Name: Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
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

I love how this dish brings together tender chicken, silky linguine, and a luscious, zesty butter sauce—it all comes together in just 30 minutes for a comforting yet elegant meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I adore the flavor explosion—from garlic and smoked paprika to bright lemon and creamy Parmesan. It’s quick enough for a busy weeknight but feels special. Plus, everything comes together in one skillet, so cleanup is a breeze.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

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

Directions

Cook the linguine: Bring salted water to a boil, cook pasta until al dente (9–11 minutes), reserve ¼ cup pasta water, and drain. Toss with a drizzle of olive oil.
Season and cook chicken: Rub chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Sauté in olive oil and butter until golden and cooked through (3–4 minutes per side). Set aside.
Make the cowboy butter sauce: In the same skillet over medium-low heat, melt the softened butter. Add minced garlic and cook briefly, then whisk in broth, Dijon mustard, cream, and Parmesan. Let it simmer until slightly thickened.
Combine: Return chicken to the skillet, add linguine, toss to coat. If needed, thin with reserved pasta water.
Finish: Stir in parsley and lemon juice, then plate and garnish with extra parsley and Parmesan.

Servings and Timing

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4

Variations

Southwestern twist: Swap in sprinkle with pepper jack cheese, and garnish with avocado and cilantro.
Mediterranean version: Use Italian sausage, sun-dried tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil.
Greener option: Add 2 cups baby spinach or sautéed asparagus.
Seafood swap: Replace chicken with shrimp for a pescatarian version.

Storage/Reheating

Store molded pasta and sauce together in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, warm gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat with a splash of chicken broth or cream to reinvigorate the sauce’s silky texture.

FAQs

What makes the cowboy butter sauce unique?

It’s a compound butter infused with garlic, herbs, spices, lemon, mustard, and a touch of heat—creating a creamy, zesty flavor that elevates pasta and chicken effortlessly.

Can I prep this recipe ahead of time?

Yes. I often season and cube chicken up to 24 hours in advance. I’ll also mix the sauce components (except butter) and refrigerate them. When it’s time to cook, I simply melt the butter and finish the sauce.

How can I lighten the dish?

I substitute half-and-half for heavy cream and reduce the butter by half. It still tastes rich, but with fewer calories.

What sides should I serve with it?

I typically serve this with a crisp green salad tossed in tangy lemon vinaigrette and a crusty rustic loaf to soak up the sauce. They balance the flavors beautifully.

Can I use a different pasta shape?

Absolutely! Fettuccine, spaghetti, or penne would work great—just choose a shape that catches the sauce well.

Conclusion

This creamy cowboy butter chicken linguine has become one of my favorite weeknight dishes because it’s quick, satisfying, and rich in flavor. What I love most is how flexible it is—you can easily switch proteins, pasta shapes, and veggies to suit your preferences. With minimal effort, you get a restaurant-quality meal that feels both comforting and special.