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Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

The Crispy Chef
This viral cowboy butter chicken linguine blends herb-packed garlic butter with tender chicken and al dente linguine. Ready in 25 minutes, it's rich, citrusy, and perfectly spicy — the viral butter sauce becomes a full-blown meal.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Dinner
Cuisine American, Fusion
Servings 4 servings
Calories 695 kcal

Equipment

  • Large pot (for pasta)
  • Large skillet
  • Large bowl or pasta pot
  • Tongs
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Sharp Knife

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb linguine (or fettuccine/spaghetti)
  • 1 cup reserved pasta water
  • 1.5 lbs chicken breasts or thighs, cut into strips
  • 2 tbsp olive oil (for cooking chicken)
  • 0.5 tsp garlic powder
  • 0.5 tsp paprika
  • salt and pepper (to taste)
  • 0.5 cup unsalted butter, softened (1 stick)
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 shallot, minced (or 2 tbsp onion)
  • 0.25 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 0.25 cup fresh chives, chopped
  • 1 tbsp fresh thyme (or 1 tsp dried)
  • 2 tbsp fresh dill (optional)
  • 1 lemon, zested
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 0.5 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
  • 0.5 tsp paprika
  • 0.5 tsp salt (for cowboy butter)
  • 0.25 tsp black pepper
  • extra lemon juice (for finishing)
  • extra herbs, parmesan, red pepper flakes for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Mix softened butter with garlic, shallot, herbs, lemon zest, lemon juice, Dijon, red pepper flakes, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir until evenly combined.
  • Boil salted water. Cook linguine until al dente (9–11 mins). Reserve 1 cup pasta water. Drain and set aside in pot or large bowl.
  • Season chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Sauté in oil over medium-high heat for 3–5 mins/side until golden and cooked through. Set aside.
  • In same skillet, reduce heat. Add ⅔ of cowboy butter. Stir and deglaze pan with ¼ cup pasta water. Add chicken back and toss to coat in sauce.
  • Add cooked pasta and remaining cowboy butter to pan. Toss vigorously, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time until creamy.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning. Toss in optional spinach or tomatoes. Garnish with extra herbs, parmesan, and chili flakes. Serve hot.

Notes

Use thighs for juicier chicken. Swap proteins like shrimp or salmon. Toss in vegetables like spinach or cherry tomatoes. Add cream for a richer version. Best eaten fresh; reheats with splash of cream or butter in a skillet.

Nutrition

Calories: 695kcalCarbohydrates: 56gProtein: 38gFat: 36gSaturated Fat: 17gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 145mgSodium: 460mgPotassium: 580mgFiber: 3gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 920IUVitamin C: 8mgCalcium: 140mgIron: 3.3mg
Keyword chicken linguine, cowboy butter pasta, herb garlic butter sauce, Viral Pasta Recipe
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