Cowboy Butter Garlic Creamy Linguine with Chicken & Broccoli Recipe

There’s something undeniably comforting about a steaming bowl of creamy pasta after a long day — especially when it’s packed with flavor, freshness, and heartiness. This Cowboy Butter Garlic Creamy Linguine with Chicken & Broccoli takes inspiration from the rich, zesty flavors of “cowboy butter,” a popular compound butter known for its mix of garlic, lemon, herbs, and a hint of spice. Traditionally served with grilled steak, cowboy butter adds a punch of boldness to anything it touches — and here, it transforms a classic creamy pasta into something extraordinary.

Imagine tender linguine noodles coated in a buttery garlic cream sauce, golden-seared chicken bites, and crisp-tender broccoli that adds the perfect green balance to the richness. It’s fast, satisfying, and bursting with flavor — perfect for cozy family dinners, casual gatherings, or even a quick weeknight treat. Whether you’re craving something indulgent or looking for a dinner that will impress, this recipe brings comfort food and cowboy charm together in one irresistible skillet.

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Ingredients

• 12 oz linguine pasta

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-size pieces

• Salt & black pepper, to taste

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 4 tbsp unsalted butter

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 cups broccoli florets

• 1 cup heavy cream

• ½ cup chicken broth

• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

• 2 tbsp chopped parsley (for garnish)

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Directions

1. Cook the Linguine

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the linguine according to package instructions until al dente. The salt in the water enhances the pasta’s natural flavor and ensures the noodles hold up against the creamy sauce later. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside, reserving about ½ cup of the pasta water in case you need to loosen the sauce later.

2. Season and Cook the Chicken

Pat the chicken pieces dry with a paper towel to help them brown better. Season them generously with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer and cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden on the outside and cooked through inside. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate — you’ll return it to the pan later.

The key here is to get a nice sear on the chicken. That golden crust adds both texture and a rich, savory flavor that deepens the overall dish.

3. Sauté the Broccoli and Garlic

In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and melt the butter. Add the broccoli florets and sauté for about 3–4 minutes until they turn bright green and are just tender but still crisp. Next, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. The aroma of garlic sizzling in butter sets the tone for that signature cowboy butter flavor — rich, garlicky, and slightly nutty.

4. Build the Creamy Cowboy Butter Sauce

Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for about 2–3 minutes. Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning, whisking until the sauce becomes smooth, thick, and luscious.

If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency. The combination of butter, garlic, cream, and Parmesan creates a velvety sauce that perfectly coats the pasta without feeling too heavy.

5. Combine Everything Together

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, then add the drained linguine. Toss everything together, ensuring the noodles and chicken are evenly coated in the creamy sauce. The broccoli will blend seamlessly, adding freshness and texture to each bite.

Let everything cook together for about 2 minutes so the flavors meld beautifully. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed — a pinch more salt or black pepper can make all the difference.

6. Finish and Serve

Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top for a pop of color and brightness. You can also add an extra dusting of Parmesan for a richer finish.

Serve immediately while hot — this dish shines when enjoyed fresh, as the creamy sauce clings beautifully to the linguine strands.

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Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Yield: 4 servings

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The Story Behind Cowboy Butter Pasta

“Cowboy butter” gained popularity as a dipping sauce for grilled steak, but its bold and buttery flavor profile makes it a game-changer in so many other dishes. Typically made from butter mixed with garlic, herbs, mustard, and lemon, it’s tangy, savory, and packed with layers of flavor.

In this recipe, those cowboy butter flavors are transformed into a creamy pasta sauce that’s equally indulgent and refreshing. The buttery base, combined with garlic, Italian seasoning, and Parmesan, creates a sauce that feels luxurious without being overly rich. Adding chicken and broccoli balances the decadence, making it both hearty and wholesome.

This dish bridges the gap between rustic and refined — the kind of pasta you could imagine enjoying around a campfire or serving at a cozy dinner table on a chilly evening. It’s proof that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated.

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Why You’ll Love This Cowboy Butter Linguine

1. Quick & Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s the perfect weeknight dinner for busy days.

2. One-Skillet Wonder: Fewer dishes mean less cleanup and more time to enjoy your meal.

3. Rich & Flavorful: The combination of garlic, butter, and Parmesan gives this sauce incredible depth.

4. Balanced & Wholesome: With chicken for protein and broccoli for greens, it’s a complete meal in one bowl.

5. Family Favorite: Even picky eaters love this creamy, buttery pasta — it’s comfort food everyone can agree on.

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Tips for Perfect Cowboy Butter Linguine

• Don’t overcook the pasta. Al dente linguine ensures the perfect texture once tossed in the creamy sauce.

