Irresistibly Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a bold and buttery pasta dish that brings serious flavor to the table in under 30 minutes. Juicy chicken is coated in a zesty cowboy butter sauce—packed with garlic, lemon, herbs, and a touch of heat—then tossed with tender linguine for a dinner that feels indulgent but is simple to make. I love whipping this up when I want something hearty, flavorful, and fast.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s rich, garlicky, and satisfying, with just the right balance of tangy, spicy, and savory flavors. The cowboy butter sauce is what makes it stand out—it’s garlicky, herby, and bright from fresh lemon. Paired with seared chicken and silky linguine, it becomes a crave-worthy dinner that doesn’t require much effort. It’s also easy to adapt depending on what I have in the kitchen.

Ingredients

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

Linguine or other long pasta
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, sliced
Salt and black pepper
Olive oil or butter (for cooking the chicken)
Butter (for the cowboy butter sauce)
Garlic, minced
Lemon juice and zest
Dijon mustard
Red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
Fresh parsley or chives, chopped
Smoked paprika
Optional: grated Parmesan cheese for topping

Directions

I cook the linguine in salted water until al dente, then reserve some pasta water and drain the rest.
While the pasta cooks, I season the chicken with salt, pepper, and a little smoked paprika, then sear it in a skillet with olive oil until golden and cooked through. I set it aside.
In the same pan, I melt the butter and sauté the garlic until fragrant.
I whisk in lemon juice, Dijon mustard, red pepper flakes, and zest, then stir in chopped herbs and adjust the seasoning.
I return the chicken to the skillet, then toss in the cooked linguine with a splash of reserved pasta water to bring everything together.
I finish with extra herbs, Parmesan, and a squeeze of lemon if I want more zing.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 and takes about 25–30 minutes from start to finish—perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that feels special.

Variations

Sometimes I add spinach or arugula for some greens, or toss in roasted cherry tomatoes for a pop of sweetness. I’ve also made this with shrimp instead of chicken for a seafood twist. If I want it extra creamy, I stir in a splash of cream or a spoonful of cream cheese at the end.

Storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. The flavor stays bold, and it reheats surprisingly well.

FAQs

What is cowboy butter?

Cowboy butter is a melted butter sauce flavored with garlic, lemon, herbs, mustard, and spices. It’s usually served as a dip or drizzle, but I love using it as a pasta sauce.

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes. I slice and warm it in the cowboy butter sauce just before tossing everything with the pasta.

Is this dish spicy?

It can be. I control the heat with red pepper flakes—leave them out for a milder version or add extra if I want more kick.

What pasta works best?

Linguine is great, but I’ve also used spaghetti, fettuccine, or even short pasta like penne when that’s what I have.

Can I make it dairy-free?

Yes. I use a plant-based butter and skip the Parmesan, or use a dairy-free cheese alternative. The flavors still shine through.

Conclusion

Irresistibly Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a bold and buttery pasta that delivers big flavor with minimal effort. With juicy chicken, zesty cowboy butter sauce, and tender noodles, it’s the kind of dish I turn to when I want something fast, comforting, and full of personality. Whether I’m cooking for myself or serving guests, it always hits the spot.