If you’re craving a seriously hearty, flavor-packed pasta dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, this Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is what your dinner dreams are made of. Savory sliced chicken breast, smoky spices, a luscious cowboy butter sauce, and twirls of linguine all come together for the ultimate comfort meal. The combination of garlic, Dijon, a hint of lemon, and pepper flakes builds layers of bold taste, while the silky sauce clings to every bite of pasta and chicken. It’s approachable, a bit indulgent, and perfect for impressing friends or simply treating yourself to a delicious weeknight dinner.

Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Putting together Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is wonderfully straightforward, and each ingredient is there for a delicious reason! From the rich, creamy base to the just-right hit of spice, every component plays a role in making this a dish you’ll want to make again and again.

Linguine pasta (8 ounces): The perfect shape for catching all that flavorful creamy sauce—cook it to al dente for the best texture.
Boneless skinless chicken breast (1 pound, sliced thin): Slicing the chicken thin ensures every piece cooks quickly and soaks up those cowboy butter flavors.
Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Helps sear the chicken to golden perfection and jumpstarts all the flavor in your skillet.
Salt and black pepper (to taste): The essential duo for seasoning every layer and bringing out maximum flavor.
Smoked paprika (1 teaspoon): Adds deep, smoky warmth that complements the creamy cowboy butter sauce beautifully.
Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): Gives another punch of garlicky goodness to the chicken seasoning—because you can never have too much!
Cayenne pepper (1/4 teaspoon, optional): A fun, customizable kick—add more or less depending on your spice preference.
Unsalted butter (4 tablespoons): The heart of cowboy butter; melts into the sauce for that signature richness and silkiness.
Garlic (4 cloves, minced): You’ll get bold, fresh garlic flavor that makes the sauce absolutely irresistible.
Dijon mustard (1 tablespoon): Lends a tangy, zesty bite that sets this pasta apart from the usual creamy chicken dishes.
Lemon juice (1 tablespoon): A pop of brightness that keeps the sauce lively rather than heavy.
Crushed red pepper flakes (1/2 teaspoon): For a gentle heat that balances the cream and butter—skip or adjust for milder preferences.
Chicken broth (1/2 cup): Adds moisture and flavorful depth, deglazing any tasty bits left from searing the chicken.
Heavy cream (3/4 cup): Creates the velvety sauce that clings lovingly to pasta and chicken alike. You can use half-and-half for a lighter result.
Parmesan cheese (1/4 cup, grated): Savory, nutty, and a little salty—finishes the sauce with Italian flair.
Fresh parsley (1/4 cup, chopped): Brightens up the plate with fresh color and a final burst of herbal flavor.

How to Make Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

Step 1: Cook the Linguine

Bring a generously salted pot of water to a boil and cook the linguine according to the package directions, aiming for just al dente. Draining the pasta just shy of fully done means it will finish perfectly in the sauce later, soaking up flavor without getting soggy. Once it’s ready, drain well and set aside, making sure to reserve a splash of the cooking water in case you want to loosen the sauce later.

Step 2: Season and Sear the Chicken

In a large skillet, heat up the olive oil over medium-high heat. While the pan heats, pat the sliced chicken breast dry and toss it with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and permission for a little cayenne pepper if you like extra heat. Spread the chicken pieces in a single layer and let them sear undisturbed for 4–5 minutes per side, until they’re beautifully golden outside and cooked all the way through. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate and keep it warm.

Step 3: Start the Cowboy Butter Sauce

Without cleaning the skillet (all those yummy browned bits mean more flavor), lower the heat to medium and add the butter. When it’s just melted and bubbling, stir in the minced garlic, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes. Let everything cook for 1–2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant—your kitchen will smell amazing at this point!

Step 4: Build the Creamy Sauce

Pour in the chicken broth, scraping any stuck-on bits from the bottom of the pan, then bring the mixture to a simmer. Next, stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Give it a few minutes—about 2–3—so it can gently thicken. You’re looking for a sauce that coats the back of a spoon and glimmers with delicious promise.

