Imagine twirling tender linguine through a glossy, garlicky cowboy butter sauce—then finding juicy, deeply seasoned chunks of chicken in every bite. That’s the irresistible magic of Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine, a dish that combines simple ingredients with a bold, Western-inspired twist. Each forkful delivers creamy richness, mellow heat, and a pop of fresh herbs, making this a dinner you’ll look forward to again and again. If you love quick comfort food that tastes like a flavor adventure, get ready: you’re about to meet your new weeknight favorite.

Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is that its pantry-friendly ingredients work together to create something totally crave-able. Each component brings something special—whether it’s a zippy hint of lemon, buttery richness, or a fiery tingle to wake up your taste buds.

Chicken breasts: Go for boneless, skinless and cube them before cooking for juicy, even bites in every mouthful.
Linguine pasta: This wide, flat noodle hugs the creamy cowboy butter sauce perfectly—swap with fettuccine or spaghetti if you like.
Olive oil: Helps sear the chicken to golden perfection, locking in all those savory flavors.
Butter: Both for sautéing and for that signature cowboy butter sauce; use unsalted to keep things balanced.
Garlic powder: Infuses the dish with mellow allium flavor without overpowering.
Onion powder: Adds a touch of sweetness and depth to both chicken and sauce.
Smoked paprika: Gives a whisper of smokiness and a lovely golden hue.
Cayenne pepper: Totally optional; just a pinch wakes up all the flavors, but leave it out for a milder dish.
Salt and pepper: Season generously—these basics make everything pop.
Crushed red pepper flakes: Adds heat and a nice rustic look when sprinkled on top; optional for extra kick.
Fresh parsley: Chopped and sprinkled at the end, this brings freshness and a bright color contrast.
Lemon juice: Just enough to balance the richness and elevate every single bite.
Grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce for salty, nutty depth—plus extra for sprinkling at the table.
Chicken broth: A splash loosens the sauce, making it silky and packed with savory roundness.
Heavy cream: Makes the cowboy butter sauce absolutely luscious and coats every strand of linguine.
Dijon mustard: This is a secret flavor booster—it ties everything together and gives the sauce complexity.

How to Make Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

Step 1: Cook the Linguine

Start things off by bringing a big pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Toss in your linguine and cook it until just al dente—it should still have a little bite! Don’t forget to reserve about 1/4 cup of that starchy pasta water before draining. It’s a magic ingredient for the silkiest sauce and comes in handy at the end.

Step 2: Season and Sear the Chicken

While your pasta is cooking, grab the cubed chicken and shower it with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne (if using), salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high, then add the chicken pieces in a single layer. Cook, turning once or twice, until they’re golden and fully cooked through. This step builds the flavor foundation for Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine, so let those pieces get a little color! Set the chicken aside when it’s done.

Step 3: Make the Cowboy Butter Sauce

In the same skillet (don’t clean it out—the brown bits are liquid gold), melt the butter gently. Add chicken broth, heavy cream, Dijon mustard, a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a little heat, and stir everything together. Let this bubble softly, simmering just until the sauce slightly thickens and everything is well mixed. The aroma alone will make you hungry!

Step 4: Combine and Toss

Now for the delicious finale! Tumble the cooked chicken and drained linguine into the skillet with the cowboy butter sauce. Add the Parmesan, chopped parsley, and a splash of fresh lemon juice. Toss everything together gently over low heat until the chicken and noodles are evenly coated. Use reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, if you want to loosen the sauce to that perfect glossy consistency.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Move your Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine to a serving dish or right onto plates. Top each portion with extra Parmesan, more parsley, and (if you dare) another sprinkle of red pepper flakes. Serve warm and enjoy every buttery, flavorful mouthful.

How to Serve Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

Garnishes

The final touches make this dish unforgettable! Finish with a flourish of chopped parsley for freshness and vibrant color, a deep snow of extra Parmesan for savory richness, and a few chili flakes for those who love a touch of heat. A wedge of lemon looks beautiful on the side and lets each eater add more zippy brightness if they like.

Side Dishes

For a balanced meal, pair Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine with a crisp green salad—think peppery arugula or mixed greens with a lemony vinaigrette. Garlic bread or rustic sourdough is fantastic for mopping up every drop of sauce. For a veggie boost, quick-sautéed spinach or roasted cherry tomatoes add color and nutrition with minimal effort.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to impress friends or add a restaurant-style flair? Serve Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine in shallow pasta bowls, swirled into tall “nests.” Sprinkle with microgreens or shaved cheese. For a party or potluck, keep it warm in a big skillet or Dutch oven at the center of the table—let everyone serve themselves family-style. Leftovers are equally great tucked into a thermos for an enviable lunch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, transfer them to an airtight container as soon as they cool. Refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine an even better treat on day two.

Freezing

You can freeze Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine, though the sauce may be slightly less creamy after thawing. Portion into individual airtight containers and freeze for up to one month. For best results, allow it to thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently, stirring well to recombine the sauce.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of cream, milk, or reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce. Stir until heated through and creamy. The microwave works too—cover loosely and heat in short bursts, stirring in between to keep things smooth and tender.

FAQs

Can I use a different protein in this recipe?

Absolutely! Shrimp, cubed pork, or even tofu work as delicious swaps for chicken. Adjust cooking times accordingly, and follow the same seasoning and sauce steps for a different spin on Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine.

How can I make Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine less spicy?

If you’re sensitive to heat, simply omit the cayenne pepper and red pepper flakes. The dish will still be loaded with flavor, buttery richness, and that special herby tang without any fiery notes.

Is there a way to make this dairy-free?

Yes! Use a dairy-free buttery spread, your favorite plant milk in place of heavy cream, and swap in a vegan Parmesan or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. The result is still tasty and rich, with a cowboy butter twist for everyone.

What’s the best way to keep the chicken tender?

Cut the chicken into even, bite-size pieces and avoid overcooking. Searing it quickly over medium-high heat helps maintain juiciness, especially since it’ll finish cooking a bit in the sauce.

Can I add vegetables to Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine?

Definitely! Stir in baby spinach, halved cherry tomatoes, or peas during the last few minutes of cooking. They’ll blend seamlessly into the dish and add pops of color and nutrition to every bite.

Final Thoughts

If you want a comforting dinner that feels like a treat but comes together simply, you owe it to yourself to make Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine! Grab your favorite skillet, try out those flavor-packed steps, and don’t forget all your favorite garnishes. It’s the kind of meal everyone will ask for again and again—give it a whirl, and enjoy every buttery bite!

Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 30 reviews

Author: Lila
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: None

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Description

This Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine recipe combines tender chicken with a rich, buttery sauce served over linguine pasta. The sauce is infused with flavors like garlic, Parmesan, and a hint of lemon for a comforting and satisfying meal.

Instructions

Boil Linguine: Cook linguine in salted water until al dente. Reserve ¼ cup of pasta water, then drain.
Cook Chicken: Season and cook chicken until golden and fully cooked. Set aside.
Make Sauce: Melt butter in the skillet, add garlic, chicken broth, heavy cream, Dijon mustard, and red pepper flakes. Simmer until thickened.
Combine: Toss chicken and pasta in the sauce. Stir in Parmesan, parsley, and lemon juice. Adjust consistency with reserved pasta water if needed.
Serve: Garnish with parsley and Parmesan. Serve warm.