• Use fresh garlic. Pre-minced garlic won’t deliver the same vibrant flavor as freshly chopped cloves.

• Add spice if you like. A pinch of red pepper flakes or smoked paprika adds a little cowboy-style heat.

• Swap the broccoli. Not a fan of broccoli? Substitute it with spinach, asparagus, or even green peas.

• Save pasta water. The starch in the water helps emulsify and thicken the sauce naturally.

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Variations to Try

• Cowboy Butter Shrimp Linguine: Replace the chicken with shrimp for a coastal twist. The buttery garlic sauce complements seafood beautifully.

• Steak & Broccoli Cowboy Butter Pasta: If you prefer red meat, use thinly sliced steak bites instead of chicken for a heartier, steakhouse-inspired version.

• Vegetarian Version: Omit the chicken and double the broccoli, or add mushrooms, spinach, or roasted bell peppers for extra veggies.

• Lemon Twist: Add a teaspoon of lemon zest or a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the sauce.

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How to Store and Reheat

If you have leftovers (which is rare because this pasta disappears fast), store them properly to keep them fresh.

• Refrigerate: Place cooled pasta in an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 3 days.

• Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk, cream, or chicken broth to loosen the sauce.

• Avoid the microwave if possible, as it can make the sauce separate and the pasta dry.

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Serving Suggestions

This Cowboy Butter Garlic Creamy Linguine with Chicken & Broccoli is a complete meal on its own, but if you want to turn it into a restaurant-style dinner, try serving it with:

• Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up every drop of creamy sauce.

• Crisp Green Salad: A light lemon vinaigrette pairs well with the richness of the pasta.

• Roasted Vegetables: Carrots, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes add color and flavor balance.

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Making It Lighter (Optional Adjustments)

If you love creamy pasta but want to make it a bit lighter, here are a few simple swaps:

• Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce.

• Reduce butter to 2 tablespoons and use an extra tablespoon of olive oil.

• Add more broccoli or other vegetables for extra volume and nutrients.

• Use whole wheat linguine for added fiber and a nutty taste.

These small changes maintain the delicious flavor while cutting down on richness, perfect if you’re craving comfort food with a healthier twist.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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1. What is cowboy butter, and how does it enhance this creamy linguine dish?

Cowboy butter is a flavorful compound butter made with ingredients like garlic, lemon, herbs, Dijon mustard, and a touch of spice such as red pepper flakes or cayenne. It’s famously used as a dipping sauce for steak, but in this pasta recipe, its bold, garlicky, and slightly tangy profile transforms the creamy sauce into something extraordinary. The butter base gives the linguine richness, while the garlic and herbs infuse the dish with depth and warmth. Think of it as a flavor booster that adds a rustic, savory edge to the classic creamy chicken pasta. Even though this version doesn’t include all the traditional cowboy butter ingredients, it captures the same spirit — indulgent, buttery, and full of garlicky comfort.

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2. Can I use a different type of pasta instead of linguine?

Absolutely! While linguine works beautifully in this recipe because of its long, flat shape that holds the creamy sauce well, you can substitute it with other pasta types depending on what you have on hand. Fettuccine or spaghetti are great alternatives for a similar texture and sauce absorption. If you prefer something heartier, try penne, rigatoni, or farfalle — their ridges help catch more of that buttery garlic cream. You can even use gluten-free or whole wheat pasta if you’d like a healthier or dietary-friendly version. Just remember to cook the pasta al dente, since it will continue to absorb sauce once tossed in the skillet.

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3. How can I make this Cowboy Butter Garlic Creamy Linguine healthier?

There are several simple swaps you can make without losing flavor. Instead of heavy cream, use half-and-half or evaporated milk for a lighter sauce. Replace part of the butter with extra virgin olive oil to reduce saturated fat. You can also increase the ratio of vegetables — add spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini along with the broccoli to boost nutrition and fiber. Using whole wheat linguine instead of regular pasta adds a subtle nuttiness and more complex carbohydrates. Finally, consider reducing the Parmesan cheese slightly or using a lighter cheese like Pecorino Romano. These small adjustments make the dish lighter but still satisfyingly creamy and flavorful.

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4. How do I store and reheat leftovers without the sauce separating?

Cream-based sauces can sometimes separate when reheated too quickly, so it’s best to reheat gently. Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk, chicken broth, or cream to loosen the sauce before warming it on the stovetop over low heat. Stir frequently until smooth and creamy again. Avoid microwaving at high power, as it tends to make the sauce oily and the chicken dry. If reheating in the microwave is your only option, use 50% power and stir every 30 seconds to maintain the sauce’s texture. Properly stored and reheated, your Cowboy Butter Garlic Creamy Linguine will taste just as comforting and delicious as the day you made it.

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