If you’re craving a vibrant, flavor-packed pasta dinner that just might steal the weeknight spotlight, let me introduce you to Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine. This lively dish swirls tender strips of golden chicken with silky linguine, all tossed in a zesty cowboy butter sauce brimming with lemon, herbs, garlic, and a subtle kick of heat. Every bite is creamy, rich, and speckled with just the right amount of fresh brightness—making it perfect for casual family feasts or a dinner that needs a little extra wow factor.

Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You won’t believe how just a handful of everyday staples combine to create the unforgettable taste of Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine. Every ingredient adds its own pop: from juicy chicken and sturdy pasta to zippy lemon and smoky paprika, they work in harmony for a mouthwatering dish you’ll want to make again and again.

12 oz linguine pasta: The base that soaks up every drop of that marvelous cowboy butter sauce.
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into strips: For quick, even cooking and loads of lean protein.
4 tbsp unsalted butter: Melts into a rich, velvety sauce with a classic cowboy kick.
1 tbsp olive oil: Keeps the chicken juicy and helps it get a beautiful golden sear.
4 garlic cloves, minced: No cowboy butter is complete without that punchy, aromatic garlic flavor.
Juice of 1/2 lemon: Adds brightness and lifts the richness of the butter.
1 tsp lemon zest: Intensifies the citrusy zing and aroma in every bite.
1/2 tsp Dijon mustard: A secret touch for tang and creamy smoothness in the finished dish.
1/2 tsp smoked paprika: Brings subtle smokiness that pairs perfectly with the spice and herbs.
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes: For that gentle, tingly heat cowboy butter is known for.
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper: Turns the volume up on flavor without overwhelming your palate.
1 tsp chopped fresh parsley: Lends freshness and a dash of grassy green color.
1 tsp chopped chives: Provides a delicate onion note and bright finish.
Salt and black pepper, to taste: Essential for balancing and bringing out every other ingredient’s flavor.
Grated Parmesan for garnish (optional): A sprinkle on top adds nutty, creamy savoriness you won’t want to skip!

How to Make Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

Step 1: Boil the Linguine

Start by bringing a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add your linguine and cook according to the package instructions until it’s perfectly al dente—tender but with a hint of bite. Drain the pasta, saving about half a cup of pasta water in case you want to loosen the sauce later. Set the drained noodles aside and get excited: this is where Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine begins to come together!

Step 2: Season and Sear the Chicken

Lay out your chicken breast strips and sprinkle them well with salt, pepper, and that irresistible smoked paprika. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add the seasoned chicken. Let it cook undisturbed for a couple of minutes before stirring, so it gets a gorgeous golden crust. Cook until each piece is deeply browned and cooked through—about 6 to 8 minutes. Transfer the sizzling chicken to a bowl and keep it cozy while you whip up that cowboy butter sauce.

Step 3: Make the Cowboy Butter Sauce

Lower the heat to medium and drop the unsalted butter into the same skillet, letting it melt and bubble gently. Add the minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, Dijon mustard, red pepper flakes, cayenne, parsley, and chives. Stir everything together, letting the sauce simmer for a minute or two until fragrant and just barely thickened. Smelling that buttery, garlicky aroma is all part of the Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine experience!

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Return the cooked chicken (and any tasty juices) to the skillet, tossing to coat it thoroughly in the cowboy butter sauce. Now, add the drained linguine right into the pan. Toss everything together until every strand of pasta and piece of chicken is glossy and well-dressed in that golden, herby sauce. If the mixture looks a bit thick, splash in some reserved pasta water for a silkier finish.

Step 5: Plate and Garnish

Serve Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine piping hot in generous bowls. Top with freshly grated Parmesan if desired, plus an extra sprinkle of parsley or chives for color. Dig in immediately—this dish is best enjoyed when all that buttery aroma is at its peak!

