Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe

If you’ve never had Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine, prepare yourself—because this dish is bold, buttery, a little spicy, and downright addictive. It’s everything you love about cowboy butter (garlicky, lemony, herby, with a kick of heat) wrapped around tender, juicy chicken and twirled into a bed of silky linguine. It’s weeknight comfort food with serious swagger.

Before we dive into the butter-slicked deliciousness, thank you for stopping by! Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just your hungry self (we’ve all been there), I’m so glad you’re here. Want more easy, flavor-packed dinners delivered to your inbox? Subscribe below and let’s make dinnertime awesome again!

What Is Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine?

This recipe is a fusion of two comfort food icons: creamy linguine and cowboy butter, a compound butter typically used for steaks that’s loaded with garlic, fresh herbs, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and a little spice.

We take that craveable cowboy butter, melt it down, and turn it into a pasta sauce. Then we toss it with golden pan-seared chicken and linguine for a dish that’s garlicky, buttery, lemony, and totally unforgettable.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One pan, one pot—easy cleanup!
• Loaded with bold flavors: garlic, lemon, herbs, and chili
• Ready in under 35 minutes
• Comforting but still feels fresh and bright
• A fun twist on chicken pasta that’ll impress anyone at the table
• Perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions

What Does It Taste Like?

It tastes like the wild west met garlic pasta heaven. The cowboy butter is rich with butter and garlic, brightened with lemon juice and fresh parsley, kicked up with a pinch of cayenne, and deepened with a touch of Dijon. Every bite of pasta is coated in buttery goodness, and the chicken? Perfectly juicy, golden, and dripping in flavor.

It’s rustic, bold, and comforting with a gourmet twist.

Benefits of Making This Recipe

• No cream or heavy sauces—just butter and fresh ingredients
• Easily adjustable heat level (spice it up or down)
• Works with chicken breast, thighs, or even shrimp
• Feels like a restaurant dish—without the restaurant price tag
• Pairs beautifully with simple salads or roasted veggies

Ingredients for Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

For the chicken:

• 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• Salt & pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter

For the cowboy butter sauce:

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tablespoon chopped chives or green onions (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the pasta:

• 12 oz linguine
• 1/4 cup reserved pasta water (as needed to loosen the sauce)
• Freshly grated Parmesan (optional but delicious)

Tools You’ll Need

• Large pot for boiling pasta
• Large skillet or sauté pan
• Tongs or pasta fork
• Zester and juicer
• Sharp knife and cutting board
• Measuring spoons/cups

Ingredient Additions & Substitutions

• Swap chicken for shrimp or even steak strips
• Add veggies like spinach, mushrooms, or blistered cherry tomatoes
• Use fettuccine, spaghetti, or penne instead of linguine
• Add cream to the sauce for a richer version
• Make it dairy-free with vegan butter and a plant-based protein

How to Make Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

Step 1: Cook the pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook linguine until al dente according to package directions. Drain, reserving 1/4 cup pasta water, and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the chicken

Season chicken with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken and cook 5–6 minutes per side, or until golden and fully cooked. Remove from the skillet and let rest. Slice into strips.

Step 3: Make the cowboy butter

In the same skillet, melt 1/2 cup butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 1 minute). Stir in Dijon mustard, lemon juice and zest, red pepper flakes, cayenne, paprika, and a big pinch of salt and pepper. Simmer for 2–3 minutes, stirring constantly.

Step 4: Bring it all together

Add the cooked linguine to the skillet with cowboy butter. Toss to coat, adding pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce. Add sliced chicken back in and toss gently to combine.

Step 5: Garnish and serve

Sprinkle with chopped parsley, chives, and Parmesan if using. Serve hot and devour immediately!

What to Serve with Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

Keep the sides light and simple to let the pasta shine:

• Garlic bread or toasted sourdough
• Crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette
• Roasted broccoli, asparagus, or green beans
• Glass of chilled white wine or sparkling water with lemon

Tips for the Best Cowboy Butter Pasta

• Use fresh lemon juice and zest—it brightens the whole dish
• Don’t burn the garlic—sauté just until golden and fragrant
• Want a richer sauce? Add a splash of cream or half-and-half
• Let the chicken rest before slicing to keep it juicy
• Reserve pasta water—it’s your secret to silky sauce!

Storage Instructions

• Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days
• Reheat: Warm in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or broth to loosen
• Freezer: Not ideal—this dish is best enjoyed fresh for maximum buttery texture

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! Prep the chicken and cowboy butter ahead. Cook the pasta fresh and toss together just before serving.

Is this spicy?

It has a gentle kick from the cayenne and red pepper flakes, but you can easily dial the spice up or down.

Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Absolutely! Just shred and warm it in the cowboy butter sauce before tossing with pasta.

What’s the best pasta for this dish?

Linguine is great because it clings to the sauce beautifully, but fettuccine, spaghetti, or even angel hair work well too.

Conclusion

If you’re craving something buttery, bold, and bursting with flavor, this Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is the answer. It’s a dish that hits all the right notes—comforting, zesty, a little spicy, and totally crave-worthy. Whether you’re serving it up on a weeknight or showing off for guests, this pasta will have everyone asking for seconds.

Print