Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine: The Ultimate Comfort Pasta Dish

Name: Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 oz linguine pasta; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 tablespoon butter; 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes; 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened; ¼ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped; 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice; ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese; ½ cup chicken broth; ½ cup heavy cream; 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

by Jannet Lisa

26 de May de 2025

Facebook

Jump to Recipe

Have you ever walked through your front door after a long workday, absolutely famished but without the energy to spend hours in the kitchen? That’s exactly when this Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine recipe comes to the rescue! This flavor-packed pasta dish combines tender chicken pieces with a rich, creamy sauce that’s infused with herbs, spices, and the signature “cowboy butter” that makes this meal truly unforgettable.

The beauty of Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine lies in its perfect balance of simplicity and bold flavor. The aroma of garlic and herbs fills your kitchen as the sauce simmers, creating an irresistible invitation to dinner. Whether you’re cooking for your family on a busy weeknight or looking to impress guests with minimal effort, this Easy Cowboy Chicken Linguine Recipe delivers restaurant-quality taste without complicated techniques.

Why You’ll Love This Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

✅ Ready in under 30 minutes from start to finish
✅ Uses simple, everyday ingredients you likely already have
✅ Perfect balance of creamy, savory, and slightly spicy flavors
✅ One-pot cleanup makes this ideal for busy weeknights
✅ Versatile recipe that can be easily customized to your taste preferences
✅ Impressive enough for company but easy enough for beginners
✅ Makes excellent leftovers for lunch the next day
✅ The perfect way to elevate classic chicken pasta into something special

This Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine has quickly become a reader favorite because it combines comfort food appeal with a touch of culinary adventure. The signature cowboy butter sauce transforms an ordinary chicken pasta dish into something truly memorable.

Ingredients for Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

For the Pasta and Chicken:

8 oz linguine pasta
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon butter
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

For the Cowboy Butter Sauce:

6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
¼ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ cup chicken broth
½ cup heavy cream
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

Easy homemade Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine recipe with ingredients and step-by-step guide

Ingredient Substitutions and Notes:

Pasta Options: While linguine works beautifully in this dish, you can substitute with fettuccine, spaghetti, or even penne if that’s what you have on hand.
Dairy-Free Version: For a dairy-free Cowboy Butter Chicken with Linguine Noodles, substitute butter with olive oil and use coconut cream instead of heavy cream.
Gluten-Free Option: Simply swap regular linguine with your favorite gluten-free pasta variety.
Spice Level: Adjust the cayenne pepper and red pepper flakes to control the heat. For a milder dish, reduce or omit these spices entirely.
Fresh vs. Dried Herbs: While fresh parsley provides the best flavor, you can use 1 tablespoon of dried parsley in a pinch.

How to Make Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine – Step by Step

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Add linguine and cook according to package instructions until al dente (typically 8-10 minutes).
Drain the pasta, reserving about ¼ cup of pasta water for later use.
Toss the drained pasta with a small amount of olive oil to prevent sticking and set aside.

Step 2: Season and Cook the Chicken

While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
In a small bowl, combine garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes.
Add the cubed chicken breasts to the skillet and sprinkle with the seasoning mixture.
Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until fully cooked and no longer pink in the middle. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).

Step 3: Prepare the Cowboy Butter Sauce

In a medium bowl, combine the softened butter, chopped parsley, lemon juice, grated Parmesan cheese, chicken broth, heavy cream, and Dijon mustard.
Whisk the ingredients together until smooth and well combined.
If the mixture seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to adjust consistency.

Step 4: Combine Everything Together

Reduce the heat to medium-low.
Add the cooked linguine to the skillet with the chicken.
Pour the prepared cowboy butter sauce over the pasta and chicken.
Using tongs, gently toss everything together until the pasta and chicken are evenly coated with the sauce.
Allow the mixture to simmer for 2-3 minutes to thicken slightly and let the flavors meld together.
If needed, add some of the reserved pasta water to achieve your desired sauce consistency.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

Remove the skillet from heat.
Serve the Spicy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine hot.
Garnish with additional fresh parsley, grated Parmesan cheese, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if desired.

