Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe

If you love comforting pasta with bold, buttery flavor and a little Southwestern flair, you’re in for a treat with this Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine! Tender linguine and golden, juicy chicken are tossed in a silky, spicy, herb-flecked cowboy butter sauce that’s as decadent as it is easy. This dish comes together in under 30 minutes and truly tastes like something you’d get at your favorite bistro—it’s cheesy, creamy, buttery, with just enough zing to keep you coming back for more.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

This ingredient list is refreshingly simple, yet every single element adds an extra dimension to Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine—from rich, creamy components to the punchy seasonings that wake up the sauce. Let’s break down what you need and why it’s essential for building irresistible flavor.

• Chicken breasts, cubed: Tender chunks of boneless, skinless chicken make this dish hearty, juicy, and protein-rich.
• Linguine pasta: The wide, flat shape of linguine is perfect for catching every drop of creamy cowboy butter sauce.
• Olive oil: Adds rich depth when sautéing the chicken, keeping everything juicy and flavorful.
• Butter: Both melted in the skillet and whipped into the sauce, butter is the star—it makes everything luscious and velvety.
• Garlic powder & onion powder: Simple pantry staples that infuse the chicken with irresistible aroma and depth without extra chopping.
• Smoked paprika: Adds mild smokiness and a golden color that really brings Southwestern energy to your plate.
• Cayenne pepper (optional): For just a touch of heat—add more or less depending on your spice tolerance.
• Salt & pepper: The classic duo for seasoning every step and bringing all the flavors together.
• Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): Give the sauce a little kick, turning up the cowboy adventure as bold as you’d like.
• Unsalted butter (for the sauce): This butter gets softened and blended with herbs and lemon—it’s the ultimate creamy cowboy butter base.
• Fresh parsley: Chopped parsley adds pops of green freshness and bright flavor throughout.
• Lemon juice: A little acidity gives much-needed lift to the rich, creamy sauce, making sure it never feels heavy.
• Parmesan cheese, grated: For that perfect salty, cheesy umami and extra silkiness in the sauce.
• Chicken broth: Helps marry all the flavors and thin the sauce so it coats the pasta beautifully.
• Heavy cream: Makes the sauce ultra-rich and dreamy, clinging to every bite of linguine.
• Dijon mustard: The secret ingredient that gives a little tang and complexity to every creamy mouthful.

Variations

One of my favorite things about Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is how easy it is to shake things up based on what you have on hand, dietary needs, or your current cravings. Don’t be afraid to make this dish your own!

• Shrimp or Tofu Swap: Try swapping the chicken for juicy shrimp or pan-seared tofu to make it pescatarian or vegetarian—both absorb the cowboy butter flavors beautifully.
• Add Extra Veggies: Stir in baby spinach, sautéed bell peppers, or halved cherry tomatoes at the end for a fresh, colorful boost.
• Tame the Spice: Leave out the cayenne and red pepper flakes for a milder, kid-friendly version that still tastes utterly delicious.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap in your favorite gluten-free linguine or fettuccine to suit your needs without missing a beat.

How to Make Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

Step 1: Cook the Linguine

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add the linguine and cook until just al dente—it should have a little bite left, since it’ll finish in the sauce. Before draining, be sure to scoop out about 1/4 cup of the starchy pasta water; this magic ingredient will help your cowboy butter sauce cling perfectly to the noodles later on.

Step 2: Season & Sear the Chicken

Toss your cubed chicken breast with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne (if using), plus generous pinches of salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet, then add the seasoned chicken. Sear in a single layer until golden and fully cooked—it should be tender and just barely crisp at the edges. Set the chicken aside while you make the cowboy butter magic happen.

Step 3: Whip Up the Cowboy Butter Sauce

In the same skillet, reduce the heat and melt the butter. Add a sprinkle of garlic, then pour in the chicken broth, heavy cream, Dijon mustard, and red pepper flakes if you’re ready for some heat. Let this mixture bubble gently and reduce for a few minutes—the sauce will thicken slightly and start to look irresistibly creamy and glossy.

Step 4: Toss Everything Together

Add the cooked chicken and drained pasta back into the skillet with the sauce. Toss well to coat everything evenly, then stir in grated Parmesan, fresh parsley, and lemon juice. If the sauce ever seems too thick, splash in a bit of your reserved pasta water until it reaches your ideal creaminess. Taste and tweak salt, pepper, or lemon as you like—it’s all about getting the balance just right.

Step 5: Garnish & Serve

Spoon your Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine into bowls, then shower with extra Parmesan and a little more fresh parsley. Serve it hot, and just watch as everyone swoons over those luscious, cowboy-kissed flavors.

How to Serve Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

Garnishes

The best finishing touch for Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan and freshly chopped parsley—these not only boost the flavor but add a pop of color that makes the dish extra inviting. For a little zing, a quick squeeze of fresh lemon or a dash of extra red pepper flakes looks gorgeous and tastes divine.

Side Dishes

This dish is rich and robust, so it pairs well with crisp, refreshing sides like a simple green salad dressed with lemon or a platter of roasted vegetables. And of course, a hunk of crusty garlic bread never goes amiss when you want to soak up extra cowboy butter sauce!

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving your linguine twirled into neat nests on warm plates, topped with juicy chicken pieces and drizzled with a little extra butter sauce. For a rustic touch, dish it up family-style from a big skillet and let everyone help themselves—don’t forget plenty of extra Parmesan at the table!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken as it chills, but a quick stir and a splash of broth or cream will bring it right back to a silky texture.

Freezing

While creamy pasta sauces can sometimes lose a bit of their silkiness when frozen, you can freeze this dish in an airtight container for up to 1 month in a pinch. Thaw gently in the fridge before reheating, and be prepared to add a little cream or broth to refresh the sauce.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the linguine in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth, water, or cream as needed to loosen the sauce. Stir often and heat just until warmed through to keep the chicken tender and the sauce lush.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Ready to give Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine a whirl in your own kitchen? I can’t wait for you to taste just how much flavor a little cowboy butter can bring to pasta night. This dish is wildly comforting, surprisingly quick, and perfect for sharing—so gather your favorite people, serve up big, generous bowls, and enjoy every last creamy, buttery bite!

Print