Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine: Bold, Creamy, and Irresistibly Comforting

When you think of comfort food, pasta and buttered chicken are usually at the top of the list. But what if I told you there’s a way to combine the two into one unforgettable dish? Enter Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine a bold, buttery pasta recipe packed with garlicky, zesty flavor that’s anything but boring!

This dish takes the rich, spicy flavors of cowboy butter a seasoned, herby compound butter popular in grilling circles and marries it with tender, juicy chicken and creamy linguine noodles. The result? A pasta dinner that’s equal parts rustic, indulgent, and downright crave-worthy.

If you’ve been searching for a pasta recipe that’s easy enough for weeknights but special enough for weekends, this is it.

this Recipe

What Is Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine?

Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a fusion of creamy pasta and cowboy butter a compound butter made with garlic, lemon, Dijon mustard, fresh herbs, and spices. The cowboy butter flavors seep into juicy seared chicken and coat every strand of linguine in a buttery, creamy sauce with just the right kick of heat.

It’s cozy and indulgent, but still fresh and bright thanks to the lemon and herbs. The balance of bold and creamy flavors makes this a standout dinner you’ll want to make on repeat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Big flavor payoff – Garlic, lemon, herbs, and butter create a sauce that’s unforgettable.
• Simple ingredients – Most of these are pantry staples!
• Restaurant-quality at home – Impress your family or guests with minimal effort.
• Perfect for leftovers – It reheats beautifully the next day.
• Customizable spice level – Make it mild or bring on the heat!

What Does Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Taste Like?

Imagine tender bites of chicken coated in a buttery, garlicky sauce with hints of Dijon, fresh parsley, and a little cayenne. The linguine noodles soak up all that rich cowboy butter goodness, while the cream makes the sauce silky and smooth. It’s bold, buttery, slightly spicy, and completely addictive.

Ingredients for Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this flavor-packed pasta:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 12 oz linguine pasta
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 tbsp olive oil (for cooking the chicken)
• Grated Parmesan, for garnish (optional)

Tools You’ll Need

• Large skillet or sauté pan
• Large pot for boiling pasta
• Tongs or pasta fork
• Knife and cutting board
• Wooden spoon or spatula

Ingredient Swaps and Additions

• Make it lighter – Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
• Add veggies – Toss in spinach, mushrooms, or roasted bell peppers for extra color and nutrition.
• Try it with shrimp – Swap the chicken for shrimp for a surf-and-turf twist.
• Gluten-free option – Use gluten-free linguine or your favorite pasta substitute.

How to Make Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the linguine until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water, then drain and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Cowboy Butter Sauce

In the same pan, melt the butter. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the Dijon mustard, lemon juice, lemon zest, cayenne pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Let the flavors meld for 1 minute.

Step 4: Finish the Sauce

Lower the heat to medium-low. Add the heavy cream and whisk until smooth and creamy. Stir in the fresh parsley.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Return the cooked chicken to the pan. Toss in the cooked linguine, adding reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce. Mix until everything is well coated.

Step 6: Serve

Garnish with more fresh parsley and grated Parmesan if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!

What to Serve with Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

• Garlic bread or toasted baguette
• A fresh green salad with lemon vinaigrette
• Roasted vegetables or steamed broccoli
• A glass of crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay

Tips for Success

• Don’t overcook the chicken – Keep it juicy by cooking just until done.
• Use fresh garlic and herbs – They make a big difference in flavor.
• Save your pasta water – It helps create a silky sauce that clings to the noodles.
• Adjust the spice level – Omit the red pepper flakes for mild, or double them for a fiery kick.

Storage Instructions

• Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: Warm gently on the stove with a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce.

General Information

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Serves: 4

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Yes! Using pre-cooked chicken saves time. Just toss it into the sauce to warm through.

Can I use other pasta?

Absolutely. Fettuccine, spaghetti, or even penne will work fine in this recipe.

Is this dish spicy?

It has a mild to medium heat, but you can easily adjust the spice level to your liking.

Conclusion

If you’re ready for a bold, buttery, and totally satisfying pasta night, this Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is the recipe to try. It’s rich, creamy, and packed with the perfect amount of zest and heat. Plus, it’s simple enough for a weeknight but impressive enough for guests.

Did you make this recipe? Leave a review or share your photo on Pinterest—I’d love to see it!

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approximate)

• Calories: 620
• Fat: 35g
• Carbs: 48g
• Protein: 38g

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July 16, 2025 by Melissa