If you’re looking for a bold, buttery, and flavor-packed dinner that’s quick to make and impossible to resist, this Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is your new go-to recipe. Loaded with juicy chicken, garlicky cowboy butter sauce, and perfectly cooked linguine, it’s a delicious twist on comfort food with a wild west kick.
Whether you’re cooking for family, entertaining guests, or meal prepping for the week, this pasta delivers big flavor with minimal fuss. Let’s explore how to create this irresistible dish in your own kitchen!
Why You’ll Love Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
Bold, Zesty Flavor
Cowboy butter is loaded with flavor—think garlic, lemon, Dijon mustard, and fresh herbs—all melted into buttery goodness that coats every strand of pasta and tender bite of chicken. If you’re into bold garlic flavors, you’ll also love this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta.
Quick & Easy
This recipe comes together in about 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights or when you need a meal that looks (and tastes) like you worked harder than you did.
Versatile for Any Occasion
It’s easy enough for a weeknight dinner and elegant enough to serve at a dinner party. Plus, it reheats well for lunches and meal prep!
Customizable & Crowd-Pleasing
Toss in extra veggies, adjust the spice level, or add cream for a richer sauce—this dish is as flexible as it is flavorful. Want more heat and flavor twists? Check out this Chicken Fajita Pasta recipe too!
Ingredients You’ll Need to Make It
For the Chicken & Pasta:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 8 oz linguine, cooked al dente
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Cowboy Butter Sauce:
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 2 tbsp lemon juice + 1 tsp lemon zest
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tsp chopped fresh thyme or rosemary
Optional Toppings:
- Shaved parmesan
- Extra herbs or chili flakes
- Lemon wedges for serving
How to Make Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
1. Cook the Linguine
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Cook linguine until just al dente according to package instructions. Set aside ½ cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Sauté the Chicken
- Season chicken with salt and pepper.
- Warm 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet set over medium heat.
- Cook chicken for about 5–6 minutes per side, or until golden and fully cooked.
- Remove from pan and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing into strips or bite-sized pieces.
3. Make the Cowboy Butter Sauce
- In the same skillet, melt 6 tbsp butter over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic, stirring until fragrant (about 1 minute).
- Stir in Dijon mustard, lemon juice and zest, red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, and herbs.
- Cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until everything is well blended and aromatic.
4. Combine & Toss
- Toss the cooked linguine and sliced chicken into the skillet with the cowboy butter sauce.
- Toss everything together until coated, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen the sauce if needed.
- Top with shaved parmesan, extra herbs, or lemon wedges, and serve hot!
Tips for the Best Garlic & Herb Cowboy Butter Pasta
Use Fresh Garlic and Herbs
Fresh ingredients give the sauce a vibrant flavor—especially garlic, parsley, and thyme.
Don’t Burn the Garlic
Cook the garlic until fragrant, not browned, or it’ll turn bitter.
Save the Pasta Water
Starchy pasta water helps create a smooth, clingy sauce that ties everything together beautifully.
Balance the Flavors
Taste and adjust salt, lemon juice, and chili flakes to match your heat and tang preference.
Variations, Storage, and Serving Ideas
Make It Creamy
Add ¼ cup of heavy cream or a spoonful of cream cheese after the butter melts for a rich, velvety finish.
Add Veggies
Toss in spinach, cherry tomatoes, roasted mushrooms, or even zucchini ribbons for added texture and nutrition. This dish is as flexible as others like the Mediterranean Chicken Bowl.
Storage Tips
- Refrigerator: Keep leftovers in a sealed airtight container for up to three days.
- Reheat: Gently reheat with a splash of broth or water to revive the sauce.
- Freezer: Not ideal for freezing, as the butter sauce may separate.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a side of garlic bread, arugula salad, or grilled asparagus
- Serve with a glass of sparkling water and a twist of lemon
- Looking for a crispy variation? Try Hot Honey Chicken Tenders for a spicy pairing or side!
Enjoy Your Chicken Linguine
This Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine recipe is a flavor explosion you’ll want to make again and again. The buttery, garlicky sauce infused with herbs and spice turns a simple pasta dinner into something truly unforgettable.
Want more ideas for elevated chicken dinners? You’ll love this Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken for another restaurant-worthy recipe at home.
Whether you’re cooking for your family or impressing dinner guests, this recipe delivers big on taste without a ton of effort. Now all you need to do is grab your skillet and get cooking!
Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
Ingredients
For the Chicken & Pasta:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 8 oz linguine
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Cowboy Butter Sauce:
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tsp chopped fresh thyme or rosemary
Optional Toppings:
- Shaved parmesan cheese
- Extra chili flakes
- Fresh herbs
- Lemon wedges
Instructions
Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook linguine until al dente.
- Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
Cook the Chicken:
- Season chicken with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Sear chicken for 5–6 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through.
- Remove from heat, let rest, then slice into strips.
Make the Cowboy Butter Sauce:
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in Dijon mustard, lemon juice, zest, red pepper flakes, paprika, and herbs.
- Cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Combine and Toss:
- Add cooked linguine and sliced chicken to the skillet.
- Toss to coat in the cowboy butter sauce.
- Use reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.
- Garnish with parmesan, herbs, and lemon wedges.
