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Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine: The Ultimate Comfort Dinner Recipe for Big Families

Delicious cowboy butter chicken linguine served in a large family-style bowl

There’s nothing quite like gathering around the table with loved ones for a hearty, comforting pasta dinner. Our cowboy butter chicken linguine recipe is specifically designed to satisfy big family appetites while delivering incredible flavor. This dish combines tender chicken, al dente linguine pasta, and a rich, herb-infused butter sauce that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Perfect for busy weeknights or weekend family gatherings, this recipe scales beautifully to feed 6-8 people. The cowboy butter sauce—a magical blend of herbs, spices, and aromatic ingredients—elevates simple chicken and pasta into an extraordinary comfort dish that’s sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients

1 pound linguine pasta
2 pounds chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
1/2 cup unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 lemon, juiced and zested
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and black pepper to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add the linguine and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Cowboy Butter Sauce

In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in parsley, thyme, red pepper flakes, paprika, cayenne, lemon juice, and zest. Cook for another minute, then add chicken broth.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add the drained linguine and toss to coat in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time until desired consistency is reached.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and additional fresh parsley. Serve immediately family-style for the perfect big family dinner.

Expert Tips for Perfect Chicken Linguine

Pasta Perfection: Always salt your pasta water generously—it should taste like seawater. This is your only chance to season the pasta itself.

Chicken Tips: Pat chicken dry before seasoning to ensure proper browning. Don’t overcrowd the skillet—cook in batches if necessary.

Sauce Consistency: The reserved pasta water is gold! The starch helps the sauce cling beautifully to the pasta.

Herb Freshness: Use fresh herbs whenever possible for the brightest flavor. If using dried, reduce amounts by half.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different pasta?

Absolutely! Fettuccine, spaghetti, or penne all work well with this cowboy butter sauce.

How can I make this recipe healthier?

Use whole wheat pasta, reduce butter by half and supplement with olive oil, and increase vegetables like spinach or broccoli.

Can I prepare this ahead of time?

Yes! Cook the chicken and sauce ahead, then combine with freshly cooked pasta when ready to serve.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

The sauce freezes well, but pasta should be cooked fresh. Freeze the cowboy butter sauce separately for best results.

This cowboy butter chicken linguine proves that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. With its rich flavors and family-friendly appeal, it’s the perfect solution for feeding a crowd while creating lasting memories around the dinner table.