Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe

Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is the cozy, creamy, flavor-packed dinner you didn’t know you needed. Imagine tender chicken tossed with silky linguine, all coated in a rich cowboy butter sauce bursting with garlic, herbs, and a touch of heat. It’s rustic meets indulgent in the best way possible—and bonus: it’s easy enough for weeknights but impressive enough for guests. Whether you’re cooking for your family or just treating yourself, this dish brings serious comfort food vibes with a zesty, buttery twist that’s totally crave-worthy.

Why You’ll Love Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

This Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is the ultimate weeknight win! It’s creamy, buttery, and packed with bold flavor thanks to garlic, Dijon, fresh herbs, and a hint of spice. The cowboy butter adds that irresistible “can’t-put-my-fork-down” richness, while the linguine gives it that cozy pasta feel we all love. Plus, it’s super versatile—use leftover chicken or toss in some veggies to make it your own. And the best part? It comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy days or last-minute dinner cravings.

Ingredients

To make this delicious Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine, you’ll need simple pantry staples plus a few fresh ingredients to build that signature buttery, zesty flavor. Here’s what to grab before you get cooking:

For the Chicken & Pasta:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (sliced thin)
• 8 oz linguine (or your favorite pasta)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt & pepper, to taste

For the Cowboy Butter Sauce:

• ½ cup unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to heat preference)
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives (optional)
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• Salt & pepper, to taste

Instructions

This Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine comes together in just a few simple steps. The key is layering flavor—starting with juicy chicken and ending with that ultra-savory cowboy butter sauce coating every strand of pasta. Here’s how to make it:

1. Cook the linguine
   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the linguine according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Cook the chicken
   While the pasta cooks, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
   Season the chicken slices with salt and pepper, then add to the skillet.
   Cook for 5–7 minutes, or until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
3. Make the cowboy butter
   In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add the butter and let it melt.
   Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
   Add Dijon mustard, lemon juice, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
   Stir well to combine and let simmer for 2–3 minutes.
4. Combine everything
   Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce.
   Add the cooked linguine and gently toss until everything is well coated.
5. Finish with herbs
   Sprinkle in chopped parsley and chives (if using). Give it a final toss and taste for seasoning.
6. Serve hot
   Plate it up immediately while it’s warm and buttery. Optional: Top with extra herbs or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan!

Servings and Timing

This dish is designed to deliver big flavor without a big time commitment. It’s perfect for a quick dinner that still feels special, whether it’s a weeknight or a cozy weekend treat.

• Servings: 3 to 4
  (Perfect for a small family dinner or a few hearty lunch leftovers!)
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

Tips and Variations

Want to make this dish your own? Here are a few easy ways to switch things up or elevate your Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine even more:

• Spice it up: Love heat? Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the butter sauce.
• Make it creamy: Stir in ¼ cup of heavy cream or a spoonful of cream cheese at the end for an ultra-luxurious sauce.
• Go green: Toss in baby spinach, kale, or arugula right before serving for a fresh, peppery touch.
• Swap the protein: Try it with shrimp, steak strips, or even rotisserie chicken if you’re in a hurry.
• Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free pasta and check that your Dijon is gluten-free.
• Add veggies: Sauté mushrooms, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes with the chicken for extra texture and color.
• Top it off: Finish with grated Parmesan, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, or toasted breadcrumbs for crunch.

Storage

Got leftovers? Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine stores well and reheats like a dream—just keep that sauce silky!

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: Gently reheat on the stove over low heat with a splash of water, broth, or a bit of extra butter to loosen the sauce. Microwave works too—just cover and heat in short bursts, stirring between each one.
• Freezing: Not recommended. The butter sauce can separate when thawed, so it’s best enjoyed fresh or within a few days.

FAQs

Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is the kind of dish that makes you feel like a kitchen rockstar with minimal effort. It’s cozy, creamy, and just the right amount of indulgent—with bold, buttery flavor in every bite. Whether you’re feeding your family, impressing dinner guests, or just treating yourself on a weeknight, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Don’t forget to pin it, share it, and come back for seconds (or thirds)!

Craving more tasty recipes? Follow @butteryrecipes on Pinterest and Facebook for daily inspiration!

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Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe

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Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is cozy, creamy, and flavor-packed. Tender chicken and silky linguine are coated in a zesty cowboy butter sauce bursting with garlic, herbs, and a touch of heat—perfect for weeknights or impressing guests.

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 3 to 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (sliced thin)
• 8 oz linguine (or your favorite pasta)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt & pepper, to taste
• ½ cup unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to heat preference)
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives (optional)
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• Salt & pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the linguine according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. While the pasta cooks, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken slices with salt and pepper, then add to the skillet. Cook for 5–7 minutes, or until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add the butter and let it melt. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Add Dijon mustard, lemon juice, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine and let simmer for 2–3 minutes.
4. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. Add the cooked linguine and gently toss until everything is well coated.
5. Sprinkle in chopped parsley and chives (if using). Give it a final toss and taste for seasoning.
6. Plate it up immediately while it’s warm and buttery. Optional: Top with extra herbs or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan!

Notes

Add heavy cream or cream cheese for extra creaminess. Toss in greens or switch up the protein to customize. Best served fresh, but stores well for up to 3 days in the fridge.

• Author: Clara
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 plate
• Calories: 520
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 580mg
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 14g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 29g
• Cholesterol: 110mg

Keywords: cowboy butter, chicken linguine, pasta, creamy dinner, easy chicken recipe