Name: Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed; 8 oz linguine pasta; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 tbsp butter; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp onion powder; ½ tsp smoked paprika; ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional); Salt and pepper to taste; ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional); ½ cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped; 1 tbsp lemon juice; ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese; ¼ cup chicken broth; ¼ cup heavy cream; 1 tbsp Dijon mustard

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 14 reviews

I am so excited to share this Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe with you! It has quickly become one of my all-time favorite weeknight dishes because of its rich, buttery sauce paired with tender chicken and perfectly cooked linguine. The blend of garlic, lemon, and Parmesan makes every bite truly unforgettable, and I love how easy it comes together in just 30 minutes. Whether you’re cooking for your family or impressing guests, this dish feels both comforting and a little special.

Why You’ll Love This Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe

From the moment I first made this Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe, I was hooked on the bold and buttery flavor profile. The blend of smoked paprika, garlic, and a subtle kick of cayenne creates a cozy warmth that’s balanced perfectly by the brightness of fresh lemon juice and Parmesan cheese. It’s like comfort food with a flavorful twist that never feels heavy or overwhelming. Every forkful feels like a little celebration of flavors that somehow come together effortlessly.

One of the things I appreciate most about this recipe is how straightforward it is. Even on busy weeknights, I can whip this up quickly without sacrificing any of the deliciousness. It’s also very flexible, which means you can easily customize it for different occasions—whether it’s a casual dinner or a small dinner party. I love that it stands out because it feels indulgent and satisfying but is surprisingly simple to make, which makes it a real go-to in my kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a white bowl with uncooked pale yellow noodles in the center on a light beige cloth, next to a wooden bowl filled with raw cutted chicken brreast. To the right, there is a small bunch of fresh green parsley and two lemon halves, one facing up showing the pale yellow juicy inside. Above the cloth is a glass cup with light yellow liquid, placed on a white marbled surface. On the left side, there are small white and blue bowls with red chili flakes, black pepper, crushed red pepper, and coarse salt. Fresh green parsley stems lay next to the bowls on the white marbled surface, with some scattered brown spices nearby. A beige fabric is partially visible on the right edge of the image. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The ingredients for this Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe are simple but carefully chosen to create layers of flavor and texture. Each component brings something special to the table, from the creamy butter sauce to the bright parsley garnish, making the dish both vibrant and comforting.

Pro Tip ✨

Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.

Chicken breasts: Cubed for quick, even cooking and tender bites throughout the pasta.
Linguine pasta: Holds the sauce perfectly thanks to its flat, broad shape.
Olive oil and butter: Both add layers of richness and help in creating the cowboy butter base.
Garlic powder and onion powder: Essential for building a savory foundation in the seasoning mix.
Smoked paprika and cayenne pepper: Bring warmth and a subtle smoky depth, with optional heat.
Salt and pepper: To bring all the flavors together.
Crushed red pepper flakes: Optional, for those who love a spicy kick.
Unsalted butter: The star ingredient for the cowboy butter sauce, adding luscious creaminess.
Fresh parsley: Adds freshness and vibrant color.
Lemon juice: Cuts through the richness and brightens the sauce.
Parmesan cheese: Adds umami and a salty, nutty finish.
Chicken broth and heavy cream: Work together to create a silky, flavorful sauce.
Dijon mustard: Brings a subtle tang and depth to the sauce.

Directions

Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the linguine until al dente, which usually takes about 9 to 10 minutes. Before draining, reserve about ¼ cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.

Step 2: While the pasta cooks, season the cubed chicken breasts generously with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken until it’s golden brown and cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then, stir in the chicken broth, heavy cream, Dijon mustard, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Let the sauce simmer gently for 3 to 5 minutes until it thickens slightly and develops a creamy consistency.

Step 4: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, then add the drained pasta. Toss everything together to make sure the linguine and chicken are evenly coated in the luscious cowboy butter sauce. Stir in Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, and lemon juice, and adjust the sauce’s consistency if needed by adding some reserved pasta water a little at a time.

Step 5: Garnish with more freshly chopped parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese before serving immediately. I like to serve this dish warm, as it makes the sauce feel silky and inviting.

Servings and Timing

This Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe serves approximately 4 people, making it perfect for a family dinner or a small gathering of friends. The prep time is about 10 minutes, and the cooking time is roughly 20 minutes, so you’re looking at a total of about 30 minutes from start to finish. There’s no extra resting time required, which means you can have it on the table quickly, perfect for busy nights when you want something delicious without the wait.

