Indulgent, rich, and with a kick of buttery spice, Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is where hearty comfort food meets a dash of gourmet flair. Imagine perfectly seared chicken tossed in a creamy cowboy butter sauce, layered over silky linguine noodles. This dish brings bold, rustic flavors right to your table with minimal effort and maximum satisfaction.

Whether you’re feeding a hungry crowd or just looking to spice up your weeknight dinner routine, this recipe is sure to be a hit. The cowboy butter—a buttery blend of garlic, mustard, herbs, and chili—turns simple chicken into a standout centerpiece. Paired with al dente linguine and finished with a sprinkle of Parmesan, every bite is loaded with flavor.

What Kind of Pasta Works Best for Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine?

Linguine is the top choice here—it offers a broad surface to capture the luscious cowboy butter sauce, holding up well to the creamy, buttery richness. You could swap in fettuccine or tagliatelle if needed, but avoid thinner pastas like angel hair which can get lost in the sauce.

Ingredients for the Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

Chicken Breast: Cut into bite-sized chunks, this is the star protein. Its mild flavor lets the cowboy butter shine through.

Linguine Pasta: The wide, flat shape perfectly coats with sauce and balances the hearty chicken.

Butter: The base of cowboy butter. Choose unsalted to control seasoning.

Garlic: Finely minced for a punchy base note.

Dijon Mustard: Adds tang and depth to the butter blend.

Lemon Juice: Brightens the richness and balances the butter.

Paprika + Red Pepper Flakes: Bring warmth and a touch of heat.

Parsley + Chives: Fresh herbs lift the dish and give it a cowboy flair.

Salt + Black Pepper: Basic but essential seasoning.

Parmesan Cheese: A finishing touch of savory creaminess.

How To Make the Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

Step 1: Cook the Linguine

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the linguine according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta water.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add a drizzle of oil. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then sear until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Cowboy Butter Sauce

In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the garlic, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, paprika, and red pepper flakes. Let the mixture cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Add in the parsley and chives, stirring gently.

Step 4: Combine Chicken and Pasta

Return the seared chicken to the skillet and toss to coat in the cowboy butter sauce. Add the cooked linguine and a splash of the reserved pasta water to help the sauce cling to the noodles. Toss everything together until well mixed.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan over the top, give it one last toss, and serve immediately. Garnish with more herbs and a pinch of red pepper flakes if desired.

How to Serve and Store Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

Serve this dish hot straight from the skillet. It’s excellent on its own, but you can pair it with a simple green salad or a slice of crusty garlic bread for a heartier meal. For wine lovers, a chilled glass of Chardonnay balances the buttery richness beautifully.

To store leftovers, transfer the cooled pasta to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of cream or water to loosen the sauce without drying it out.

Frequently Asked Questions

How spicy is cowboy butter sauce?

It has a mild to moderate kick, thanks to red pepper flakes. You can adjust the spice level by adding more or less according to taste.

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Absolutely. If you’re short on time, rotisserie chicken works well. Just skip the searing step and toss it directly into the sauce.

What can I use instead of Dijon mustard?

Whole grain mustard or even a bit of yellow mustard can work. Dijon is preferred for its tangy depth.

Is it freezer-friendly?

Not ideally. The sauce may separate when thawed. It’s best enjoyed fresh or from the fridge within a few days.

Can I add vegetables?

Yes! Spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes pair deliciously with this sauce. Just sauté them with the garlic.

Want More Chicken Pasta Ideas?

If this Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine left you wanting more, try these other satisfying meals:

One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles for a weeknight wonder.
Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta to turn up the heat.
Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce for crunchy-meets-creamy perfection.
Baked Greek Yogurt Chicken if you’re looking for a lighter touch.
Sticky Honey Garlic Steak Rotini when you’re craving bold and savory.

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And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go heavier on the herbs? Add a veggie twist? Swap the linguine for something else?

I love hearing how you make these recipes your own. Share your tips or questions below—let’s make dinner even better together!

Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

Author: Kate Walton
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

Print Recipe

Description

A rich and creamy pasta dish with tender chicken pieces tossed in a bold cowboy butter sauce and served over al dente linguine. Packed with garlic, Dijon, lemon, and herbs, it’s a comforting meal with a rustic twist.

Instructions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the linguine until al dente. Drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
In a skillet, heat oil and sear seasoned chicken until golden and cooked through. Set aside.
Melt butter in the same skillet. Add garlic, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, paprika, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 1–2 minutes.
Stir in parsley and chives, then return chicken to the skillet.
Add cooked pasta and reserved water. Toss everything to coat well.
Sprinkle with Parmesan, toss again, and serve hot.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Dinner