Name: The Best Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; Salt and black pepper to taste; 2 tbsp olive oil; 4 tbsp unsalted butter; 4 garlic cloves, minced; 1 tbsp Dijon mustard; 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste); 1/2 tsp smoked paprika; 1 tbsp lemon juice; 1 tsp lemon zest; 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley; 1 tbsp chopped fresh chives; 1 tsp chopped fresh thyme; 8 oz linguine pasta; Grated parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)

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This Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a rich, creamy, and spicy twist on classic pasta dishes. Tender chicken is seared and tossed in a luscious cowboy butter sauce loaded with garlic, Dijon mustard, red pepper flakes, fresh herbs, and lemon. Paired with perfectly cooked linguine, it makes for an indulgent and satisfying meal that comes together quickly and easily.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it's bold, buttery, and packed with flavor from the first bite. The cowboy butter brings a spicy, zesty kick that pairs beautifully with the juicy chicken and soft linguine. It’s the perfect dish for those nights when I want something hearty, comforting, and a little adventurous. Plus, it feels like a restaurant-quality meal made right in my own kitchen, without much fuss.

Ingredients

(Here's a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Salt and black pepper
Olive oil
Unsalted butter
Garlic cloves
Dijon mustard
Red pepper flakes
Smoked paprika
Lemon juice and zest
Fresh parsley
Fresh chives
Fresh thyme
Linguine pasta
Grated parmesan cheese (optional for serving)

Directions

I start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then sear them in olive oil until golden and fully cooked. Once done, I remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside to rest.
In the same pan, I melt the butter and sauté garlic until fragrant. I then stir in the Dijon mustard, red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, lemon juice, and zest to build that signature cowboy butter flavor.
I chop up the fresh herbs—parsley, chives, and thyme—and add them to the sauce for brightness and freshness.
Meanwhile, I cook the linguine according to package directions until al dente, then drain it and toss it in the sauce.
I slice the cooked chicken and return it to the pan, combining everything until the pasta is fully coated and the chicken is heated through.
Finally, I serve it hot, optionally garnished with parmesan cheese.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 people. It takes about 10 minutes to prep and 25 minutes to cook, so I can have it on the table in just 35 minutes.

Variations

I sometimes swap out the chicken breasts for boneless chicken thighs for extra juiciness. For a lower-carb option, I replace the linguine with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash. If I want even more heat, I increase the red pepper flakes or add a few dashes of hot sauce. A splash of white wine in the sauce also adds an elegant depth.

storage/reheating

To store leftovers, I place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. For reheating, I warm it on the stove over low heat with a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce. The microwave works too, but I stir frequently to ensure even heating.

FAQs

What is cowboy butter?

Cowboy butter is a flavorful compound butter made with garlic, herbs, mustard, lemon, and spices. It’s traditionally served with grilled meats but works beautifully in pasta dishes like this one.

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes, I can use rotisserie or leftover chicken to save time. I just make sure to add it toward the end to avoid overcooking.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

I prefer to make it fresh, but I can prepare the cowboy butter sauce in advance and refrigerate it. Then I just reheat it, cook the pasta, and assemble when I’m ready to serve.

Is this recipe spicy?

It has a bit of heat from the red pepper flakes, but it’s not overwhelmingly spicy. I can always adjust the spice level to my liking.

Can I freeze the leftovers?

I don’t recommend freezing because the butter-based sauce can separate and become grainy. It’s best enjoyed fresh or within a few days from the fridge.

Conclusion

This Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is one of my go-to recipes when I crave something creamy, spicy, and full of bold flavors. It’s a dish that always impresses, whether I’m cooking for family or just treating myself to a comforting dinner. Easy to make and packed with flavor, it’s a keeper for any pasta lover’s rotation.

The Best Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

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Author: Sue
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American
Diet: Halal

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Description

A bold and creamy pasta dish featuring seared chicken tossed in a zesty cowboy butter sauce with herbs, garlic, mustard, and lemon, served over linguine.

Instructions

Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
Heat olive oil in a skillet and sear chicken until golden and fully cooked; remove and set aside.
In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant.
Add Dijon mustard, red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, lemon juice, and zest to the skillet; stir to combine.
Add chopped parsley, chives, and thyme; stir to blend into the sauce.
Cook linguine according to package instructions until al dente, then drain.
Slice the cooked chicken and return it to the skillet.
Add the cooked linguine to the skillet and toss everything until well combined and heated through.
Serve hot, garnished with grated parmesan cheese if desired.