Name: Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine in Just 30 Minutes
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 12 oz linguine pasta; 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, sliced; Salt and black pepper, to taste; 1 tbsp olive oil or butter (for searing); For the cowboy butter sauce:; 6 tbsp unsalted butter; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tbsp Dijon mustard; 1 tbsp lemon juice + 1 tsp zest; 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes; 1/2 tsp paprika; 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped; 1/2 tsp thyme or Italian seasoning; Optional: 1/4 tsp hot sauce or cayenne pepper for extra heat

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This Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is rich, buttery, and bursting with bold flavor. I toss tender pieces of seared chicken with a garlicky cowboy butter sauce and linguine for a hearty, comforting pasta dish that’s ready in just 30 minutes. It’s smoky, zesty, and packed with herbs and spices—basically, a flavor bomb in a bowl.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it delivers huge flavor with very little effort. The cowboy butter—a savory blend of garlic, lemon, mustard, herbs, and a hint of heat—coats every strand of linguine and juicy bite of chicken. It’s fast enough for a weeknight dinner but feels indulgent enough for something special. One pan, one pot, and dinner is done.

Ingredients

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

linguine pasta
boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, sliced
salt and black pepper
olive oil or butter (for searing the chicken)

For the cowboy butter sauce:

unsalted butter
garlic, minced
Dijon mustard
lemon juice and zest
crushed red pepper flakes
paprika
fresh parsley, finely chopped
thyme or Italian seasoning
optional: hot sauce or cayenne pepper (for extra heat)

Directions

I cook the linguine in salted boiling water until al dente, then drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of pasta water.
I season the chicken with salt and pepper, then sear it in a large skillet with oil or butter until golden and cooked through. I remove it from the pan and set it aside.
In the same skillet, I melt the butter and sauté the garlic for about 1 minute until fragrant.
I whisk in Dijon mustard, lemon juice, zest, red pepper flakes, paprika, and herbs, creating a rich, zesty cowboy butter sauce.
I add the cooked chicken back into the skillet and toss to coat.
I stir in the cooked linguine, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce and help it cling to the pasta.
I cook everything together for another 1–2 minutes, then garnish with more parsley and serve hot.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

Sometimes I add sautéed mushrooms or spinach for a veggie boost. If I want a creamier version, I stir in a splash of heavy cream or grated parmesan. I’ve also used shrimp instead of chicken for a seafood twist, or spicy sausage when I want something smoky and bold. For a low-carb version, I swap the linguine for zucchini noodles or cooked spaghetti squash.

storage/reheating

Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container. I reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of water or broth to bring the sauce back to life. I avoid microwaving too long to keep the chicken tender and the pasta from drying out.

FAQs

What is cowboy butter?

It’s a savory, spicy compound butter made with garlic, herbs, mustard, lemon, and spices. I usually melt it into a sauce like this one to coat meats or pasta.

Can I make this ahead?

Yes, I cook and store the chicken and sauce separately from the pasta. Then I combine and reheat just before serving for the best texture.

What pasta works best besides linguine?

Fettuccine, spaghetti, or even penne work well. I just use what I have in the pantry.

Can I make it dairy-free?

Yes, I use a plant-based butter substitute and make sure my mustard and other ingredients are dairy-free.

Is this dish spicy?

It has a mild kick from the red pepper flakes, but I adjust the heat level easily by adding more or less to taste.

Conclusion

This Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a bold, buttery pasta dish that’s fast, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying. With juicy chicken, garlicky herb-infused sauce, and tender linguine all tossed together in one skillet, it’s the kind of dinner I turn to when I want something quick and impressive. Ready in 30 minutes, and absolutely packed with flavor—this is a weeknight winner.