If you’ve been craving a hearty pasta dish that packs flavor and comfort into every bite, you’re about to meet your new obsession: Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine. This crave-worthy recipe swirls tender chicken and silky linguine through a rich, buttery sauce scented with garlic, lemon, and just a dash of Dijon for a little cowboy kick. It’s one of those meals that feels like a hug in a bowl, elegant enough for a dinner party but simple enough to toss together on a weeknight. Prepare to fall for every golden, buttery forkful!

Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine are wonderfully straightforward, and each one plays an essential role in building up the layers of flavor and texture. Simple pantry staples and a few fresh touches are all you need to bring this crowd-pleaser to life!

Linguine pasta: Choose a quality linguine for the best bite and a sauce that clings to every strand.
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Dice them up for quick, even cooking and super tender pieces throughout the dish.
Olive oil: Just a splash to sear the chicken and impart a subtle richness to the start of your sauce.
Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning every layer and bringing the best out of each component.
Unsalted butter: The star of the show, this gives the sauce its creamy, ultra-satisfying base.
Garlic: Minced fresh garlic brings aromatic depth and classic warmth to the butter sauce.
Dijon mustard: Adds a gentle tang and touch of heat to channel that “cowboy” boldness.
Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): For those who love a subtle spicy kick—add as little or as much as your taste buds crave.
Lemon juice: A squeeze of fresh lemon brightens everything up and balances the richness.
Chopped fresh parsley: Stirs in freshness and a burst of color, plus it looks beautiful as a garnish.
Grated Parmesan cheese: A must for nutty, salty goodness and a creamy finish.
Chicken broth: Helps create a silky sauce and prevents it from being too heavy.
Heavy cream: The final touch for an ultra-luxurious, velvety texture that coats every noodle.

How to Make Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

Step 1: Cook the Linguine

Start by bringing a big pot of salted water to a boil and cook the linguine according to the package instructions. This gives you perfectly al dente noodles that will soak up all the buttery cowboy flavors later. Drain the pasta and set it aside—don’t forget to reserve a little pasta water just in case you need to loosen the sauce at the end!

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the diced chicken, season it with a hearty sprinkle of salt and pepper, and let it sizzle. Cook until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked through, about 6 to 8 minutes. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate and set it aside while you build the sauce.

Step 3: Build the Cowboy Butter Sauce

In the same skillet, drop in the luscious butter and watch it melt, merging with the chicken drippings. Stir in the minced garlic, letting it cook just until fragrant—about a minute for flavor that sings without turning bitter. Then add the Dijon mustard and, if you like a little heat, those optional red pepper flakes. Let everything cook together, stirring, for about 30 seconds to unlock the aromatics.

Step 4: Bring in the Zest and Broth

Pour in the fresh lemon juice and chicken broth, stirring well to combine. Allow the mixture to come up to a gentle simmer, which gives the flavors time to meld and creates the perfect base for your creamy sauce.

Step 5: Add the Creamy Touch

Lower the heat slightly and whisk in the heavy cream. Let the sauce simmer for another 2 to 3 minutes, or until it begins to thicken beautifully. This is when the cowboy butter magic really happens!

Step 6: Return Chicken to the Pan

Add your cooked chicken back into the skillet, stirring well so that every piece is coated in that glorious, creamy sauce. You want each bite to taste rich and flavorful.

Step 7: Mix in the Linguine

Now, add the drained linguine directly into the skillet. Tumble everything together with gentle tongs or a spatula, ensuring the pasta is fully coated in the cowboy butter sauce and the chicken is distributed evenly throughout.

Step 8: Finish with Cheese and Herbs

Sprinkle in the chopped parsley and grated Parmesan cheese. Give it all a good toss so the pasta gets glossy, cheesy, and flecked with bright green herbs. Taste and adjust seasoning—with a little extra salt or pepper if needed—then get ready to dish up!

