There’s something downright irresistible about buttery, spiced chicken tangled in silky linguine. This Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine brings the bold, zesty flavors of cowboy butter—a garlicky, herbed compound butter with a hint of heat—into a creamy, luscious pasta dish that feels like comfort food with a wild side.

Think golden-seared chicken tossed in a buttery sauce infused with garlic, smoked paprika, lemon, Dijon mustard, and fresh herbs. Then swirled with tender linguine and finished with a splash of cream, it’s rich, bold, and exactly what a weeknight dinner upgrade should taste like.

What Kind of Linguine Should I Use?

Any good-quality dry linguine will do, but if you want to elevate the dish further, go for fresh pasta from your local market or make your own. The silky texture of fresh linguine absorbs the cowboy butter sauce like a dream. If you’re leaning toward a lower-carb version, you can use zucchini noodles or chickpea-based pasta—just know the sauce might cling a little differently.

Ingredients for the Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

Chicken Breasts or Thighs: Boneless, skinless chicken pieces sear beautifully and soak up the cowboy butter flavor.

Linguine Pasta: This wide, flat pasta is perfect for catching every drop of the buttery, creamy sauce.

Unsalted Butter: The base of cowboy butter—go for unsalted so you can control the seasoning.

Garlic: Finely minced garlic is essential for that aromatic kick.

Dijon Mustard: Adds a tangy backbone to the butter blend.

Lemon Juice + Zest: For brightness and balance.

Smoked Paprika + Red Pepper Flakes: These add smoky heat that defines cowboy butter.

Fresh Parsley + Chives: Herbs that keep the richness in check.

Heavy Cream: Gives the sauce its velvety texture.

Salt + Pepper: Always.

How To Make the Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Cut your chicken into bite-sized chunks, season with salt and pepper, and sear them in a large skillet with a bit of oil until golden and fully cooked. Remove from the pan and set aside.

Step 2: Build the Cowboy Butter Base

In the same pan, melt the butter and stir in garlic, Dijon mustard, lemon zest and juice, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes. Let the mixture simmer briefly to bloom the spices.

Step 3: Add Cream and Chicken

Pour in the heavy cream and stir until it creates a smooth sauce. Add the cooked chicken back in and toss to coat evenly. Simmer on low heat.

Step 4: Cook and Toss the Linguine

Boil the linguine in salted water until al dente. Reserve about a cup of pasta water before draining. Add the pasta directly into the sauce, tossing everything together. Use pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.

Step 5: Finish with Fresh Herbs

Add freshly chopped parsley and chives for that herby freshness. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

How to Serve and Store Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

Serve this pasta immediately while it’s warm and creamy. Garnish with extra herbs, a squeeze of lemon, or even a sprinkle of Parmesan if you’re feeling indulgent.

For storing, let the linguine cool completely and refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream or milk to revive the sauce.

What to Serve With Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine?

Garlic Bread

Nothing sops up buttery sauce better than crisp, golden garlic bread.

Roasted Parmesan Green Beans

Add crunch and a touch of umami with these roasted green beans.

Caesar Salad

A crisp salad with tangy dressing balances the richness of the dish.

Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Serve a small bowl on the side for a cozy dinner combo like this one.

Sauteed Mushrooms

Their earthiness complements the herby butter sauce.

Lemon Garlic Roasted Asparagus

A zesty veggie side to brighten the plate.

White Wine

Pair with a chilled glass of Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc.

Want More Chicken Pasta Ideas?

If you’re hooked on this cowboy butter flavor explosion, try out these other dreamy dinners:

Creamy Garlic Chicken Breasts for another rich and savory favorite.
Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta if you’re looking to swap the chicken.
Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe for a family-style twist.
Cheesesteak Tortellini in Rich Provolone Sauce when you’re craving bold and beefy.
Marry Me Chicken Pasta if you’re all about luscious sauces.

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And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add extra lemon? Did you make it spicier? I love hearing how others make these recipes their own.

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Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

Author: Lorenzo Devereaux
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

Print Recipe

Description

If you’re craving a bold and comforting pasta dish, Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is your next dinner obsession. This quick dinner recipe blends seared chicken bites in a rich cowboy butter sauce made with garlic, Dijon, smoked paprika, and herbs, all tossed into silky linguine and finished with cream. It’s the perfect cozy weeknight dinner with just enough flair to impress. Whether you’re looking for easy dinner ideas, creamy pasta recipes, or satisfying food ideas that are loaded with flavor, this dish has you covered.

Instructions

1. Cook the linguine in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water and drain the rest.

2. While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the cubed chicken, season with salt and pepper, and sear until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

3. In the same skillet, lower the heat and melt the butter. Stir in minced garlic, Dijon mustard, lemon zest and juice, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes. Let it simmer for 1 minute.

4. Pour in heavy cream and stir to combine into a smooth sauce. Return the chicken to the pan and toss to coat.

5. Add the cooked linguine to the skillet and gently toss with the sauce and chicken. Use reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce as needed.

6. Finish with chopped parsley and chives. Taste and adjust salt and pepper.

7. Serve hot, optionally garnished with extra herbs or Parmesan.