Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a bold, satisfying dish that transforms pantry staples into a rustic and flavor-forward dinner. Smoky spices, garlic, and zesty lemon juice come together in the iconic cowboy butter sauce, which coats tender chicken and linguine for a comforting yet exciting meal. It’s the kind of dish that feels indulgent yet uncomplicated—perfect for busy nights or impromptu gatherings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish stands out for its perfect balance of creaminess, spice, and zest. The cowboy butter—rich with garlic, herbs, and chili—adds an adventurous twist to classic pasta night. It’s quick to prepare, hearty enough to satisfy, and versatile for customization. Whether you’re looking to spice up your dinner routine or impress guests with minimal effort, this pasta delivers.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Cowboy Butter:
100 g butter
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
Juice of half a lemon
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp chili flakes (adjust to taste)
1 tbsp chopped parsley
Salt and pepper to taste
For the Chicken and Pasta:
2 chicken breasts, sliced thin
250 g linguine
Olive oil
Salt and pepper
Directions
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Cook the pasta:
Boil a large pot of salted water. Cook the linguine according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside. -
Cook the chicken:
In a large skillet, heat a splash of olive oil over medium-high heat.
Add the thinly sliced chicken breasts, season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside. -
Prepare the cowboy butter sauce:
In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Stir in Dijon mustard, lemon juice, smoked paprika, chili flakes, and chopped parsley. Simmer for 1–2 minutes to blend flavors. Season with salt and pepper to taste. -
Combine and serve:
Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet with the cowboy butter sauce.
Toss in the cooked linguine and mix until well coated. Heat gently until warmed through.
Serve immediately, garnished with extra parsley or chili flakes if desired.
Servings and timing
This recipe yields approximately 3–4 servings.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Total time: About 30 minutes
Variations
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Add Vegetables: Toss in sautéed spinach, bell peppers, or cherry tomatoes for added color and nutrition.
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Creamier Sauce: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of cream cheese to enrich the sauce.
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Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta to make the dish suitable for dietary needs.
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Protein Swap: Try shrimp or sliced steak instead of chicken for a different twist.
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Herb Boost: Add fresh thyme or rosemary for an earthier flavor profile.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently on the stove over low heat with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.
Microwave reheating is also effective—cover loosely and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each.
FAQs
What is cowboy butter?
Cowboy butter is a garlicky, herb-infused melted butter sauce with mustard, lemon, and a touch of spice—perfect for meats, vegetables, and pasta.
Can I make this dish less spicy?
Yes, simply reduce or omit the chili flakes to control the heat level.
What type of mustard works best?
Dijon mustard is preferred for its tangy, smooth flavor, but stone-ground mustard can also be used.
Can I prepare cowboy butter in advance?
Yes, you can make the sauce and refrigerate it. Gently reheat it before mixing with pasta and chicken.
Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Absolutely. Just warm it in the skillet before adding to the sauce.
Is this dish kid-friendly?
Yes, especially if you reduce the spice level. The sauce can be adapted to be milder.
Can I freeze this dish?
Freezing is not recommended as the butter-based sauce may separate upon reheating.
What can I serve with this?
A green salad or crusty bread complements the dish well.
How do I make it more saucy?
Double the butter sauce portion or add a splash of pasta water for extra coating.
Can I use other types of pasta?
Yes, spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne all work well as substitutes for linguine.
Conclusion
Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a bold, satisfying fusion of rustic flavors and comforting textures. With its spicy, garlicky butter sauce and tender chicken tossed with linguine, this dish is sure to become a go-to favorite for nights when you need something quick, hearty, and full of flavor. Adaptable and deeply flavorful, it’s the perfect combination of simplicity and flair.
Print
Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 2–3 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing, Boiling
- Cuisine: American
Description
Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is the ultimate fusion of zesty, garlicky cowboy butter sauce and hearty pasta comfort. With tender chicken, rich herbs, smoked paprika, and a spicy kick, this creamy pasta dish is bold, satisfying, and easy to whip up on a busy weeknight. Cowboy butter pasta, spicy chicken linguine, garlic butter pasta, smoky chicken pasta, creamy cowboy sauce.
Ingredients
Cowboy Butter:
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100g butter
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3 garlic cloves, minced
-
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
-
Juice of half a lemon
-
1 tsp smoked paprika
-
1 tsp chili flakes (adjust to taste)
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1 tbsp chopped parsley
-
Salt and pepper to taste
Chicken + Pasta:
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2 chicken breasts, thinly sliced
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250g linguine
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Olive oil
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Salt and pepper
Instructions
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Cook the linguine according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
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In a skillet, heat a bit of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add sliced chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden and cooked through. Set aside.
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In a separate pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and let it sizzle until fragrant.
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Stir in Dijon mustard, lemon juice, smoked paprika, chili flakes, and chopped parsley. Let the sauce simmer for 1–2 minutes.
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Add the cooked chicken and pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat evenly. Adjust seasoning to taste.
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Serve hot, garnished with extra parsley or chili flakes if desired.
Notes
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Add a splash of pasta water if the sauce needs thinning.
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For extra creaminess, stir in a spoonful of cream or cream cheese.
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Pairs well with crusty bread or a side salad.
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