What is cowboy butter made of?

Cowboy butter is a rich, flavorful compound butter typically made with softened butter, garlic, fresh herbs like parsley and thyme, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. It's known for its bold and tangy flavor profile, perfect for enhancing grilled meats, vegetables, and dishes like Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta .

Can I use spaghetti instead of linguine for cowboy butter chicken pasta?

Yes, spaghetti can be used in place of linguine in this Cowboy Butter Chicken Recipe , though the texture may differ. Linguine has a flat, slightly wider surface that holds creamy sauces better, while spaghetti’s round shape may not cling to the sauce as effectively. If spaghetti is what you have on hand, it’ll still be delicious—just be sure not to overcook it.

Is cowboy butter chicken pasta spicy?

Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine has a mild kick thanks to the crushed red pepper flakes in the butter. The level of heat is adjustable—if you prefer it spicier, simply increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add cayenne pepper. If you’re sensitive to spice, reduce or omit the heat completely. The dish is very customizable.

Can I make cowboy butter chicken recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta ahead of time. For best results, cook the chicken and sauce, then store them separately from the cooked pasta. When ready to serve, reheat everything gently and toss together to maintain the creaminess and flavor. This method helps prevent the sauce from thickening too much or the pasta from becoming mushy.

How to Make the Best Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine at Home

Name: How to Make the Best Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine at Home
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 large chicken breasts, sliced into strips; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 tablespoon butter; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (optional, for heat); 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 cup chicken broth; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 8 oz pasta (penne, fusilli, or spaghetti); 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish); 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for brightness)

Description

Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta is a creamy, savory, and slightly spicy dish featuring tender chicken, a rich butter sauce, and a perfect balance of garlic, herbs, and heat. This comforting pasta is quick to make and packed with bold flavors, making it a perfect weeknight dinner for the whole family!

Ingredients

Scale

2 large chicken breasts, sliced into strips
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (optional, for heat)
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
8 oz pasta (penne, fusilli, or spaghetti)
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for brightness)

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Instructions

Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken strips with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and Italian seasoning. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 6-7 minutes, until golden and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Make the cowboy butter sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant. Stir in the chicken broth and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes.
Finish the sauce: Add the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, and cook for another 2 minutes until the sauce thickens. If it becomes too thick, add a little pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
Combine the pasta and chicken: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the sauce. Add the cooked pasta and toss everything together to coat evenly. If desired, add a squeeze of lemon juice for extra freshness.
Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately. Enjoy your Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta!

Notes

Feel free to use any type of pasta you prefer, such as spaghetti, penne, or fusilli.
If you want to make it spicier, add more chili flakes or even a pinch of cayenne pepper.
For a lighter version, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or milk, though the sauce will be a bit less rich.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 plate
Calories: 600 kcal
Sugar: 3 g
Sodium: 850 mg
Fat: 35 g
Saturated Fat: 16 g
Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 45 g
Fiber: 2 g
Protein: 30 g
Cholesterol: 120 mg