Fresh and Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a bold, comforting pasta dish that brings together juicy chicken, tender linguine, and a rich cowboy butter sauce packed with garlic, lemon, Dijon mustard, and warm spices. This recipe delivers restaurant-style flavor with simple ingredients and straightforward steps, making it perfect for busy weeknights and relaxed weekend dinners alike.
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Why You’ll Love This Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
This dish is all about balance. The butter-based sauce feels indulgent, but the lemon and herbs keep it fresh and lively. Every bite is creamy, savory, and just a little zesty.
- Ready in about 40 minutes
- Made with pantry-friendly ingredients
- Family-friendly with adjustable heat
- Rich and comforting without being heavy
- Perfect for both casual dinners and guests
If you love pasta recipes that feel special without being complicated, this one deserves a spot in your regular rotation.
Ingredients for Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
Pasta and Chicken
- 12 ounces linguine pasta
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
Cowboy Butter Sauce
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley or 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
Creamy Finish
- 3/4 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Ingredient Notes
- Chicken: Chicken thighs can be used instead of breasts for a juicier result.
- Butter: Unsalted butter lets you control the seasoning more easily.
- Heat level: Reduce or omit red pepper flakes for a milder dish.
- Cream: Half-and-half or whole milk can be substituted for a lighter sauce.
- Pasta: Fettuccine or spaghetti works well if linguine is unavailable.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the linguine according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
Step 2: Season and Cook the Chicken
Season the chicken pieces with salt, black pepper, and paprika. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of butter and cook the chicken in a single layer until golden and cooked through, about 6 to 8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Cowboy Butter Base
Reduce the heat to medium. Add the remaining butter to the skillet. Once melted, add the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the Dijon mustard, lemon juice, red pepper flakes, parsley, and thyme.
Step 4: Build the Sauce
Pour in the chicken broth and stir to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let the mixture simmer for 2 to 3 minutes to slightly reduce. Stir in the heavy cream and simmer gently until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet along with the drained linguine. Toss to coat evenly in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until it reaches your desired consistency.
Step 6: Taste and Serve
Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Pro Tips for Success
- Cook pasta just to al dente so it does not become mushy in the sauce.
- Do not overcook the garlic or it can turn bitter.
- Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the brightest flavor.
- Add pasta water gradually to control the sauce texture.
- Let the sauce simmer gently, not boil, for the creamiest finish.
Flavor Variations
- Extra creamy: Add an extra 1/4 cup cream or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan.
- Herb-forward: Add fresh basil or chives at the end.
- Spicy version: Increase red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne.
- Veggie boost: Stir in spinach, mushrooms, or roasted broccoli.
- Garlic lover’s version: Add 1 to 2 extra cloves of garlic.
Serving Suggestions
Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine pairs well with simple sides that complement its rich sauce:
- Garlic bread or warm dinner rolls
- Crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette
- Steamed green beans or asparagus
- Roasted vegetables like zucchini or carrots
For a casual dinner party, serve this pasta family-style with a fresh salad and bread for a complete, satisfying meal.
Storage and Freezing Instructions
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave. Add a splash of broth or milk to loosen the sauce.
- Freezing: Cream-based sauces do not freeze well. If freezing is needed, freeze without cream and add it fresh when reheating.
Fresh and Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
A bold and comforting pasta dish with juicy chicken, tender linguine, and a rich cowboy butter sauce made with garlic, lemon, Dijon mustard, and warm spices.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces linguine pasta
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite sized pieces
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley or 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 3/4 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Cook the linguine in salted water until al dente, reserve pasta water, drain, and set aside.
- Season the chicken with salt, black pepper, and paprika.
- Cook the chicken in a large skillet until golden and cooked through, then remove and set aside.
- Melt the butter in the same skillet and cook the garlic until fragrant.
- Stir in Dijon mustard, lemon juice, red pepper flakes, parsley, and thyme.
- Pour in the chicken broth and simmer briefly to reduce.
- Stir in the heavy cream and simmer gently until slightly thickened.
- Return the chicken to the skillet and add the cooked linguine.
- Toss to coat evenly, adding pasta water as needed.
- Taste, adjust seasoning, and serve hot.
Notes
Keep the heat gentle once the cream is added to prevent separation and add pasta water gradually to control sauce consistency.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 610 |
| Protein | 38g |
| Carbohydrates | 46g |
| Fat | 32g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sodium | 720mg |
Nutrition values are estimates and will vary based on ingredients used.
FAQ About Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
What is cowboy butter sauce?
Cowboy butter is a seasoned butter sauce made with garlic, herbs, lemon, and spices. It is bold, savory, and slightly tangy, making it perfect for pasta, chicken, and vegetables.
Can I make this dish less spicy?
Yes. Simply reduce or omit the red pepper flakes. The dish will still be flavorful without the heat.
Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
You can use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken. Add it during the final step just long enough to warm through so it does not dry out.
How do I keep the sauce from separating?
Keep the heat low once the cream is added and stir gently. Avoid boiling the sauce to maintain a smooth texture.
Is this recipe good for meal prep?
Yes. The flavors hold up well for a few days in the refrigerator. Reheat gently and add liquid as needed.
Final Thoughts
Fresh and Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a satisfying pasta dish that delivers big flavor with minimal effort. The creamy cowboy butter sauce, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked linguine come together in a meal that feels both comforting and fresh. Whether you are cooking for family or guests, this recipe is sure to become a repeat favorite.