Name: Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: 12 oz linguine; 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces); 2 tbsp olive oil; Salt & black pepper to taste; For the Cowboy Butter Sauce:; 4 tbsp unsalted butter; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tbsp Dijon mustard; 1/2 tsp paprika; 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste); 1 tsp lemon juice; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

This Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is one of those meals that just works—it’s rich, buttery, slightly spicy, and packed with bold flavors that will have your family asking for seconds.

I first made this recipe on a whim when I was looking for a way to jazz up our regular pasta night. My kids love creamy pastas, my husband adores anything with a bit of spice, and I, well—I just wanted something indulgent but easy to throw together after a long day. The result? A dish that blends the comforting heartiness of a classic pasta with the bold, zesty flavors of cowboy butter—a compound butter loaded with garlic, lemon, Dijon mustard, and a hint of heat.

What I love most about this dish is how simple it is to make, yet it tastes like something you’d get at a cozy Italian-American bistro. The creamy sauce coats every strand of linguine, while the pan-seared chicken adds the perfect bite. Topped with fresh herbs for a pop of color and freshness, this meal is just as stunning as it is delicious. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner, a cozy date night at home, or a casual dinner party with friends, you’ll love how effortlessly impressive this recipe is.

Questions I Often Get Asked About This Recipe

Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! While linguine works beautifully with the creamy sauce, you can also use fettuccine, spaghetti, or even penne if that’s what you have on hand.

Is this dish spicy?
It has a mild kick from the red pepper flakes in the cowboy butter, but it’s not overwhelming. If you prefer a milder flavor, just reduce the amount of pepper.

Can I make this ahead of time?
This dish is best served fresh, but you can prepare the sauce and chicken in advance. Simply reheat and toss with freshly cooked pasta before serving.

What can I serve with it?
A simple side salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables make great accompaniments to this pasta.

What You Need to Make Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

Ingredients:

12 oz linguine

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)

2 tbsp olive oil

Salt & black pepper to taste

For the Cowboy Butter Sauce:

4 tbsp unsalted butter

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 tbsp Dijon mustard

1/2 tsp paprika

1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)

1 tsp lemon juice

1/2 cup heavy cream

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

How to Make Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

Cook the Pasta: Boil linguine in salted water according to package instructions. Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of pasta water.

Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper, then sauté until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.

Make the Cowboy Butter Sauce: In the same pan, melt butter and add minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant. Stir in Dijon mustard, paprika, red pepper flakes, and lemon juice.

Create the Creamy Base: Pour in the heavy cream, stirring well to combine. Gradually add Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and smooth.

Combine Everything: Return the cooked chicken to the pan, then add the drained linguine. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water as needed to achieve a silky consistency.

Garnish & Serve: Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Tips for Making the Best Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

Use Fresh Parmesan: Pre-grated Parmesan won’t melt as smoothly into the sauce as fresh, finely shredded cheese.

Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Cook until golden brown and just done to keep it juicy and tender.

Adjust Spice Levels: If you want more heat, add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.

Make it Lighter: Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version.

Try a Protein Swap: This recipe also works great with shrimp or even thinly sliced steak!

Reader Reviews

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Absolutely delicious! My family devoured it, and my picky eater even asked for seconds.” – Sarah M.

⭐⭐⭐⭐ “The sauce was so creamy and flavorful! Next time, I might add some mushrooms for extra texture.” – David R.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “This is my new go-to pasta recipe! The cowboy butter takes it to the next level.” – Rachel P.

⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Loved the flavors, but I’d use less red pepper flakes for my kids next time.” – Emily T.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Such an easy and impressive meal! My husband said it tasted like restaurant-quality pasta.” – Jessica L.

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