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Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Bold Pasta Flavor
Emily

Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

This easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a bold and flavorful pasta dish made with tender spiced chicken, garlicky lemon butter sauce, and fresh parsley. A quick, comforting meal that combines creamy linguine with smoky heat and fresh herbs.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 2 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American, Fusion
Calories: 640
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
  • 8 oz linguine pasta
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice, freshly squeezed
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • Water (for boiling pasta)

Equipment

  • Large pot for cooking pasta
  • Colander for draining pasta
  • Large skillet for cooking chicken and sauce
  • tongs or spatula for handling chicken
  • knife and cutting board for slicing chicken

Method
 

  1. In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add linguine and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup pasta water.
  2. Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper on both sides.
  3. In a large skillet, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium-high heat. Add chicken breasts and cook 6–7 minutes per side, until golden and fully cooked (165°F). Remove and rest before slicing into thin strips.
  4. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add remaining 2 tbsp butter and minced garlic. Sauté 1 minute until fragrant.
  5. Stir in lemon juice and chopped parsley. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if sauce is too thick.
  6. Add cooked linguine to skillet, tossing to coat in sauce. Top with sliced chicken and gently combine.
  7. Serve hot, garnished with extra parsley if desired.

Notes

For extra richness, add a sprinkle of grated Parmesan before serving. Adjust cayenne for more or less heat. If you prefer creamier pasta, stir in ¼ cup of heavy cream along with the pasta water. Leftovers keep well for 2 days when stored in the fridge.