Description

Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta is a rich and comforting dish featuring tender chicken thighs, linguine pasta, and a flavorful cowboy butter sauce made with a blend of herbs, garlic, Dijon mustard, and spices. Cream, Parmesan cheese, and fresh herbs finish the dish, delivering creamy, savory goodness perfect for a satisfying dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Cowboy Butter

½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
2 cloves garlic, finely minced
1 tbsp chopped parsley
1 tbsp chopped chives
2 tsp fresh thyme leaves
1 tsp sweet paprika
1 tsp salt
Pinch red pepper flakes
½ lemon juice and zest

Pasta

12 oz (340g) linguine pasta
2 tsp salt (for pasta water)

Chicken and Vegetables

6 chicken thighs, skinless and boneless
1 tsp salt
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
½ tsp black pepper
1 tbsp olive oil (or as needed)
1 large shallot, finely diced
1 cup (150g) sliced bell peppers (mixed red, yellow, and orange)
4 cloves garlic, sliced

Sauce and Garnish

4 tbsp cowboy butter (or more to taste)
½ cup (120ml) heavy cream (double cream)
4 tbsp freshly grated Parmesan cheese
2 tbsp finely chopped parsley

Instructions

Make the cowboy butter: Combine all cowboy butter ingredients in a small bowl and mix well. Set aside or refrigerate until needed. Use only about half of this butter during the recipe.
Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water (2 tsp salt) to a boil. Add linguine and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve some pasta water, then drain the pasta.
Prepare the chicken: Cut chicken thighs into strips or bite-sized pieces. Season with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or chef’s pan over medium-high heat. Quickly sear the chicken for about 4 minutes; the chicken does not need to be fully cooked at this stage.
Cook vegetables and finish chicken: Reduce heat slightly. Add diced shallots, sliced garlic, and bell peppers to the skillet. Cook, stirring frequently, until vegetables soften and chicken cooks through, about 5-7 minutes.
Add cowboy butter and pasta: Stir in the cowboy butter and toss in the cooked linguine to combine everything in the buttery sauce evenly.
Finish the sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and sprinkle grated Parmesan and chopped parsley. Stir well to combine, then taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
Serve: Serve the pasta immediately, with lemon wedges on the side, extra Parmesan cheese, and optional garlic bread for a hearty, comforting meal.

Notes

Cowboy butter can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to a week or frozen for longer storage.
Reserve some pasta water to loosen the sauce if it becomes too thick.
Chicken thighs provide juiciness and flavor; you can substitute with chicken breasts but adjust cooking time accordingly.
Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and texture.
Serve with garlic bread and a simple green salad for a complete meal.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Pasta
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Keywords: cowboy butter, chicken pasta, creamy chicken pasta, comfort food, skillet chicken pasta, easy pasta dinner