How to Serve This Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe

A white plate filled with a large serving of spaghetti pasta mixed with golden brown cooked chicken pieces. The chicken is cut into medium bite-sized chunks and is scattered evenly over the pasta. There are visible herbs and small green seasoning flakes sprinkled on top of the noodles and chicken, giving texture and color contrast. Around the plate, some lemon wedges and small bowls with red pepper flakes and ground nuts rest on a white marbled surface. A woman's hand is reaching toward the plate holding a fork. The scene is warmly lit, showing the pasta's shiny and soft texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

I love serving this linguine with a side of crisp, fresh greens like arugula or a simple mixed salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to complement the richness of the butter sauce. Roasted or steamed vegetables such as asparagus, broccoli, or cherry tomatoes also pair beautifully and add a pop of vibrant color to the plate. Adding a crusty loaf of garlic bread on the side is a great way to soak up every last bit of the sauce.

For garnishing, I like to add a generous sprinkle of fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese right before serving to keep the presentation bright and fresh. Drizzling a touch more lemon juice over the top adds an uplifting zing that wakes up the dish. For a special touch, I sometimes add a few toasted pine nuts or crushed red pepper flakes to bring some contrast and texture.

When it comes to beverages, I often reach for a chilled glass of crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a buttery Chardonnay that complements the sauce beautifully. For a non-alcoholic pairing, sparkling water with a slice of lemon or a light, citrus-infused iced tea works wonderfully. I’ve served this dish both at casual weeknight dinners and festive weekend meals, and it always feels like a treat no matter the occasion. I find it’s best served hot and fresh from the stove so that the buttery sauce is silky and comforting.

Variations

I like to switch up this Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe depending on what I have on hand or my mood. For instance, swapping chicken for shrimp gives it a delightful seafood twist that cooks even faster. If you prefer a vegetarian version, firm tofu or sautéed mushrooms work beautifully and soak up the sauce just as well.

If you’re cooking for someone with gluten sensitivities, gluten-free linguine is a perfect substitute that doesn’t sacrifice texture. For those looking to lighten the dish a bit, I sometimes use half-and-half instead of heavy cream or swap out part of the butter for olive oil. Adding fresh veggies like baby spinach or cherry tomatoes not only increases the nutritional value but also brightens the flavor and adds lovely color.

For a different flavor profile, you might experiment with smoked sausage or even bacon bits to add a smoky, savory note. You could also try incorporating different herbs such as basil or thyme in place of parsley for a new twist. If you want to amp up the heat, increasing the cayenne pepper or adding chipotle powder to the seasoning mix creates a smoky, spicy kick that I absolutely love.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

When I have leftovers of this Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe, I store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best to consume within 3 to 4 days to enjoy the flavors at their freshest. Using glass containers helps retain the taste better, and I always recommend refrigerating as soon as the dish cools to avoid any loss in texture or flavor.

Freezing

I generally don’t recommend freezing this dish because the creamy butter sauce can sometimes separate when thawed, altering the texture. However, if you want to freeze it, store the pasta and chicken separately from the sauce in airtight freezer-safe containers. Try to use frozen portions within 1 to 2 months for best quality. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently on the stove.

Reheating

The best way to reheat this Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe is slowly on the stovetop over low heat. I add a splash of chicken broth or reserved pasta water while reheating to help restore the creamy sauce and prevent it from drying out. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can cause the sauce to break and make the chicken rubbery. Stir gently and heat until just warmed through for the best texture and flavor.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta instead of linguine?

Absolutely! While linguine is ideal for holding onto the sauce, you can substitute it with fettuccine, spaghetti, or even penne. Just adjust the cooking time based on the pasta used and be sure to reserve some pasta water to help the sauce cling.

Is there a way to make this dish dairy-free?

Yes! You can swap out the butter for dairy-free margarine or olive oil and use coconut cream or a plant-based cream alternative in place of heavy cream. Nutritional yeast works well as a substitute for Parmesan to keep that cheesy flavor without dairy.

How spicy is this recipe? Can I make it milder?

The heat level is quite adjustable. If you prefer milder dishes, simply omit the cayenne pepper and crushed red pepper flakes. The other seasonings still provide plenty of wonderful flavor without the spice.

Can I prep parts of this recipe ahead of time?

Definitely! You can season and cook the chicken earlier in the day and keep it refrigerated until ready to assemble. Pasta can be cooked just before serving. Preparing the sauce ingredients ahead also helps speed up the final steps.

What can I do to add more vegetables to this recipe?

I love tossing in baby spinach or halved cherry tomatoes just before adding the pasta to the sauce so they soften slightly but stay vibrant. You can also roast bell peppers or asparagus and stir them in to add extra texture and nutrition.

Conclusion

I truly hope you enjoy making and savoring this Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe as much as I do. It’s one of those dishes that feels like a special treat while being easy enough for any day of the week. The combination of buttery sauce, perfectly seasoned chicken, and tangy brightness is something I always crave. Give it a try and let it become your new favorite go-to meal!