If you love bold, buttery flavors with a kick of spice, Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a must-try dish. This recipe combines the creamy richness of linguine pasta with juicy, seasoned chicken and the irresistible heat and tang of Cowboy Butter—a savory, garlicky sauce infused with fresh herbs, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and a touch of spice.

Why This Dish Stands Out

Cowboy Butter has gained popularity for its versatility and intense flavor. Originally used as a dipping sauce for steak, this zesty, buttery mixture has evolved into a go-to flavor enhancer for meats, seafood, and even vegetables. When paired with pan-seared chicken and silky linguine, it transforms a simple pasta dish into a next-level comfort meal with a smoky, tangy, and slightly spicy taste.

This dish perfectly balances richness and heat, making it ideal for those who love bold flavors without overwhelming spice. The combination of creamy butter sauce, tender chicken, and al dente linguine creates a mouthwatering texture that keeps you coming back for more.

The Appeal of Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

Perfect for spice lovers – The red pepper flakes and Dijon mustard give it a warm, peppery kick.
Rich and comforting – The buttery sauce coats the pasta and chicken for a luxurious bite.

Quick & easy – Ready in under 40 minutes, making it a great weeknight meal.
Highly customizable – You can adjust the spice level, swap proteins, or even make it gluten-free.

Whether you’re looking for a restaurant-quality dish at home or simply want to spice up your usual pasta night, Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a delicious and satisfying option. Let’s dive deeper into what makes Cowboy Butter the star of this recipe.

What is Cowboy Butter?

Cowboy Butter is a rich, flavorful, and slightly spicy compound butter sauce that adds a tangy, garlicky, and herb-infused punch to any dish. Originally popularized as a dipping sauce for steak, this versatile butter is now used to elevate everything from grilled meats to seafood, roasted vegetables, and even pasta dishes like Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine.

Key Ingredients of Cowboy Butter

The magic of Cowboy Butter comes from its layered flavors, combining heat, zest, and creaminess in a single sauce. Some of its essential ingredients include:

Butter – The base of the sauce, providing richness and silkiness.

Garlic – Adds a deep, savory aroma.
Lemon juice & zest – Brightens up the flavors with a tangy kick.
Dijon mustard – Gives the sauce a slight tang and depth.

Red pepper flakes – Adds heat for a spicy kick.
Fresh herbs (parsley, chives, thyme) – Enhances the flavor and adds freshness.
Smoked paprika – Contributes a subtle smokiness.

How Cowboy Butter Enhances the Dish

What makes Cowboy Butter so special is how it melts into the pasta and chicken, creating a velvety sauce that’s both bold and well-balanced. The heat from the red pepper flakes is mellowed out by the buttery richness, while the lemon and herbs keep it light and fresh. This combination makes it the perfect match for pan-seared chicken and linguine, creating a dish that’s indulgent yet packed with flavor.

Ingredients Needed for Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

Before diving into the cooking process, let’s go over the key ingredients that bring this dish to life. The combination of juicy chicken, creamy linguine, and bold Cowboy Butter sauce makes this a flavorful and satisfying meal.

Main Ingredients

Chicken: Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs for tender and juicy bites. Thighs offer more flavor, while breasts provide a leaner option.
Linguine Pasta: This long, flat pasta holds the buttery sauce beautifully, but you can substitute spaghetti, fettuccine, or tagliatelle if preferred.
Butter: The heart of Cowboy Butter! Use unsalted butter so you can control the salt levels.

Heavy Cream (Optional): If you prefer a creamier sauce, a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half can be added.

Cowboy Butter Sauce Ingredients

This bold, garlicky sauce is what makes the dish irresistible!

Garlic (4–5 cloves, minced): Fresh garlic adds a deep, aromatic flavor.

Lemon Juice & Zest (1 lemon): Adds brightness and balances the richness of the butter.
Dijon Mustard (1 tbsp): Provides a tangy depth to the sauce.
Red Pepper Flakes (½–1 tsp, adjust to taste): Brings a spicy kick.

Smoked Paprika (1 tsp): Adds a subtle smokiness.
Fresh Herbs (Parsley, Chives, or Thyme – 2 tbsp, chopped): Infuses freshness into the sauce.
Salt & Black Pepper (to taste): Enhances all the flavors.

