Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta Recipe

Hi, I’m Sam from dishfoody.com, where comforting classics get a fresh twist. Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta combines tender chicken thighs with linguine in spicy garlic-herb butter sauce enriched with cream and Parmesan. This 25-minute comfort food serves 4 with smoky paprika heat and lemon brightness.

Why This Recipe Works

Compound cowboy butter delivers concentrated garlic-chive-herb flavor. Chicken thighs stay juicy through high-heat sear. Pasta water creates silky sauce emulsion. Heavy cream mellows spice while amplifying richness. Fresh lemon cuts richness perfectly.

Ingredients & Prep

6 boneless skinless chicken thighs cut strips, 12 oz linguine, ½ cup unsalted butter softened, 4 garlic cloves minced, 1 large shallot diced, 1 tbsp Dijon mustard, 1 tbsp chopped parsley, 1 tbsp chopped chives, 2 tsp fresh thyme leaves, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp salt, pinch red pepper flakes, ½ lemon juice + zest, ½ cup heavy cream, ½ cup grated Parmesan, 1 tbsp olive oil.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Combine softened butter, garlic, shallot, Dijon, parsley, chives, thyme, paprika, salt, red pepper flakes, lemon juice + zest for cowboy butter. Cook linguine al dente; reserve ½ cup pasta water. Heat olive oil medium-high; sear chicken strips 4 minutes until golden. Reduce heat medium; stir 4 tbsp cowboy butter + cream until melted. Add drained pasta + Parmesan; toss coating evenly. Add pasta water gradually for silky consistency. Garnish extra herbs.

Flavor Variations

Storage Tips

Refrigerate airtight 3 days. Reheat stovetop splash cream. Freeze 1 month; excellent meal prep.

FAQs

Sauce separating? Low heat + constant stirring + pasta water emulsion. Chicken dry? Thighs over breasts + don’t overcook past golden sear. Too spicy? Reduce red pepper flakes to pinch + extra cream.

Conclusion

Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta transforms compound butter into weeknight decadence buttery, spicy, creamy perfection.

Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta Recipe

Print Recipe

Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta fuses viral TikTok cowboy butter with creamy chicken linguine. Smoky garlic butter, zesty lemon, and fresh herbs coat tender chicken and al dente pasta. Ultimate weeknight comfort food for Pinterest pasta boards and family dinner rotation.

• Author: ssam
• Prep Time: 20 mins
• Cook Time: 20 mins
• Total Time: 40 mins
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• Chicken & Pasta:
• 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs (cut bite-size)
• 12 oz linguine pasta
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• Cowboy Butter Sauce:
• ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped)
• 1 tbsp fresh chives (chopped)
• 2 tsp fresh thyme leaves
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes
• 1 lemon (juice + zest)
• 1 shallot (finely diced)
• 1 cup bell peppers (thinly sliced)
• ½ cup heavy cream
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
• Reserved pasta water

Instructions

• 1. Make cowboy butter: Mix softened butter, garlic, Dijon, parsley, chives, thyme, 1 tsp paprika, red pepper flakes, lemon juice/zest. Set aside.
• 2. Cook linguine in salted water al dente. Reserve 1 cup pasta water. Drain.
• 3. Season chicken with 1 tsp paprika, garlic powder, salt, pepper.
• 4. Heat olive oil in large skillet. Sear chicken 3-4 mins per side until golden. Remove.
• 5. Sauté shallot and bell peppers 3 mins. Add 4 tbsp cowboy butter, melt.
• 6. Return chicken to pan. Add cooked linguine, toss to coat.
• 7. Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan, remaining cowboy butter. Add pasta water until silky.
• 8. Cook 2 mins until sauce clings to noodles. Serve immediately.

Notes

• Chicken thighs stay juicier than breasts. Slice uniform for even cooking.
• Make cowboy butter ahead – fridge 5 days, freezes 3 months.
• Linguine perfect thickness; spaghetti/ fettuccine work too.
• Fresh herbs essential for brightness. Dried = ⅓ amount.
• Adjust red pepper flakes for heat preference.
• Leftovers excellent! Reheat with splash cream or pasta water.
• Extra cowboy butter fantastic on steak, corn, shrimp skewers.
• Serves 4 generously. Date night or family dinner winner.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: ¼ recipe
• Calories: 780
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 980mg
• Fat: 42g
• Saturated Fat: 22g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18g
• Trans Fat: 0.8g
• Carbohydrates: 65g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 38g
• Cholesterol: 165mg

Keywords: cowboy butter chicken pasta, cowboy butter linguine, creamy garlic chicken pasta, viral tiktok pasta, spicy butter chicken pasta