Savory Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine That Will Make You Crave More

Name: Savory Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine That Will Make You Crave More
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces; 8 oz linguine pasta; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 tablespoon butter; 4 garlic cloves, minced; 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard; 1/2 teaspoon paprika; 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); Juice of 1/2 lemon; Zest of 1 lemon; 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped; 1/2 cup chicken broth (or reserved pasta water); 1/2 cup heavy cream; 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese; Salt and pepper, to taste

BY Emily Parker July 1, 2025

Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine served on a rustic plate

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Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is the kind of dish that brings creamy, garlicky comfort to your table in under 30 minutes. With juicy chicken, rich cowboy butter, and silky linguine, this easy dinner is packed with bold flavor. Whether it’s a cozy night in or a quick weeknight fix, this recipe is a must-try for pasta lovers.

Table of Contents

How Cowboy Butter Turns Chicken Linguine Into Magic

The Flavor That Hooks You Fast
This dish is inspired by the herby, zesty cowboy butter once used on cattle drives—and now it transforms everyday pasta into something unforgettable. Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine brings that same flavor home: lemon, garlic, parsley, and spice swirled into a creamy sauce.

Why It’s a Favorite at the Table
Every bite delivers juicy chicken, tender linguine, and buttery sauce that clings just right. It’s just as crave-worthy as our creamy beef and bowtie pasta and pairs well with pastas like mezzaluna or pappardelle. Comforting, bold, and fast this dish checks every box.

Building the Perfect Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

Ingredients That Make the Sauce Sing
What makes Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine stand out from other creamy chicken pasta dishes is its rich, bold flavor. This recipe brings together garlic, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, red pepper flakes, and parsley for a butter sauce that’s zesty and irresistible. Add heavy cream and parmesan, and you’ve got a smooth, luscious finish that coats every strand of linguine.

The chicken in Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is seasoned with just salt and pepper, then seared until golden. That simple start lets the cowboy butter shine through. If you’ve tried our garlic parmesan chicken pasta, this recipe takes the flavor up a notch with its punch of herbs and heat.

Using fresh lemon juice and real parmesan gives the sauce a bright, creamy kick. Not into linguine? Try this cowboy butter sauce with penne, spaghetti, or even chicken pasta favorites like rigatoni.

Quick Steps for Big Flavor
This Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine recipe is weeknight gold. Cook the pasta, brown the chicken, and build your sauce in one skillet. After sautéing the garlic and spices, stir in lemon, broth, and mustard. Once the cream and parsley go in, return the chicken, toss in the pasta, and finish with parmesan.

If your sauce needs loosening, just add some reserved pasta water. Like our creamy broccoli pasta, it’s a fast recipe with full flavor. But with that cowboy butter magic, this one just might become your new favorite.

Customizing Your Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

Easy Tweaks to Fit Your Taste
One of the best things about Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is how easy it is to customize. Want more heat? Add extra red pepper flakes or even a dash of cayenne. Prefer a citrus-forward profile? Add more lemon zest or an extra squeeze of juice right before serving. This pasta invites creativity.

Swap out the chicken breasts for juicy boneless thighs, or use rotisserie chicken for an even quicker dinner. You can also lighten things up by replacing heavy cream with half-and-half. If you’re cooking for picky eaters, leave out the spice and garnish with extra parmesan for a milder finish.

For a veggie boost, stir in baby spinach, cherry tomatoes, or even peas before tossing in the pasta. It’s a smart way to make your Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine more colorful and nutrient-rich. Similar to our marry me chicken pasta, it balances indulgence with versatility.

What to Serve With It
While Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine shines on its own, pairing it with a few extras takes the meal to another level. A crisp side salad with lemon vinaigrette balances the richness of the dish beautifully. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette is perfect for soaking up that buttery sauce.

Want more? A light pasta salad like our grinder pasta salad offers a refreshing contrast. For drinks, sparkling lemonade or a citrusy iced tea pairs well. Whether it’s a casual dinner or a special treat, this dish makes it feel like something worth savoring.

Storing, Reheating, and Final Tips for Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

Smart Storage and Reheating Tips
If you find yourself with leftovers (and that’s a big if), Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine stores beautifully. Let it cool completely, then seal it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. To reheat, add a splash of milk or water and warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave until creamy again.

For freezing, it’s best to keep the pasta and sauce separate if possible. Freeze in portions for up to two months. Thaw in the fridge overnight, then reheat low and slow. These tips also work well for dishes like our creamy beef and bowtie pasta, which also has a rich sauce that can be revived with a little liquid.

Conclusion

Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is the kind of meal you make once and crave forever. It’s creamy, zesty, garlicky, and satisfying in every bite. With just one skillet and a few pantry ingredients, you can whip up a dinner that tastes like a treat. Whether you’re cooking for guests or just want something cozy on a weeknight, this dish is a keeper.

Looking for more pasta dishes that bring big flavor without the stress? Check out our recipes for mezzaluna pasta or pappardelle pasta for more comforting, creative options. Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine might just become your new go-to.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Italian chicken linguine recipe – Is this one?

While not a traditional Italian recipe, Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine takes inspiration from Italian-style creamy linguine, with added zest and heat. It’s a fusion that delivers both comfort and boldness.

Best chicken linguine recipe – Is this really the best?

If you love flavor-forward meals, this could be your favorite. With juicy chicken, a buttery herb sauce, and creamy texture, Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine stands out from the usual.

Creamy chicken linguine recipe – Is this dish creamy?

Yes. The addition of heavy cream and parmesan makes the sauce rich and silky. If you’re a fan of creamy pastas like creamy broccoli pasta, you’ll love this one.

Cowboy butter pasta recipe – Can I make it without chicken?

Definitely. Skip the chicken and add vegetables or even shrimp for a pescatarian twist. The cowboy butter flavor works with many ingredients.

Nutrition Disclaimer: The nutrition information provided in the Recipe card is an estimate only.For the most accurate results, please calculate the values yourself using your preferred nutrition calculator.