How to Serve Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

Garnishes

A little garnish goes a long way in making Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine extra inviting. I love showering mine with grated Parmesan for a bit of creamy saltiness, along with a scatter of fresh parsley or chives for that pop of color and light, herby kick. If you’re feeling bold, add a pinch more red pepper flakes right before serving for a final flourish of heat.

Side Dishes

Since Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is so rich and flavorful, it pairs perfectly with simple sides that brighten the plate. Try a crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette, or serve up some crusty garlic bread to help scoop up every last drop of sauce. A side of roasted broccoli or asparagus adds a wholesome touch and balances the boldness of the main dish.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re serving Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine for a casual dinner party or special family meal, why not serve it family-style in a big, beautiful platter? For a more elegant twist, twirl individual portions of linguine onto plates with tongs, then fan out chicken strips on top. Finish with a sprinkle of microgreens or a drizzle of extra cowboy butter sauce for restaurant-worthy flair!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftover Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine (lucky you!), let it cool to room temperature, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to three days, making it an amazing grab-and-go lunch or quick dinner solution for busy nights.

Freezing

While pasta dishes like this one are best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine in a pinch. Place cooled portions in a freezer-safe container or bag, smoothing out as much air as possible. It keeps well for up to a month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to help the sauce stay creamy.

Reheating

To reheat your linguine, warm it gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water, broth, or extra butter to revive the sauce. Stir frequently so nothing sticks or overcooks. If you’re short on time, a microwave on medium power does the trick—just cover and stir midway through for even heating.

FAQs

Can I use a different pasta for Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine?

Absolutely! While linguine is classic for this recipe, you can swap in spaghetti, fettuccine, penne, or even gluten-free pasta. The cowboy butter sauce hugs any noodle beautifully, so feel free to use what you have in the pantry.

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

Both cayenne pepper and red pepper flakes bring that satisfying heat. If you prefer milder Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine, just dial them back or leave one out. For extra fire, add a bit more of each to taste!

Can I add vegetables to this pasta?

Definitely! Baby spinach, roasted bell peppers, or steamed broccoli make delicious additions. Toss veggies into the skillet with the chicken or sauce to bulk up your meal and add more color and nutrition.

Is there a dairy-free version of this recipe?

To make Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine dairy-free, swap the butter for a quality vegan alternative and skip or use dairy-free Parmesan. The dish still delivers big, zesty flavor without traditional dairy.

How can I make it extra creamy?

If you crave an even richer texture, stir in a splash of heavy cream or a spoonful of mascarpone when mixing the sauce. This creates a decadent, velvety coating on the chicken and pasta—perfect for comfort food lovers!

Final Thoughts

It’s hard to beat the irresistible combination of flavors in Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine. This recipe brings a little joy to your table every time—bold, buttery, and just the right amount of spicy. I hope you’ll try it soon and make it a new favorite in your weeknight lineup or whenever the craving strikes!

Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe

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4.9 from 16 reviews

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

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Description

Indulge in a flavorful fusion of spicy chicken and creamy cowboy butter sauce with this Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine recipe. Perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner!

Ingredients

Scale

Linguine Pasta:

12 oz linguine pasta

Chicken:

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into strips

Cowboy Butter Sauce:

4 tbsp unsalted butter
1 tbsp olive oil
4 garlic cloves, minced
juice of 1/2 lemon
1 tsp lemon zest
1/2 tsp Dijon mustard
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
1 tsp chopped fresh parsley
1 tsp chopped chives
salt and black pepper to taste
grated Parmesan for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Cook Linguine: Boil linguine according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
Sear Chicken: Season chicken with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Sauté in olive oil until golden and cooked through.
Make Cowboy Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter, then add garlic, lemon juice, zest, Dijon mustard, red pepper flakes, cayenne, parsley, and chives. Simmer until fragrant.
Combine: Toss chicken in the sauce, add linguine, and coat everything well.
Serve: Garnish with Parmesan and enjoy hot!