If you’re ready to take your weeknight pasta up a notch, you absolutely have to try Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine. This dish takes classic comfort food elements—tender chicken, buttery pasta, and fresh herbs—and marries them with a zesty, savory twist inspired by cowboy butter. Every forkful is creamy yet bright, with plenty of herby pops and that unmistakable garlic warmth that makes you want a second helping. Whether you’re feeding family or hosting a few friends, Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is one of those irresistible dishes you’ll crave again and again!

Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine lies in its simple, fresh ingredients that truly shine. Each item is selected for the way it adds flavor, texture, or vibrancy, so don’t skip out—even the herbs play a big role in making this pasta so craveworthy.

12 ounces linguine pasta: The broad, silky strands perfectly cradle all that cowboy butter sauce.
1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces: Go for fresh, good quality chicken for juicy, flavorful bites.
2 tablespoons olive oil: This helps brown the chicken beautifully without sticking, while adding richness.
1/2 teaspoon salt: Brings out all the savory notes and flavors in both the pasta and chicken.
1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds mild heat and depth to every bite.
1/2 cup unsalted butter: The essential base of the cowboy butter sauce—rich, luscious, and packed with flavor.
4 cloves garlic, minced: Don’t skimp! This is where the magic begins, infusing every bit of the dish.
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard: Gives the sauce that tangy, zippy undertone that brightens everything up.
1 teaspoon paprika: Adds color and a warm, smoky undertone that’s so satisfying.
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes: For a gentle kick—you can always add a bit more if you like it spicy.
1 tablespoon lemon juice: Balances the richness and adds a fresh, citrusy lift.
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley: Provides herby freshness and a pop of green.
1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives: Adds a mild oniony bite—chives are surprisingly crucial for the cowboy butter flavor.
1/2 teaspoon thyme leaves: A woodsy, aromatic note that deepens the sauce.
1/2 cup chicken broth: Creates body in the sauce and ensures it coats every strand of pasta.
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Gives the whole dish that final nutty, creamy, Italian-inspired finish.

How to Make Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

Step 1: Cook the Linguine

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and toss in your linguine pasta. Cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Once it’s perfectly tender with a bite, drain it and set aside. Keep a cup of pasta water just in case you want to loosen the sauce later—the starchy water is liquid gold for pasta!

Step 2: Brown the Chicken

While your noodles bubble away, season the bite-sized chicken pieces with salt and black pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for about 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and cooked all the way through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and keep it nearby; you’ll need it in just a moment.

Step 3: Build the Cowboy Butter Sauce

In the same skillet, melt your unsalted butter over medium heat. Stir in the minced garlic, Dijon mustard, paprika, crushed red pepper flakes, lemon juice, parsley, chives, and thyme. Let it bubble and sizzle for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant and the garlic softens. This is where your kitchen will start smelling absolutely incredible—the heart of Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is in this step.

Step 4: Simmer and Coat the Chicken

Pour in the chicken broth and bring the whole thing to a gentle simmer. Now return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss well so every piece is thoroughly coated in cowboy butter goodness. Let it gently heat through, soaking up all that flavor for an extra minute or two.

Step 5: Finish with Pasta and Cheese

Add the drained linguine and the grated Parmesan cheese to the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta is glossy and coated in sauce. The cheese will help the sauce hug the noodles, making each bite creamy and decadent. If you like your Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine extra saucy, splash in some reserved pasta water or even a hint of cream here. Serve immediately for best results.

How to Serve Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

Garnishes

Sprinkle your hot Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine generously with extra chopped parsley and chives to echo the herby flavors in the sauce. A light dusting of Parmesan cheese on top adds that irresistible savory finish. If you love a little brightness, a quick squeeze of lemon over each plate brings everything together.

Side Dishes

This pasta pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad—think baby arugula with a lemon vinaigrette—or roasted asparagus for color and crunch. Soft, warm garlic bread is always a hit for soaking up leftover cowboy butter sauce from your bowl.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re hosting, twirl servings into little nests with tongs and plate them individually for restaurant-style flair. Or, for a casual family-style vibe, mound Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine in a big shallow bowl and let everyone serve themselves. Add herby sprigs, sliced lemons, or extra chili flakes on the side for a build-your-own flavor experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine keeps surprisingly well. Transfer any extras to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. The sauce settles into the pasta, making for a delicious reheated meal the next day.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine. Let it cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. For best quality, eat within one month. The herbs may darken a bit, but the flavor stays fantastic.

Reheating

To reheat, add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce. Warm gently on the stove top, stirring occasionally, until hot. For a single portion, microwaving with a cover works well, just stir halfway through for even heating.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Main Course

Absolutely! While linguine is classic for Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine, fettuccine or spaghetti are great alternatives. Even short pastas like penne can work in a pinch if you don’t have long noodles on hand.

Is there a way to make it creamier?

Yes! For an extra decadent version of Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine, add a splash (about 1/4 cup) of heavy cream to the sauce right before adding the pasta. It will make the sauce silkier and even more indulgent.

Can I make this dish spicy?

Definitely. The crushed red pepper flakes add a moderate kick, but feel free to increase the amount or add a dash of hot sauce if you like more heat. Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is very adaptable to spice preferences.

What protein swaps work for this recipe?

Besides chicken, try shrimp for a quick, seafood version, or toss in cooked sliced sausage for an extra smoky twist. Firm tofu is a great vegetarian option—the cowboy butter sauce still sings!

Is this recipe nut free?

Yes, Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is already nut-free as written, making it a great option for family dinners or for serving guests with nut allergies.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a new favorite comfort dish that’s easy enough for a weeknight but impressive for company, I can’t recommend Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine strongly enough. The mix of creamy, herby, and zesty flavors is pure pasta bliss. Give it a try—you might just find yourself making it on repeat!

Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe

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4.7 from 25 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the rich and flavorful Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine, a dish that combines tender chicken in a decadent buttery sauce with al dente linguine pasta. This recipe is bursting with herbs and spices for a savory and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Linguine Pasta:

12 ounces linguine pasta

Chicken:

1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

Seasoning:

2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Cowboy Butter Sauce:

1/2 cup unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives
1/2 teaspoon thyme leaves
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

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Instructions

Cook the Linguine: Boil linguine according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
Cook the Chicken: Season chicken with salt and pepper, then cook in olive oil until golden brown and cooked through. Set aside.
Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter and add garlic, Dijon mustard, paprika, red pepper flakes, lemon juice, herbs, and spices. Stir in chicken broth and simmer.
Combine and Serve: Add chicken, linguine, and Parmesan cheese to the sauce, tossing until well coated. Serve hot, garnished with extra herbs if desired.

Notes

For added richness, consider incorporating a splash of heavy cream when combining the pasta with the sauce.
You can substitute linguine with fettuccine or spaghetti for variation.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American