Additional Seasonings for the Chicken

Garlic Powder (1 tsp) – Adds extra garlic flavor to the chicken.
Onion Powder (1 tsp) – Balances the flavors.
Paprika (1 tsp) – Adds mild sweetness and color.

Salt & Black Pepper (to taste) – Essential for seasoning.

Garnishes & Extras

Parmesan Cheese: Grated for a nutty, umami boost.
Lemon Wedges: Adds extra tang just before serving.

Extra Fresh Herbs: More freshness and a pop of color.

With all these ingredients ready, let’s move on to the step-by-step cooking process!

How to Make Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine (Step-by-Step)

This easy-to-follow recipe will help you create the perfect Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine in just a few simple steps.

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Season the chicken: In a bowl, mix garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Rub this spice mix all over the chicken breasts or thighs.
Marinate (Optional): If you have time, let the chicken sit for 15–30 minutes to absorb the flavors.
Sear the chicken: Heat 1 tbsp butter and 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5–7 minutes per side, until golden brown and fully cooked.

Rest & slice: Remove from heat, let it rest for a few minutes, then slice it into strips.

Step 2: Cook the Linguine

Boil water: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil.
Cook the pasta: Add linguine and cook according to the package instructions (usually 9–11 minutes), until al dente.

Reserve pasta water: Before draining, save ½ cup of pasta water to help adjust the sauce later.
Drain & set aside: Drain the pasta and toss it with a little olive oil to prevent sticking.

Step 3: Make the Cowboy Butter Sauce

Melt the butter: In the same skillet used for the chicken, reduce heat to medium and add 4 tbsp butter.

Add the garlic: Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, until fragrant.
Add Dijon mustard & spices: Stir in Dijon mustard, red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Pour in the lemon juice & zest: This will brighten up the sauce and balance the butter’s richness.

Stir in fresh herbs: Add chopped parsley, chives, or thyme for a burst of freshness.
Optional: If you want a creamier sauce, pour in ¼ cup of heavy cream and stir until combined.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Add the pasta: Toss the cooked linguine into the skillet, coating it thoroughly with the Cowboy Butter sauce.

Adjust the sauce consistency: If needed, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.
Mix in the chicken: Add the sliced chicken back to the pan and toss everything together.

Step 5: Final Touches & Serving

Taste & adjust: Check for seasoning, adding more salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed.

Garnish: Sprinkle generously with grated Parmesan, fresh herbs, and extra red pepper flakes for a little more heat.
Serve immediately: Plate the Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine and serve with lemon wedges on the side.

Variations & Substitutions

One of the best things about Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is how versatile it is. Whether you need a different protein, want a low-carb alternative, or prefer a dairy-free option, there are plenty of ways to customize this dish to suit your taste and dietary needs.

1. Protein Substitutions

If you’re looking to switch up the protein, here are some great alternatives:

Shrimp: Swap the chicken for large shrimp, searing them for 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
Steak: Since Cowboy Butter is originally a steak sauce, sliced grilled or pan-seared steak makes a fantastic replacement.

Salmon: A seared salmon fillet pairs beautifully with the buttery, garlicky sauce.
Tofu: For a vegetarian option, use firm or extra-firm tofu. Press, cube, and pan-fry until crispy before tossing it in the sauce.

2. Pasta Alternatives

While linguine is the classic choice, you can easily swap it out for other types of pasta:

Fettuccine: A slightly wider pasta that holds onto the rich sauce well.
Spaghetti: A great alternative if you don’t have linguine on hand.
Penne or Rigatoni: If you prefer short pasta, these shapes work well for a heartier bite.

Zucchini Noodles (Zoodles): For a low-carb, keto-friendly alternative, spiralized zucchini makes a great substitute.
Gluten-Free Pasta: Use chickpea, lentil, or rice-based pasta to make this dish gluten-free.

3. Dairy-Free & Vegan Modifications

Butter Substitute: Replace regular butter with vegan butter or olive oil for a dairy-free version.

Cream Alternative: If using a creamy sauce, swap heavy cream for coconut cream or cashew cream.
Parmesan Substitute: Use nutritional yeast or dairy-free Parmesan for a cheesy finish.

