, allowing it to warm through without overcooking.

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5. Serve

Divide the Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine C among plates or bowls. Finish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and extra herbs if desired. Serve immediately while warm and saucy.

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Tips for the Best Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine C

• Don’t overcook the chicken: Remove it as soon as it reaches temperature to keep it juicy.

• Use fresh herbs: Parsley and thyme make a noticeable difference in flavor.

• Salt your pasta water well: This enhances the overall dish.

• Add pasta water gradually: This ensures a silky sauce instead of a watery one.

• Taste as you go: Cowboy butter should be bold but balanced.

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Variations and Customizations

One of the best things about Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine C is how adaptable it is.

Make It Creamy

Add ¼ to ½ cup of heavy cream or half-and-half to the sauce for an even richer texture.

Make It Spicy

Increase red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne for extra heat.

Swap the Protein

This recipe works beautifully with shrimp, salmon, or sliced steak.

Change the Pasta

Fettuccine, spaghetti, or penne are great alternatives if linguine isn’t available.

Add Vegetables

Spinach, mushrooms, asparagus, or cherry tomatoes make excellent additions.

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What to Serve with Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine C

This dish is rich and satisfying on its own, but pairing it with the right sides can elevate the meal:

• Simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette

• Garlic bread or crusty bread

• Roasted broccoli or green beans

• Steamed asparagus

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Storage and Reheating

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce.

Print

Nutrition Information (Approximate, Per Serving)

• Calories: ~620 kcal

• Protein: ~38 g

• Carbohydrates: ~48 g

• Fat: ~32 g

• Saturated Fat: ~18 g

• Cholesterol: ~165 mg

• Sodium: ~540 mg

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine C spicy?

It has mild heat, but the spice level is easily adjustable.

Can I make this ahead of time?

It’s best served fresh, but leftovers reheat well with added liquid.

Can I use dried herbs?

Yes, but reduce the quantity by half since dried herbs are more concentrated.

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Final Thoughts

Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine C is the kind of recipe that proves simple ingredients can create extraordinary results. With tender chicken, perfectly cooked linguine, and a bold cowboy butter sauce that’s rich, garlicky, and herb-forward, this dish delivers comfort and flavor in every bite.

It’s fast enough for weeknights, impressive enough for guests, and versatile enough to customize to your taste. Whether you’re new to cowboy butter or already obsessed with its bold flavor, turning it into a pasta dish is a game-changer.