Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine – A Cozy, Flavor-Packed Pasta

When you combine tender chicken, buttery pasta, and a zesty cowboy butter sauce, you get the ultimate comfort food with a little western flair. This Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is rich, savory, and full of bold flavor thanks to garlic, herbs, lemon, and a touch of spice.

It’s the kind of dish that feels restaurant-worthy but is easy enough for a weeknight dinner. Whether you’re serving family around the table or treating yourself to something cozy, this pasta is sure to satisfy every craving.

Recipe Info

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the pasta and chicken:

• 12 oz linguine pasta
• 2 large chicken breasts, thinly sliced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the cowboy butter sauce:

• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
• Juice and zest of 1 lemon
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Step-By-Step Instructions

1. Cook the pasta
   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook linguine according to package directions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
2. Cook the chicken
   In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Season chicken slices with salt and pepper. Sauté until golden and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
3. Make the cowboy butter sauce
   In the same skillet, melt the butter. Add garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking until fragrant (about 1 minute). Stir in Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, cayenne, lemon juice, lemon zest, parsley, chives, and thyme.
4. Combine everything
   Add cooked chicken back to the skillet, then toss in the drained pasta. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time until the sauce coats the linguine beautifully. Stir in Parmesan cheese and season with extra salt and pepper if needed.
5. Serve and enjoy
   Divide into bowls, garnish with extra herbs and Parmesan, and enjoy warm.

Helpful Notes & Tips

• Don’t overcook garlic: Keep heat medium-low to avoid burning. Burnt garlic can make the sauce bitter.
• Adjust the spice: Use less cayenne for a milder dish or add extra if you like it fiery.
• Make-ahead tip: You can prep the cowboy butter sauce ahead of time—just reheat and toss with fresh pasta and chicken.
• Storage: Store leftovers in the fridge up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of water or chicken broth.

Recipe Variations

• Protein swap: Use shrimp, steak strips, or even tofu in place of chicken.
• Veggie boost: Toss in spinach, roasted bell peppers, or mushrooms for added nutrition.
• Creamier version: Add ¼ cup heavy cream to the cowboy butter sauce for a richer finish.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with a crisp green salad and garlic bread for a complete meal.
• Serve with roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus.
• Garnish with fresh lemon wedges for extra brightness.

Conclusion

This Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is bold, buttery, and bursting with flavor. With simple ingredients and easy steps, it’s the kind of recipe you’ll want to keep on repeat for family dinners or cozy nights in. Grab a fork, twirl up that linguine, and savor every zesty, garlicky, comforting bite.