COWBOY BUTTER CHICKEN LINGUINE

If you’re craving bold flavors, creamy sauce, and tender chicken, this Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta is the ultimate comfort food! Packed with garlic, buttery richness, and a hint of spice, this easy pasta dish is perfect for weeknight dinners, special occasions, or meal prep.

🛒 Ingredients for Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta

To make Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta, you’ll need:

🍗 For the Chicken

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (sliced into strips)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for spice)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

🧈 For the Cowboy Butter Sauce

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon fresh parsley (chopped)
• 1/2 teaspoon honey (for balance)

🍝 For the Pasta

• 8 ounces pasta (linguine, fettuccine, or penne)
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon cracked black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 cup reserved pasta water (as needed)

🌿 Optional Garnishes

• Chopped fresh parsley
• Shredded Parmesan cheese
• Lemon wedges

🍽️ Substitutions for Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta

• Chicken alternative: Use shrimp or tofu for a different protein.
• Dairy-free option: Use coconut milk instead of heavy cream.
• Gluten-free version: Swap pasta for gluten-free or zucchini noodles.
• Less spice: Reduce cayenne and red pepper flakes.

👩‍🍳 How to Make Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta

Follow these simple steps to make the best Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta:

1. Season the chicken: Mix chicken with salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne.
2. Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
3. Boil the pasta: Cook according to package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.
4. Make the cowboy butter sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant. Add Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, red pepper flakes, lemon juice, parsley, and honey.
5. Combine everything: Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan, and reserved pasta water. Add cooked pasta and chicken. Toss to coat.
6. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with parsley, Parmesan, and black pepper. Serve with lemon wedges.

🌟 Mix-ins for Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta

• Crispy bacon bits – for a smoky crunch.
• Sautéed mushrooms – for an earthy depth.
• Roasted cherry tomatoes – for a burst of sweetness.
• Spinach or kale – for added greens.

✅ Recipe Tips for the Best Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta

• Use fresh garlic for maximum flavor.
• Don’t overcook the pasta—keep it al dente.
• Adjust spice levels by adding more or less red pepper flakes.
• Let the sauce thicken before adding pasta for a creamy texture.

🥶 Storage Instructions for Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: Not recommended due to the creamy sauce.
• Reheating: Warm in a skillet with a splash of milk or cream to restore texture.

🔄 Recipe Variations for Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta

• Cajun Cowboy Pasta: Add Cajun seasoning for extra heat.
• Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta: Swap chicken for shrimp and add more garlic butter.
• Vegetarian Cowboy Pasta: Use mushrooms and zucchini instead of chicken.
• Extra Creamy Version: Double the heavy cream and Parmesan.

❓ FAQs About Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! Store pasta and sauce separately and combine when reheating.

What’s the best pasta shape for this dish?

Linguine or fettuccine works best for coating the sauce, but penne or rigatoni also work.

Can I make it less rich?

Yes! Reduce butter and use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.

What should I serve with Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta?

It pairs well with garlic bread, roasted veggies, or a side salad!