Step 5: Combine Chicken and Pasta

Return the seared chicken (plus any juices) to the skillet, and then add the drained linguine. Toss everything together thoroughly until each strand of pasta and every piece of chicken is wrapped in creamy cowboy butter goodness. Simmer for another 1–2 minutes to bring everything up to temperature, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if you want to adjust the sauce’s consistency.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Just before serving, sprinkle over the chopped fresh parsley for a final flourish. This last touch lifts the plate visually and brings a lovely freshness to balance the rich sauce. Scoop generous portions onto warm plates and dig in immediately for the best texture and flavor.

How to Serve Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

Garnishes

A little extra grated Parmesan and a generous shower of chopped parsley really make the Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine pop, both in look and taste. If you want to elevate it further, add a twist of freshly cracked black pepper or a sprinkle of lemon zest for extra zing. The bright green and gold contrast looks irresistible and brings a fresh lift to every bite.

Side Dishes

This pasta is rich and satisfying on its own, but it also plays nicely with a simple green salad, roasted asparagus, or broccolini on the side. Garlic bread or warm sourdough are fantastic partners—perfect for swiping up every last drop of that creamy cowboy butter sauce. For a touch of color, consider serving it with oven-roasted cherry tomatoes or steamed green beans.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, try twirling portions of linguine into little nests on each plate, topping with extra chicken and a flourish of parsley. You can also serve Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine family-style in a big, shallow bowl for everyone to help themselves. For casual gatherings, pile the pasta into individual ramekins or small cast-iron pans for a rustic Western vibe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine will keep beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Let the pasta cool to room temperature before storing to preserve its texture and prevent condensation from watering down the sauce. It’s ideal for a next-day lunch that tastes just as amazing as it did fresh.

Freezing

While you can freeze this dish, creamy sauces sometimes separate a bit upon thawing. If you do want to freeze leftovers, let them cool completely, then divide into portions and seal in freezer-safe containers or bags. When ready to use, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results. Keep in mind that the sauce may need a good stir and perhaps a little extra cream after reheating to revive its smoothness.

Reheating

For the creamiest results, reheat leftover Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine gently on the stovetop over low heat. Stir often and add a splash of chicken broth, cream, or even a spoonful of water to help loosen the sauce as it warms up. If you’re in a rush, the microwave works too—just heat in short bursts and stir between each to maintain that silky texture.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Main Course

Absolutely! While linguine hugs the sauce beautifully, fettuccine, spaghetti, or even penne will all work well. Just adjust the cooking time according to the pasta shape you use.

Is Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine spicy?

You control the heat—cayenne pepper and red pepper flakes give it a mild kick, but you can leave them out or reduce the amounts for a milder dish. On the other hand, spice lovers can add a little more for extra zing!

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can cook the chicken and prepare the cowboy butter sauce in advance, then store them separately. When ready to serve, fresh-cook your pasta, combine everything, and gently reheat for maximum flavor and texture.

What vegetables can I add?

This dish is delicious as-is, but feel free to stir in baby spinach, sautéed mushrooms, peas, or roasted bell peppers for color and extra nutrition—the creamy sauce pairs beautifully with veggies.

How do I lighten up the recipe?

For a lighter version of Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine, swap heavy cream for half-and-half or even a splash of evaporated milk. You can also use less butter and up the lemon juice for a brighter, less rich sauce.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something irresistible about the way Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine brings comfort, excitement, and pure joy to the dinner table. Give it a try, experiment with your own twists, and enjoy every creamy, buttery, flavor-packed bite—you just might find a new weeknight favorite!

Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe

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4.9 from 12 reviews

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

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Description

Indulge in a delightful dish of Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine, where tender linguine pasta is tossed with perfectly seasoned chicken in a rich and creamy cowboy butter sauce. This comforting and flavorful pasta dish is sure to become a family favorite!

Ingredients

Scale

Linguine Pasta:

8 ounces linguine pasta

Chicken:

1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast (sliced thin)

Seasoning:

2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and black pepper to taste
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

Cowboy Butter Sauce:

4 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic (minced)
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1/2 cup chicken broth
3/4 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

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Instructions

Cook the Linguine: Prepare linguine according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
Cook the Chicken: Season chicken with spices and cook until golden and cooked through. Set aside.
Make the Cowboy Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, combine butter, garlic, mustard, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes. Simmer with broth, cream, and Parmesan cheese until thickened.
Combine and Serve: Add chicken and linguine to the sauce, toss until coated, then simmer briefly. Garnish with parsley and serve hot.