Name: the best Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 tbsp unsalted butter; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp onion powder; ½ tsp smoked paprika; ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional); Salt and black pepper, to taste; 8 oz linguine; Salted water, for boiling; ¼ cup reserved pasta water; ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened; 2 garlic cloves, minced; ¼ cup chicken broth; ¼ cup heavy cream; ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 tbsp Dijon mustard; 1 tbsp lemon juice; 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped; ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Jump to Recipe

When it comes to bold flavor, irresistible comfort, and effortless elegance, nothing beats the best Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine. Imagine juicy, golden-brown chicken tossed with silky linguine, all wrapped up in a cowboy butter sauce that’s zesty, garlicky, buttery, and just a little bit spicy. This recipe is my weeknight secret weapon—ready in half an hour, but special enough for a celebration. From the first aromatic sizzle to the last twirl of pasta, every bite of this dish feels like a win.

the best Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of the best Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine lies in its simplicity: everyday staples, each playing a starring role in color, flavor, or creaminess. Don’t be tempted to skip any—these ingredients are the secret to bringing this crave-worthy pasta to life.

Chicken Breasts: Opt for boneless, skinless chicken breasts so you can cube and sear them for maximum tenderness and flavor in every bite.
Olive Oil: A splash of olive oil ensures a nice sear on the chicken without sticking.
Unsalted Butter: The hero behind our velvety cowboy butter sauce—don’t skimp on this!
Garlic Powder & Onion Powder: These pantry classics infuse the chicken with deep, savory notes.
Smoked Paprika: Adds a subtle smoky richness that’s unforgettable in the finished sauce.
Cayenne Pepper (optional): Dial up the spice or leave it out for a milder plate—totally up to you.
Salt & Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning both your chicken and the finished sauce.
Linguine: The ideal pasta shape for carrying every drop of the cowboy butter sauce in its silky strands.
Salted Water: Salting your pasta water seasons the noodles from the inside out. Don’t skip it!
Reserved Pasta Water: This magic ingredient helps emulsify and thicken your sauce at the end.
Minced Garlic: For a punch of aroma and flavor as the base of our cowboy butter sauce.
Chicken Broth: Adds depth to the sauce and ties all the savory flavors together.
Heavy Cream: Just a splash gives the sauce a luscious, rich finish.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parm brings salty, nutty notes and helps to thicken the silky sauce.
Dijon Mustard: A boost of tangy complexity that sets cowboy butter apart.
Lemon Juice: Brightens all the buttery richness for a refreshing finish.
Fresh Parsley: Chopped parsley adds color and a pop of herby freshness right at the end.
Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (optional): Sprinkle in for a gentle kick of heat, if you like it spicy.

How to Make the best Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a generous pot of salted water to a rolling boil—this is key to flavor-packed pasta. Add your linguine and cook until it’s just al dente, usually about 9 to 11 minutes. Right before you drain it, scoop out a quarter cup of that starchy pasta water and set it aside; you’ll use it to help bring the sauce together later. Once drained, toss the noodles with a little olive oil to keep them from sticking, and set them aside while you work on the other layers of flavor.

Step 2: Season and Sear the Chicken

While your pasta bubbles away, cube up your chicken breasts and toss them with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne (if you’re feeling feisty), and plenty of salt and pepper. Heat a large skillet with olive oil and a pat of butter over medium-high. Once the butter melts and starts to sizzle, lay the chicken in a single layer. Sear each piece for about 3 to 4 minutes per side until they’re gorgeously golden and cooked through. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate and keep it warm—those flavorful brown bits left in the pan are about to work magic in the sauce.

Step 3: Make the Cowboy Butter Sauce

In the same skillet (no need to clean!), turn the heat to medium-low. Add the remaining butter, letting it melt gently while you stir in the minced garlic. Sauté for just under a minute, until the aroma makes your kitchen smell heavenly. Next, pour in the chicken broth, lemon juice, and Dijon, whisking as it simmers for a couple of minutes to intensify the flavors. Add heavy cream and Parmesan, stirring until smooth and creamy. Let the sauce gently bubble and thicken—resist the urge to boil, as you want a silky finish.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Time for my favorite part! Return the seared chicken (plus any delicious juices on the plate) back to the skillet. Add the cooked linguine, and toss everything together using tongs to ensure every strand gets coated. If the sauce looks a bit too thick, splash in some of that reserved pasta water; it’ll loosen and emulsify, giving you a glossy, restaurant-worthy finish. Let everything get cozy for 1-2 minutes so the flavors truly meld.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Turn off the heat and shower in the chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and brightness. To finish off the best Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine, top with extra parsley, a sprinkle of black pepper, and red pepper flakes if you want an extra kick. Serve right away with lemon wedges for an irresistible, zesty pop. Each spoonful is loaded with creamy, buttery, tangy flavors you’ll crave again and again!

