Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe

If you’re looking for a pasta recipe that’s creamy, spicy, garlicky, and packed with flavor, this Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine will instantly become your new obsession. Tender chicken bites are tossed in a silky cowboy butter sauce made with garlic, lemon, fresh herbs, Dijon mustard, and a little heat, then combined with perfectly cooked linguine for the ultimate comfort food dinner.

Cowboy butter has been trending lately, and for good reason — it’s rich, zesty, and full of bold flavors. Imagine a buttery, garlicky sauce with a little tang from lemon juice, a gentle kick from red pepper flakes, and a sprinkle of fresh herbs to brighten it all up. Now, picture that sauce coating tender chicken and pasta. Heaven, right?

This recipe is surprisingly easy and comes together in just 35 minutes using simple ingredients. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, but flavorful enough to serve at a cozy dinner party. Pair it with a fresh green salad, roasted veggies, or garlic bread, and you’ve got a meal everyone will rave about.

If you love creamy chicken pasta recipes, this Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is about to be your new favorite!

---

What Makes This Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Special?

• Bold Cowboy Butter Sauce: Garlicky, lemony, slightly spicy, and unbelievably creamy.

• One-Pan Magic: Cook everything in one skillet for easy prep and cleanup.

• Ready in 35 Minutes: Perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute dinners.

• Restaurant-Level Flavor: Impress your family or guests without the stress.

• Customizable Heat: Adjust spice level to suit your taste — mild or fiery!

---

Ingredient Notes

Here’s what you’ll need for the ultimate Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine:

• Chicken Breasts or Thighs – Boneless, skinless chicken cut into bite-sized pieces cooks quickly and stays juicy.

• Linguine Pasta – Holds the sauce beautifully, but you can use fettuccine, spaghetti, or penne.

• Unsalted Butter – Forms the base of the cowboy butter sauce. Use high-quality butter for the best flavor.

• Garlic – Freshly minced for maximum aroma and depth.

• Lemon Juice & Zest – Brightens the rich sauce and balances the flavors.

• Dijon Mustard – Adds tang and creaminess to the cowboy butter.

• Fresh Herbs – Parsley and chives work best; they add freshness to the sauce.

• Red Pepper Flakes – The signature spicy kick! Adjust to taste.

• Parmesan Cheese – Melts into the sauce, adding saltiness and umami.

• Heavy Cream (Optional) – For an extra creamy sauce; skip if you prefer it lighter.

• Salt & Pepper – To taste, but season generously for full flavor.

---

How to Make Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

2. Cook 12 oz linguine according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup pasta water and drain.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

3. While the pasta cooks, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

4. Season 1.5 lbs chicken with salt, pepper, and a pinch of paprika (optional).

5. Cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Cowboy Butter Sauce

6. In the same skillet, melt ½ cup unsalted butter over medium heat.

7. Add 5 minced garlic cloves and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

8. Stir in 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, ½ teaspoon lemon zest, ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes, and 2 tablespoons chopped parsley.

9. Pour in ½ cup pasta water and simmer for 2 minutes to emulsify.

Step 4: Combine Everything

10. Lower heat and stir in ½ cup Parmesan cheese (and ½ cup heavy cream if using) until creamy.

11. Return chicken to the skillet and toss with the cowboy butter sauce.

12. Add the cooked linguine and mix well until fully coated.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

13. Garnish with extra parsley, Parmesan, and a squeeze of fresh lemon.

14. Serve immediately while hot and creamy.

---

Storage Options

• Room Temperature: Do not leave out longer than 2 hours.

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

• Freezing: Not recommended — the creamy sauce may separate, but you can freeze plain cooked chicken and pasta separately.

• Reheating: Warm gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of pasta water or cream to restore creaminess.

---

Variations and Substitutions

• Add Veggies: Toss in spinach, roasted cherry tomatoes, or mushrooms for extra texture and flavor.

• Make It Extra Spicy: Increase red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce.

• Low-Carb Version: Swap linguine for zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash.

• Cheese Lovers: Try a blend of Parmesan, Asiago, and Pecorino Romano for a deeper cheesy flavor.

• Dairy-Free: Use vegan butter and coconut cream for a lighter, dairy-free sauce.

---

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is cowboy butter, exactly?
Cowboy butter is a flavorful compound butter made with garlic, lemon, Dijon mustard, fresh herbs, and spices — perfect for sauces, meats, and pasta.

2. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Cook the chicken and cowboy butter sauce ahead, store separately, and toss with fresh pasta when ready to serve.

3. Can I use a different pasta shape?
Absolutely. Fettuccine, spaghetti, or even penne all work great.

4. How do I make it less spicy?
Skip or reduce red pepper flakes and add more Parmesan or cream for a milder sauce.

5. What protein alternatives can I use?
Swap chicken for shrimp, salmon, or even steak tips — the cowboy butter sauce pairs with everything!

6. How can I make the sauce thicker?
Simmer it a little longer, or stir in 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with cold water.

---

Conclusion

This Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine combines everything you love about creamy chicken pasta with the bold, zesty flavors of cowboy butter. It’s a comforting, satisfying dinner that tastes like something you’d order at a fancy restaurant — but you can make it at home in under 35 minutes.

Serve it with a crisp salad, garlic bread, and a glass of white wine, and you’ve got a meal that’ll have everyone asking for seconds. Try it once, and it’ll quickly become a weeknight favorite!

Print