If you’re craving a bold, buttery, flavor-packed pasta dish that comes together quickly, you’re in for a treat. This Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is not just another pasta recipe—it’s a weeknight dinner that delivers restaurant-level taste without the complexity. Infused with the spicy, garlicky richness of cowboy butter, tender chicken breast strips, and perfectly cooked linguine, this dish is creamy, satisfying, and guaranteed to impress.
Whether you’re a home cook looking for easy recipes for dinner, a busy parent hunting for something comforting yet quick, or someone trying to spice up your meal prep routine—this dish checks all the boxes.
Why You’ll Love Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
If you’ve never tried cowboy butter before, prepare to be amazed. It’s zesty, garlicky, and layered with heat and herbs—ideal for infusing chicken and pasta with flavor in record time.
Here’s why this recipe is a standout:
- ✅ Quick and Easy – Ready in 30 minutes from start to finish.
- ✅ Bold in Flavor – Cowboy butter makes every bite memorable.
- ✅ Simple Ingredients – Mostly pantry and fridge staples.
- ✅ Customizable – Easily adjusted to match your spice tolerance or dietary needs.
- ✅ Meal Prep-Friendly – Stores and reheats beautifully.
What Is Cowboy Butter?
Cowboy butter is a spiced, compound butter typically made with garlic, herbs, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and a touch of heat from red pepper flakes or cayenne. Originally used for steak or grilled meats, it’s now a versatile sauce for everything from vegetables to seafood—and, in our case, pasta!
Think of it as garlic butter’s bolder, zestier cousin. It’s creamy, savory, spicy, and just tangy enough to balance rich proteins like chicken.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything you need to bring this amazing pasta dish together. You can find most of these in your kitchen right now.
For the Pasta:
- 8 oz linguine pasta – Flat and wide, perfect for soaking up the sauce.
- Salted water – For boiling pasta.
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips
- 2 tbsp olive oil – For searing. Use extra virgin for best flavor.
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Cowboy Butter Sauce:
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter – The base of your cowboy butter.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard – Adds tang and depth.
- ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes – Adjust to taste.
- ½ tsp paprika – For color and smoky flavor.
- Juice of ½ lemon – Fresh acidity to balance the butter.
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley – For brightness.
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese – Finishes the dish with salty, nutty notes.
Step-by-Step: How to Make Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
Follow these steps and you’ll have a dinner that tastes like it came from a top-notch bistro.
1. Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook linguine until al dente according to package directions (usually about 8–9 minutes). Drain and drizzle with a little olive oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.
2. Sear the Chicken
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Sear for 5–7 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden and fully cooked. Remove chicken from the pan and set aside.
3. Make the Cowboy Butter
In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium. Add butter and let it melt completely. Stir in garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 1 minute). Then add Dijon mustard, red pepper flakes, paprika, and lemon juice. Simmer for 1–2 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens.
4. Combine and Toss
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to coat in the sauce. Add cooked linguine. Toss everything until the pasta is evenly coated.
5. Garnish and Serve
Top with chopped parsley and grated Parmesan. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Expert Tips and Flavor Boosts
- Use fresh garlic. Pre-minced jars won’t deliver the same punch.
- Cook pasta al dente. It continues to cook slightly when tossed with hot sauce.
- Add a splash of pasta water. If the sauce feels too thick, stir in 2–3 tablespoons of starchy pasta water to loosen it up.
- More heat? Add a pinch of cayenne or hot sauce.
- Creamier version? Add 2 tbsp heavy cream or a dollop of cream cheese.
Make It Your Own: Variations and Add-Ons
Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is versatile. Try these tweaks:
- Swap the protein – Use shrimp, salmon, or even tofu for a different twist.
- Go veggie – Add spinach, mushrooms, zucchini, or sun-dried tomatoes.
- Gluten-free? Use gluten-free pasta or zoodles.
- Low-carb version – Serve the cowboy butter chicken over cauliflower rice or spaghetti squash.
Perfect Pairings: What to Serve With It
Round out your meal with these side dishes and drinks:
- Garlic bread or herb focaccia
- Simple green salad with vinaigrette
- Roasted asparagus or broccoli
- Chilled white wine – Like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio
- Sparkling lemonade or iced tea
How to Make It Ahead or Meal Prep
This recipe is perfect for meal prep or make-ahead dinners. Here’s how:
- Cook chicken and cowboy butter sauce up to 2 days in advance.
- Store separately from pasta and refrigerate.
- On serving day, cook pasta fresh or reheat all together with a splash of broth or water.
- Portion into containers for grab-and-go lunches.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Reheat: Microwave with a spoonful of water or broth, or warm in a skillet over low heat.
- Freezer: Can be frozen up to 2 months, though pasta may soften. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use a different pasta?
Yes! Fettuccine, spaghetti, rotini, or penne all work beautifully.
Is cowboy butter spicy?
It has a mild kick, but you can adjust the heat by adding more or less red pepper flakes.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Use plant-based butter and skip the Parmesan or replace it with nutritional yeast.
Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken makes this even faster.
Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Printable Recipe
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 8 oz linguine
- 1 lb chicken breasts, sliced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes
- ½ tsp paprika
- Juice of ½ lemon
- ¼ cup chopped parsley
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan
Instructions
- Cook pasta until al dente, drain, and set aside.
- Sear seasoned chicken strips in olive oil until golden and cooked through. Set aside.
- In the same pan, melt butter. Add garlic, Dijon, pepper flakes, paprika, and lemon juice.
- Return chicken and add pasta. Toss to coat.
- Garnish with parsley and Parmesan. Serve hot.
Nutritional Info (Per Serving – Approximate)
- Calories: 565
- Protein: 35g
- Carbs: 40g
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Cholesterol: 105mg
- Sugar: 2.1g
- Fiber: 2g
More Easy Chicken Dinner Recipes
Looking for more dinner inspiration? Try these crowd-pleasers:
- Creamy Italian Sausage Rigatoni
- Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Parmesan Pasta
- Chicken Avocado Melt Sandwich
- Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken
- Crock Pot Pepper Steak
