If you’re looking for a pasta dish that’s downright irresistible, smoky, and creamy all at once, Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is about to become your new favorite. Imagine tender chicken strips glazed in a zesty, garlicky butter sauce—infused with a kick of spices—tossed through silky linguine and finished with plenty of fresh herbs and a generous dusting of Parmesan. This is comfort food with a wild-west twist, and it’s as fun to make as it is to devour. Whether you’re cooking for your family or want to impress at your next dinner party, this Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine will put big smiles on everyone’s face.

Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe keeps things deliciously simple with a handful of pantry and fresh staples. Each ingredient shines in its own way—bringing richness, brightness, heat, or irresistible aroma to every bite. Here’s what you’ll need, along with little hints on how each one matters:

12 ounces linguine: This wide pasta is perfect for grabbing onto that buttery sauce with every forkful.
1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Sliced into strips, these cook up juicy and soak up all the flavor.
1/2 teaspoon salt: Brings out all the natural flavors in the chicken and the sauce.
1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a subtle kick of warmth and roundness without overpowering.
2 tablespoons olive oil: Helps achieve a gorgeous sear on the chicken and a base for building the sauce.
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided: The star of the show—unsalted lets you control the seasoning, and we’ll use it in stages for depth.
4 garlic cloves, minced: Nothing beats fresh garlic for savory, aromatic punch.
Juice and zest of 1 lemon: Wakes up the whole dish with brightness and a hint of citrus aroma.
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard: Adds tang and subtle complexity without being overpowering.
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika: Provides smoky depth that’s essential for that cowboy kick.
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes: Delivers gentle heat and a bit of beautiful color.
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper: For those who love a vibrant, spicy finish.
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Herbs for earthiness and balance.
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped: Sprinkles every plate with garden-fresh color and a clean taste.
1/4 cup fresh chives, chopped: Delicate, oniony flavor that ties it all together.
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Nutty, salty, and perfectly melts over the pasta and sauce.

How to Make Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

Step 1: Cook the Linguine

Start by bringing a big pot of salted water to a boil—you want your pasta water to taste just a bit like the sea. Cook the linguine according to the package instructions until it’s deliciously al dente. Before draining, don’t forget to save about half a cup of that starchy cooking water; it’s the secret to a glossy, clinging sauce later.

Step 2: Season and Sear the Chicken

While your pasta cooks, grab those chicken strips and season them thoroughly with salt and black pepper. Heat up olive oil and two tablespoons of the butter in a large skillet until shimmering, then add the chicken. Let the pieces caramelize to golden brown and cook through, about 6 to 8 minutes. Once they’re cooked, transfer the chicken to a plate to rest—and don’t wipe out the skillet! All those tasty bits are pure flavor.

Step 3: Build the Cowboy Butter Sauce

Reduce the heat and add the remaining butter straight into the same skillet. Watch as it melts and bubbles, then toss in garlic, lemon zest and juice, Dijon, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, cayenne, and Italian seasoning. You’ll smell the magic happening instantly! Stir gently for 1 to 2 minutes until everything is aromatic and just blended, taking care not to let the garlic burn.

Step 4: Combine Linguine and Sauce

Add the drained linguine into the cowboy butter sauce right in the skillet. Toss everything together, swirling the pasta until it’s evenly slicked and glossy. If the sauce feels a bit thick, splash in some reserved pasta water, a little at a time, to get it just right—luscious and coating every strand.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Slip the cooked chicken strips back into the skillet. Give the whole mixture a big toss, ensuring every bite of chicken and noodle is coated in the spicy, buttery sauce. Remove the pan from heat, then sprinkle in the chopped parsley, chives, and finish with grated Parmesan. Toss once more before serving Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine piping hot.

How to Serve Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

Garnishes

A flourish of fresh parsley and chives right before serving makes every plate positively pop with color and freshness. Don’t stop there—a final snowfall of grated Parmesan never hurts, and a wedge of lemon on the side is a zesty, crowd-pleasing touch.

Side Dishes

This pasta sings next to a simple green salad drizzled with a tangy vinaigrette or a basket of warm, crusty garlic bread for mopping up every last bit of that cowboy butter. Roasted veggies, like asparagus or broccolini, also make a graceful, wholesome partner.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine in a big family-style platter straight from the skillet for a rustic, homey feel. For a playful twist, swirl individual nests of pasta onto plates and top each with a few chicken strips and extra herbs. Hosting a party? Serve it in small bowls or ramekins as a hearty appetizer or for a pasta bar night!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftover Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine (lucky you!) just transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. The flavors meld together overnight, making for a lunch that’s every bit as crave-worthy as dinner.

Freezing

While pasta dishes with dairy don’t always freeze perfectly, you can absolutely freeze Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine for future cravings. Cool completely, then place portions in freezer-safe containers. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best texture.

Reheating

To reheat, place leftovers in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce as needed. Stir gently until hot; this helps the pasta regain its silky gloss without drying out. The microwave works too—just be sure to cover and stir halfway through.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Main Course

Absolutely! While linguine is especially good at clinging to the sauce, you can substitute fettuccine, spaghetti, or even penne if you prefer. Just adjust cooking times as needed for your chosen shape.

Is Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine very spicy?

The heat level is mellow but noticeable, thanks to the smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, and cayenne. If you’re sensitive to spice, simply dial back the red pepper and cayenne until it’s just right for your palate.

What’s the best way to prep cowboy butter in advance?

You can mix together the butter, garlic, spices, lemon juice, mustard, and seasonings ahead of time, then refrigerate it until you’re ready to cook. When you want to make Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine, just melt your butter blend right in the skillet!

Can I add vegetables to the recipe?

Definitely! Sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or roasted bell peppers make wonderful, colorful additions. Just add them to the skillet right before tossing the linguine.

Is there a dairy-free version of Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine?

You can experiment with vegan butter and omit the Parmesan or swap for a dairy-free cheese. The sauce will still be rich and satisfying, though the flavor profile will change slightly.

Final Thoughts

I truly can’t wait for you to try Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine in your own kitchen. Whether it’s weeknight comfort or the star of your next gathering, it delivers big flavor, easy prep, and a little bit of wild-west fun to your table. Grab your fork, gather everyone around, and dig in—you’re going to love every bite!

Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 24 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Indulge in a flavorful twist on classic chicken linguine with this Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine recipe. Tender chicken strips are coated in a rich, savory cowboy butter sauce, then tossed with perfectly cooked linguine for a satisfying and delicious meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Linguine:

12 ounces linguine

Cowboy Butter Chicken:

1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
4 garlic cloves, minced
Juice and zest of 1 lemon
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
1/4 cup fresh chives, chopped
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Cook Linguine: Boil linguine until al dente, then drain, reserving pasta water.
Cook Chicken: Season and cook chicken strips until golden.
Prepare Cowboy Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, combine butter, garlic, lemon juice and zest, mustard, paprika, pepper flakes, cayenne, and Italian seasoning. Cook until fragrant.
Combine Ingredients: Toss drained linguine in the sauce, adding pasta water as needed. Add chicken back to the skillet. Stir in parsley, chives, and Parmesan. Serve hot.