Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine – Easy & Delicious

Looking for a bold, buttery pasta dish that comes together fast? This Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine delivers big flavor in under 30 minutes. It’s rich, garlicky, slightly spicy, and packed with juicy chicken—all coated in a buttery, herbed sauce inspired by the viral cowboy butter craze.

Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe combines the satisfying heartiness of chicken pasta with the addictive taste of cowboy butter: a mix of garlic, Dijon, herbs, lemon, and spices that transforms everyday ingredients into something unforgettable.

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What Is Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine?

Cowboy butter is a compound butter loaded with herbs, garlic, mustard, lemon, and spices—often served as a dipping sauce for steak. In this recipe, we turn it into a melted sauce that coats linguine and seared chicken, giving it a tangy, garlicky, buttery bite with hints of heat and citrus.

It’s:

• Creamy and savory with herb-forward flavor

• Quick to cook—only one pot and one pan

• A perfect comfort food with a spicy twist

• Customizable with veggies or protein swaps

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Ingredients Overview

Each ingredient plays a key role in balancing richness, brightness, and heat:

Chicken

• Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs

• Slice thinly or cube for quick cooking

• Seasoned lightly to complement the bold sauce

Linguine

• Linguine or fettuccine works best for holding the sauce

• Cook until al dente

• Reserve some pasta water to help emulsify the cowboy butter

Cowboy Butter Sauce Base

• Butter: Unsalted preferred for control

• Garlic: Finely minced or grated (4–5 cloves)

• Dijon mustard: Adds tang and depth

• Lemon juice and zest: Brightens the richness

• Fresh parsley: For color and freshness

• Thyme or rosemary: Optional, for earthy flavor

• Paprika & red pepper flakes: Smoky and spicy notes

• Salt and black pepper: Adjust to taste

Optional Add-Ins

• Parmesan cheese: Grated on top

• Spinach or kale: Toss in at the end for extra greens

• Cherry tomatoes: Sauté with chicken for brightness

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil

• Cook 8 oz linguine until al dente (about 9–10 minutes)

• Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain and set aside

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

• Slice 1 lb chicken into strips or cubes

• Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of paprika

• Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat

• Sear chicken for 6–7 minutes, turning until fully cooked

• Remove from pan and keep warm

Step 3: Make the Cowboy Butter Sauce

In the same skillet:

• Lower heat to medium

• Add 4 tbsp unsalted butter

• Once melted, stir in:

  • 4 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard

  • 1 tsp paprika

  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes

  • Zest and juice of 1 lemon

• Stir for 1 minute until fragrant

Step 4: Combine Everything

• Return chicken to the skillet

• Add cooked linguine and 1/4 cup reserved pasta water

• Toss until pasta is glossy and well coated

• Stir in 2 tbsp chopped parsley and adjust seasoning

Optional: Add grated Parmesan or sautéed spinach at this point.

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Tips, Variations & Substitutions

Tips for Best Results

• Don’t overcook the garlic—just lightly sauté for 30–60 seconds

• Add pasta water gradually to help the sauce cling without thinning too much

• Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the best flavor pop

Variations

• Creamy Cowboy Butter: Add 1/4 cup heavy cream after butter melts

• Cowboy Shrimp Linguine: Swap chicken for shrimp, cook 2–3 minutes per side

• Steakhouse Pasta: Use thin-sliced sirloin instead of chicken

• Veggie Boost: Add baby spinach, asparagus tips, or zucchini ribbons

Substitutions

• No linguine? Use spaghetti, pappardelle, or gluten-free pasta

• No Dijon? Use stone-ground mustard

• Dairy-free? Use vegan butter and skip cheese

• Low-carb? Serve over spiralized zucchini or cauliflower rice

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Serving Ideas & Occasions

This pasta is perfect for:

• Busy weeknights when you want something hearty and flavorful

• Casual dinner parties—easy to double and crowd-pleasing

• Meal prep—makes great leftovers

• Date night dinners—impressive but low effort

Pair with:

• A green salad with vinaigrette

• Roasted broccoli or green beans

• Garlic bread or crusty rolls

• A glass of crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc

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Nutritional & Health Notes

This dish is:

• High in protein from chicken

• Rich in healthy fats from butter and olive oil

• Can be adapted to be gluten-free or dairy-free

Estimated per serving (based on 2 servings):

• Calories: 600–650

• Protein: 35–40g

• Carbs: 45–50g

• Fat: 30–35g

• Fiber: 3–5g

• Sodium: Moderate (depends on butter and mustard)

To lighten it:

• Use half the butter

• Choose whole wheat pasta

• Add extra vegetables

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is cowboy butter made of?

Cowboy butter typically includes butter, garlic, Dijon, lemon, parsley, paprika, chili flakes, and herbs. In this recipe, it’s turned into a pourable sauce.

2. Can I make this ahead?

Yes! Store cooled pasta in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce.

3. Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Definitely. Slice and stir it in after making the cowboy butter sauce. Skip the chicken cooking step.

4. How spicy is cowboy butter?

Mild to medium. Adjust red pepper flakes to your heat preference. For no spice, omit them completely.

5. Can I freeze this dish?

It’s best fresh, but you can freeze leftovers. Reheat on the stovetop with added liquid to prevent drying out.

6. Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes—skip the chicken and add mushrooms, chickpeas, or tofu. Use veggie broth or pasta water as needed.

7. What’s the best pasta shape to use?

Linguine, spaghetti, or fettuccine are ideal for holding the buttery sauce. Short shapes like penne work too.

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