What is cowboy butter?

Cowboy butter is a savory, zesty compound butter made with garlic, herbs, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and spices. It’s bold, buttery, and full of flavor—perfect for meats, veggies, or pasta dishes like this one!

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! You can cook the chicken and make the cowboy butter sauce ahead, then reheat and toss with freshly cooked pasta when ready to serve.

It has a mild kick from red pepper flakes, but you can easily adjust the spice level to your preference—add more for heat lovers, or leave it out for a milder version.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! Linguine is great for soaking up the sauce, but fettuccine, spaghetti, or even penne work well too.

What’s a good side dish to serve with this?

A crisp green salad, garlic bread, or roasted veggies pair beautifully with this rich, buttery pasta.

Can I make it dairy-free?

You can try a dairy-free butter alternative, but note that the flavor may change slightly. Nutritional yeast can add a cheesy note if needed.

How do I make this vegetarian?

Skip the chicken and add sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or even roasted chickpeas for a delicious meat-free version.

Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe

Ingredients

Scale

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

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the linguine according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
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.
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.
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.
Sprinkle in chopped parsley and chives (if using). Give it a final toss and taste for seasoning.
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