How to Serve the best Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

Garnishes

Dress up the best Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine with lots of fresh parsley and cracked black pepper for vibrancy. For even more flavor, add a dusting of extra grated Parmesan or a few red pepper flakes. And lemon wedges on the side brighten every bite with citrusy tang, adding to the dish’s impressive presentation and irresistible aroma.

Side Dishes

Balance the richness of this pasta with a simple, crisp green salad dressed in a citrusy vinaigrette. Garlic bread or warm baguette slices make the perfect companion for mopping up every delicious drop of cowboy butter sauce. For veggies, sautéed green beans, asparagus, or roasted broccoli are all lovely options that complement the bold flavors of the best Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine.

Creative Ways to Present

Get a little playful with your plating. Serve the linguine family-style in a big bowl, heaped high, or, for a special touch, use tongs to twirl individual servings into elegant nests on each plate. Top with chicken, then spoon extra sauce over the top. Finish with fresh herbs, a wedge of lemon, or even a drizzle of chili oil for unexpected flair. Either way, this dish always looks as good as it tastes!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers (lucky you!), store the best Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’ll stay fresh and flavorful for up to three days. Before sealing it up, let everything cool to room temperature to avoid condensation that can make the sauce watery.

Freezing

While the linguine itself softens a bit after freezing, you can absolutely freeze leftover portions of this dish. Place cooled pasta in freezer-safe containers or resealable bags. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating so the cowboy butter sauce can regain its creamy texture.

Reheating

For best results, reheat the pasta gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream, chicken broth, or reserved pasta water to revive the sauce’s luscious consistency. If microwaving, cover loosely and stir halfway through, again adding a little liquid if it seems dry. The flavors deepen overnight, making leftovers of the best Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine an even bigger treat!

FAQs

Can I use a different kind of pasta?

Absolutely! While linguine perfectly catches the cowboy butter sauce, you can easily swap in fettuccine, spaghetti, or even short shapes like penne or rigatoni for a slightly different texture. The key is making sure whatever pasta you use is cooked al dente and coated well with sauce.

What’s the best way to adjust the spice level?

The cowboy butter sauce is naturally zesty, but you’re in total control of the heat. Omit the cayenne and red pepper flakes for a mild version, or go wild with extra flakes for more kick. Taste and tweak as you go to find your perfect balance!

Can I prep this dish ahead of time for a party?

Definitely! You can cook the chicken and make the sauce a day early—just keep them separate in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, cook the pasta fresh and toss everything together over low heat. This ensures the best Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is creamy and vibrant for your guests.

Is there a way to make this lighter?

To lighten things up, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and cut back a bit on butter. You can also bulk up the dish with spinach, zucchini, or roasted bell peppers. You’ll still get all the memorable flavors with slightly less richness.

Can I use leftover rotisserie chicken?

You bet! Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut. Skip the searing step and add shredded cooked chicken right into the sauce before tossing with pasta. It’s a smart way to make the best Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine even faster on a busy night.

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to try the best Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine and see for yourself why it’s always a hit in my kitchen. From the rich, buttery sauce to the tender chicken and twirl-worthy pasta, this dish turns weeknights into celebrations. Take a chance, gather your ingredients, and let this little bowl of magic win over your heart (and your taste buds)!

the best Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 15 reviews

Author: Lily
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a quick, flavor-packed pasta dinner that turns simple ingredients into something unforgettable. With tender, golden-brown chicken, silky linguine, and a rich, zesty cowboy butter sauce, this dish is indulgent, satisfying, and ready in just 30 minutes. It’s the kind of meal that tastes like it came from a restaurant—but you made it in one pan at home.

Instructions

Cook the Pasta – Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. Cook linguine until al dente, about 9–11 minutes. Before draining, reserve ¼ cup of pasta water. Drain and lightly toss with olive oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.
Season and Sear the Chicken – Mix garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne (if using), salt, and pepper. Toss over the cubed chicken to coat. Heat olive oil and 1 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked. Transfer to a plate and tent with foil.
Make the Cowboy Butter Sauce – In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium-low. Add softened butter, minced garlic, chicken broth, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard. Whisk and simmer. Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan until smooth. Let it simmer until slightly thickened.
Bring It All Together – Return the chicken to the skillet. Add the cooked linguine and toss together. Add reserved pasta water if needed. Simmer to meld flavors.
Finish and Serve – Stir in fresh parsley. Garnish and serve hot with lemon slices.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American