Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

If you’re looking for a rich, creamy, and flavor-packed pasta dish that will leave everyone asking for seconds, this Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is it! Combining the bold, garlicky kick of cowboy butter with tender, seasoned chicken and perfectly cooked linguine, this dish is an absolute must-try. The savory, buttery sauce is infused with fresh herbs, a touch of spice, and a squeeze of lemon for balance, making each bite irresistibly delicious.

Perfect for weeknight dinners, special occasions, or meal prepping, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavors right in your own kitchen. Plus, it’s easily customizable to suit different tastes—whether you like it extra spicy, packed with veggies, or with a lighter twist. Keep reading to discover how to make this indulgent, creamy pasta dish from scratch!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Incredibly flavorful – The cowboy butter sauce is packed with bold garlic, fresh herbs, and a hint of spice, coating the linguine and chicken in layers of deliciousness.
• Simple yet impressive – While it looks like a restaurant-style dish, it’s surprisingly easy to make at home with basic ingredients.
• Customizable – Adjust the spice level, swap proteins, or add veggies to make it your own.
• Comfort food at its best – Creamy, buttery, and hearty, this pasta dish is the definition of comfort food.
• Great for meal prep – This dish reheats well, making it perfect for leftovers or weekly meal planning.

Preparation Time and Servings

• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cook time: 25 minutes
• Total time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Serving size: 1 plate of pasta

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 620
• Carbohydrates: 65g
• Protein: 35g
• Fat: 25g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 4g

(Note: Nutrition values are approximate and may vary based on ingredients used.)

Ingredients

For the Cowboy Butter

• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon honey
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon fresh chives, chopped
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for extra heat)

For the Chicken

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into thin strips
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Pasta

• 12 oz linguine
• 1 tablespoon salt (for boiling water)
• ½ cup reserved pasta water

For Garnish

• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• Additional parsley and chives
• Lemon wedges

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cowboy Butter

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, lemon juice, honey, salt, and black pepper.
2. Stir in the fresh parsley, chives, and red pepper flakes if using. Set aside to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

1. Season the chicken strips with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for about 5-7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
3. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Cook the Linguine

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Cook the linguine according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.

Step 4: Combine Everything

1. In the same skillet used for the chicken, reduce the heat to low and pour in the cowboy butter.
2. Add the cooked linguine and toss to coat in the sauce. If needed, add reserved pasta water a little at a time to achieve the desired consistency.
3. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and mix well.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

1. Plate the pasta and top with freshly grated Parmesan, more chopped parsley, and chives.
2. Serve with lemon wedges on the side for an extra burst of freshness.

Ingredient Background

Cowboy butter is a savory, herby butter sauce traditionally used as a dipping sauce for steak, but it works wonders in pasta dishes too! The combination of garlic, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, and lemon juice creates a balanced flavor profile that complements both chicken and pasta.

Linguine is an excellent pasta choice for this dish because its slightly wider shape allows it to hold onto the rich, buttery sauce better than thinner pastas like spaghetti.

Technique Tips

• Don’t overcook the pasta! Keep it al dente so it doesn’t turn mushy when tossed in the sauce.
• Use fresh herbs for the cowboy butter—dried herbs won’t provide the same fresh, vibrant flavor.
• Reserve pasta water to adjust the sauce’s consistency without making it too oily.
• Let the chicken rest after cooking to keep it juicy and flavorful.

Alternative Presentation Ideas

• Toss in grilled shrimp for a seafood twist.
• Use fettuccine or pappardelle for a heartier pasta texture.
• Turn it into a baked pasta dish by transferring everything to a baking dish, topping with cheese, and broiling for a few minutes.

Additional Tips for Success

• Use high-quality European-style butter for an even richer cowboy butter sauce.
• Add a splash of heavy cream for an ultra-creamy version.
• Make it spicy by increasing the cayenne and red pepper flakes.

Recipe Variations

• Spicy Cowboy Butter Pasta – Add extra cayenne and a chopped jalapeño for more heat.
• Vegetarian Version – Swap the chicken for mushrooms, zucchini, or roasted bell peppers.
• Low-Carb Option – Serve over zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash instead of pasta.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Cowboy butter sauce freezes well, but pasta can become mushy when thawed. Freeze the sauce separately and cook fresh pasta when reheating.
• Reheating: Warm in a skillet with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.

Healthier Twist Ideas

• Use whole wheat linguine for added fiber.
• Substitute Greek yogurt for butter in the sauce for a lighter version.
• Swap chicken for grilled tofu or chickpeas for a plant-based alternative.

Serving Suggestions for Events

• Date Night: Pair with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc.
• Family Dinner: Serve with a fresh side salad and garlic bread.
• Potluck Gathering: Double the recipe and keep it warm in a slow cooker for easy serving.

Special Equipment

• Large skillet for cooking the chicken and sauce.
• Pasta pot for boiling linguine.
• Tongs for tossing the pasta with the cowboy butter sauce.