Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

Here’s a bold and comforting dish you’ll want on repeat — Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine! It features juicy, seasoned chicken tossed with linguine in a rich, buttery sauce loaded with garlic, herbs, lemon, and a touch of heat — inspired by the famous “cowboy butter” dipping sauce.

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🍝🔥 Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

🧂 Ingredients (Serves 4)

🍗 For the Chicken:

• 1½ lbs chicken breast or thighs, sliced into strips

• 1 tsp paprika

• ½ tsp garlic powder

• ½ tsp onion powder

• Salt and black pepper to taste

• 1 tbsp olive oil

🧄 For the Cowboy Butter Sauce:

• ½ cup unsalted butter (1 stick)

• 5 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard

• 1 tbsp lemon juice

• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)

• 1 tsp smoked paprika

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning or chopped fresh parsley

• Salt and pepper to taste

🍝 Pasta:

• 12 oz linguine

• ½ cup reserved pasta water

• Optional: Grated Parmesan for serving

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👩‍🍳 Instructions

✅ 1. Cook the Pasta:

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook linguine until al dente.

2. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.

✅ 2. Cook the Chicken:

1. Season chicken with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.

2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken for 4–6 minutes per side until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

✅ 3. Make the Cowboy Butter Sauce:

1. In the same skillet, melt butter. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.

2. Stir in Dijon mustard, lemon juice, red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.

3. Simmer for 1–2 minutes until fragrant and slightly thickened.

✅ 4. Combine:

1. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add linguine and toss to coat.

2. Add a splash of pasta water to loosen the sauce as needed.

3. Taste and adjust seasoning.

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🧀 To Serve:

• Sprinkle with grated Parmesan, fresh herbs, or extra lemon zest.

• Serve with crusty bread or a green salad.

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🔄 Variations:

• Add spinach, cherry tomatoes, or sautéed mushrooms.

• Use shrimp or steak strips instead of chicken.

• For low-carb, serve over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.

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Want a spicy version, gluten-free option, or a one-pan baked twist? Let me know!