Step 9: Garnish and Serve

Serve Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine hot, garnished with more Parmesan and parsley for good measure. Each serving is loaded with flavor, from the tangy mustard and zesty lemon to the comforting finish of butter and cream.

How to Serve Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

Garnishes

For a pop of color and even more flavor, top each bowl of Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine with a final shower of chopped parsley and a generous sprinkle of Parm. If you like, a wedge of fresh lemon on the side adds brightness, and a pinch of extra chili flakes turns up the heat for spice lovers. It’s the little finishing touches that help each bowl feel extra special.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs like a dream with crusty garlic bread—perfect for sopping up every last drop of sauce. A fresh green salad, lightly dressed, not only balances the meal with crunch and acidity but also refreshes your palate between bites. For bigger gatherings, consider serving some roasted vegetables alongside for color and nutrition.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine family-style in a big, rustic bowl at the center of the table so everyone can help themselves. For a fun twist, create individual pasta nests on each plate and top with an extra spoonful of sauce and chicken. Feeling fancy? Scatter edible flowers or microgreens for restaurant-worthy flair that’s sure to impress guests!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep beautifully for up to 3 days, and the flavors often meld and deepen overnight for an even tastier bite the next day!

Freezing

If you want to freeze leftovers, portion the cooled linguine and chicken into freezer-safe containers. Seal tightly and freeze for up to one month. While the creamy sauce might separate a bit upon thawing, a good stir while reheating brings everything back together.

Reheating

For best results, reheat your linguine gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of milk or chicken broth to restore the sauce’s creamy texture. You can also microwave in short bursts, stirring in between to prevent the chicken from drying out.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While linguine is ideal for holding onto the creamy cowboy butter sauce, you can substitute with spaghetti, fettuccine, or even penne if that’s what you have on hand—just adjust the cooking time as needed.

Is the red pepper flakes necessary for flavor?

No worries if you’re not a fan of spice! The red pepper flakes are completely optional, so feel free to skip them or add just a pinch for a subtle warmth that doesn’t overpower the other flavors.

Can I make Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine ahead for meal prep?

Yes! Prepare the dish as directed, store in individual containers, and gently reheat when you’re ready to eat. It’s a wonderful choice for prepping lunches or dinners to enjoy throughout the week.

What’s the best way to make this dish gluten free?

Simply swap in your favorite gluten free linguine or pasta alternative. Everything else in the recipe is naturally gluten free—just double check your Dijon mustard and chicken broth labels to be sure.

How can I add more vegetables to the recipe?

Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine welcomes extra veggies! Toss in some spinach, sautéed mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, or roasted zucchini towards the end of cooking for added color and nutrition.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is pure joy in a bowl—cozy, flavorful, and so easy to pull together, whether you’re feeding family or friends. Give it a try and watch how quickly it disappears from the table. Happy twirling!

Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 24 reviews

Author: lina
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: None

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Description

This Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a flavorful pasta dish that combines tender chicken in a creamy, buttery sauce with a hint of tangy Dijon mustard and a kick of red pepper flakes. Finished with fresh herbs and Parmesan cheese, it’s a quick and satisfying meal for any day of the week.

Instructions

Cook the Linguine: Prepare linguine pasta according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
Cook the Chicken: In a skillet, cook diced chicken in olive oil until golden and cooked through; set aside.
Make the Sauce: Melt butter in the skillet, add garlic, Dijon mustard, and red pepper flakes; stir. Pour in lemon juice and chicken broth, then add heavy cream; simmer to thicken.
Combine and Serve: Add cooked chicken to the sauce, then linguine; toss to combine. Stir in parsley and Parmesan cheese. Adjust seasoning and serve hot.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 580 kcal
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 540mg
Fat: 26g
Saturated Fat: 14g
Unsaturated Fat: 9g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 49g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 39g
Cholesterol: 150mg

Keywords: Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine, Pasta Recipe, Chicken Pasta, Creamy Pasta, Easy Dinner