Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to prepare this cowboy butter pasta recipe.

For the Cowboy Butter Sauce:

• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

• 1 teaspoon lemon zest

• 2 teaspoons paprika (smoked paprika recommended)

• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to spice preference)

• 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

• 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

• 2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Chicken Linguine:

• 2 large chicken breasts (or 3 thighs), cut into bite-sized cubes

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon onion powder

• ½ teaspoon paprika

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 12 oz linguine pasta

• ½ cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter option)

• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 teaspoon crushed chili flakes (optional)

• Fresh parsley or basil, for garnish