If you’ve never heard of Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine, you’re in for a flavor-packed surprise. This recipe takes the bold, garlicky, herb-loaded richness of cowboy butter and marries it with tender, juicy chicken and silky linguine noodles. The result? A creamy, comforting dish with a little kick and a whole lot of personality.
It’s one of those meals that feels fancy but comes together quickly—perfect for busy weeknights when you still want something hearty and homemade. Whether you’re wrangling a crew of hungry kids or just cooking for two, this one’s sure to become a new favorite in your dinner rotation.
Ingredients
For the Chicken & Pasta:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts (sliced into strips)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 12 oz linguine pasta
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
For the Cowboy Butter Sauce:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives
- 1/2 teaspoon thyme (fresh or dried)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Optional: 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese for serving
Serving Size: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 20 minutes Total Time: 30 minutes
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the linguine according to package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water before draining.
- Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the chicken with salt and pepper, then sauté for 6-8 minutes, until golden and cooked through. Remove from pan and set aside.
- Make the Cowboy Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium. Add butter and let it melt. Stir in garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Add mustard, lemon juice, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, herbs, and season with salt and pepper. Let it simmer for a couple minutes to blend flavors.
- Toss Everything Together: Return the chicken to the skillet. Add the cooked linguine and reserved pasta water. Toss well until the pasta is fully coated and the sauce is silky. Sprinkle with Parmesan if desired.
Tips for Making the Recipe
- Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh parsley, chives, and thyme make a big difference in flavor and brightness. Don’t skip them if you can help it.
- Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Thin strips of chicken cook fast. Aim for golden edges without drying it out.
- Adjust Heat to Taste: Cowboy butter has a gentle kick thanks to red pepper flakes. If you like it spicier, bump it up. If not, cut the amount in half.
- Reserve Pasta Water: Don’t forget to save that liquid gold. It helps the sauce cling to the noodles and creates a silky finish.
- Finish with Lemon: A splash of lemon at the end wakes everything up and cuts the richness.
Recipe Variations
- Make it Creamy: Add 1/2 cup heavy cream or a dollop of cream cheese to the sauce for an extra luxurious texture.
- Add Veggies: Toss in sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or roasted cherry tomatoes for extra nutrition and flavor.
- Swap the Protein: Use shrimp or sliced steak instead of chicken for a different spin. Tofu works great too for a vegetarian option.
- Try a Different Pasta: Fettuccine or pappardelle work just as well if you don’t have linguine on hand.
- Low-Carb Version: Use zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash in place of traditional pasta.
Related Post: Mediterranean Lemon Chicken Soup Recipe
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, but it’s best served fresh. If reheating, add a splash of broth or milk to help loosen the sauce.
Is Cowboy Butter spicy?
It has a mild kick, but you can adjust the spice level by increasing or decreasing the red pepper flakes.
Can I freeze leftovers?
It’s not ideal since cream- or butter-based sauces can separate after freezing. Store in the fridge up to 3 days and reheat gently.
What should I serve with this?
A crisp green salad, garlic bread, or roasted veggies are all great sides. It’s rich, so something fresh on the side balances it out.
Do I need Parmesan?
It’s optional, but adds a nice umami kick that complements the buttery sauce. A sprinkle goes a long way.