Pro Tips for Making the Best Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

Don’t Overcook the Pasta: For the perfect One-Pot Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine, cook the pasta just until al dente, as it will continue cooking slightly when combined with the hot sauce.
Room Temperature Ingredients: Allow the butter to soften at room temperature before making the sauce. This ensures it will blend smoothly with the other ingredients.
Prep Ahead: Chop all your ingredients and measure everything before starting to cook. This Quick Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Meal comes together fast, so being prepared helps the process flow smoothly.
Chicken Preparation: For the most tender chicken, slice against the grain and ensure pieces are roughly the same size for even cooking.
Layer the Flavors: Don’t rush the chicken cooking process. Allowing the seasoned chicken to develop a slight golden crust adds incredible flavor to the final dish.
Sauce Consistency: The perfect Cowboy Butter Sauce for Chicken Pasta should coat the back of a spoon but still flow easily. If it’s too thick, add pasta water; if too thin, simmer a bit longer.
Make It Your Own: This recipe is incredibly versatile. Add sautéed mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, or even bacon to create your own signature version of this delicious dish.

Best Ways to Serve Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

This Comfort Food Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a complete meal on its own, but pairing it with complementary sides elevates the dining experience:

Fresh Side Salad: A light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette balances the richness of the pasta.
Garlic Bread: Homemade garlic bread is perfect for soaking up every last drop of the delicious cowboy butter sauce.
Roasted Vegetables: Roasted asparagus, broccoli, or green beans add color and nutrition to your plate.
Wine Pairing: A glass of chilled Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio complements the creamy, buttery flavors beautifully.

For an elegant presentation, serve your Homemade Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta in warmed bowls, twirling the pasta into a neat mound and placing the chicken pieces on top. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs and a lemon wedge for a restaurant-quality presentation.

Nutritional Information for Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

Per serving (based on 4 servings):

Calories: 580 kcal
Protein: 32g
Carbohydrates: 42g
Fat: 31g
Saturated Fat: 16g
Cholesterol: 145mg
Sodium: 580mg
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 1g

This Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine can be adjusted to fit various nutritional needs:

Lower Calorie Option: Use half the amount of butter and substitute half and half for the heavy cream.
Higher Protein Version: Add an extra 4 oz of chicken to the recipe.
Lower Carb Alternative: Reduce the pasta amount and add extra vegetables or serve over zucchini noodles.

Storage & Leftovers

Your Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine stores beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep or planned leftovers:

Refrigeration: Store leftover pasta in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing: While cream-based pasta dishes aren’t ideal for freezing, you can freeze this dish for up to 1 month if necessary. The texture of the sauce may change slightly upon thawing.
Reheating: For the best results when reheating, add a splash of milk or chicken broth to restore creaminess. Gently reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring frequently. Alternatively, microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval.
Refreshing Leftovers: To revitalize day-old Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese after reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

What ingredients are needed for Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine?

The key ingredients for Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine include linguine pasta, chicken breasts, butter, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, fresh parsley, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and a blend of spices including garlic powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. These ingredients combine to create a creamy, flavorful sauce that coats the pasta and chicken perfectly.

How long does it take to prepare Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine?

From start to finish, Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine takes approximately 25-30 minutes to prepare. This includes about 10 minutes to cook the pasta, 7-8 minutes to cook the chicken, and 5 minutes to prepare and combine the sauce. This makes it an ideal choice for busy weeknights when you want a satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

Can I substitute ingredients in Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine?

Yes, this recipe is very adaptable! You can substitute chicken thighs for chicken breasts for more flavor, use any long pasta instead of linguine, and adjust the spices to suit your taste preferences. For a lighter version, half-and-half can replace heavy cream, and for a dairy-free option, coconut cream can be used instead. The dish is very forgiving and works well with many variations.

What sides pair well with Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine?

The best sides for Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine include light, fresh options that balance the richness of the dish. Consider serving it with a crisp green salad, steamed or roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus, or garlic bread for sopping up the delicious sauce. For a complete meal that isn’t too heavy, a simple side of lemon-dressed greens provides the perfect contrast.

Conclusion

This Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine recipe transforms simple ingredients into a memorable meal that’s sure to become a regular in your dinner rotation. The rich, flavorful sauce combined with perfectly seasoned chicken and tender pasta creates a dish that feels special enough for company but easy enough for everyday cooking.

What I love most about this Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is its versatility and crowd-pleasing nature. It’s sophisticated enough for adults yet approachable for kids, making it the perfect family dinner solution. Plus, the leftovers (if there are any!) make for an enviable lunch the next day.

Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or something to impress weekend guests, this Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine delivers on all fronts. It’s the perfect combination of comfort food and culinary flair that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Have you tried making Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine before? What variations or sides do you enjoy with it? Share your experience in the comments below, and don’t forget to rate this recipe if you try it!