4. Spice Level Adjustments

Mild Version: Reduce or omit the red pepper flakes and smoked paprika.

Extra Spicy: Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce for an extra kick.

What to Serve with Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

While Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a hearty dish on its own, pairing it with the right sides can take your meal to the next level. Here are some great options to complement the rich, buttery, and slightly spicy pasta.

1. Bread for Soaking Up the Sauce

Garlic Bread: A classic pairing! Crispy, buttery, and full of garlic flavor.
Texas Toast: Thick-cut, buttery, and cheesy toast pairs perfectly with this dish.
Rustic Baguette: Fresh, crusty bread is perfect for soaking up the delicious Cowboy Butter sauce.

2. Fresh & Light Salads

Since this dish is rich and creamy, a fresh salad provides a nice contrast:

Arugula Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette: The peppery arugula and tangy dressing help balance the butteriness.
Caesar Salad: A crunchy romaine salad with Parmesan and croutons adds texture and freshness.

Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil with balsamic glaze make a light and refreshing side.

3. Roasted or Grilled Vegetables

Adding a side of vegetables makes the meal more balanced and nutritious:

Grilled Asparagus: Smoky and slightly charred asparagus pairs well with the buttery pasta.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Caramelized and crispy sprouts bring an earthy contrast to the dish.
Sautéed Mushrooms: Their umami flavor enhances the richness of the pasta.

4. Additional Side Dishes

Corn on the Cob: Brushed with garlic butter for an extra cowboy-inspired touch.

Creamed Spinach: A rich yet veggie-packed side that complements the creamy pasta.

Storage & Reheating Tips

Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, proper storage and reheating will help maintain its flavor and texture.

How to Store Leftovers

Refrigeration: Place leftovers in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing (Not Recommended): While the chicken and Cowboy Butter sauce freeze well, pasta can become mushy when thawed. If you must freeze, store the chicken and sauce separately from the pasta.

Best Ways to Reheat

1. Stovetop (Best Method)

Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-low heat.
Add a splash of water, chicken broth, or cream to loosen the sauce.

Toss the pasta and chicken in the skillet, stirring frequently until warmed through.

2. Microwave (Quick Method)

Place leftovers in a microwave-safe dish.
Add 1 tbsp of water or broth to prevent drying out.

Cover with a damp paper towel and microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until heated through.

3. Oven (For Larger Portions)

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Place pasta in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and bake for 10–15 minutes until heated through.

FAQs: People Also Ask

Here are some of the most common questions people ask about Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine, along with helpful answers.

1. What is Cowboy Butter made of?

Cowboy Butter is a flavored butter sauce made with butter, garlic, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, and fresh herbs. It’s bold, garlicky, slightly spicy, and commonly used as a dipping sauce or marinade.

2. Can I make Cowboy Butter ahead of time?

Yes! Cowboy Butter can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. To use, simply reheat it gently on the stove or microwave until melted.

3. What’s the best pasta for this recipe?

Linguine is the preferred choice because it holds the sauce well, but spaghetti, fettuccine, or pappardelle are great alternatives. For a low-carb option, try zucchini noodles (zoodles) or spaghetti squash.

4. How spicy is Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine?

The spice level is mild to moderate, depending on how much red pepper flakes and smoked paprika you add. To reduce spice, use less red pepper flakes. To increase heat, add cayenne pepper or hot sauce.

5. Can I make this dish in under 30 minutes?

Yes! To make it faster:

Use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken instead of cooking from scratch.
Boil the pasta while making the sauce to save time.
Make Cowboy Butter in advance for quicker preparation.

Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

Author: Hamza

Print Recipe

Description

Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a bold and flavorful pasta dish that combines juicy, seasoned chicken, buttery garlic sauce, and silky linguine, all coated in a rich and spicy Cowboy Butter sauce. This dish is perfect for those who love comfort food with a kick, balancing buttery richness, zesty lemon, and a touch of spice.

Inspired by Cowboy Butter, a popular dipping sauce for steak, this pasta recipe elevates it into a full meal. The garlicky, herb-infused butter sauce pairs beautifully with tender pan-seared chicken and perfectly cooked linguine, making this an indulgent yet surprisingly easy dish to prepare.

With customizable spice levels and various ingredient substitutions, you can tweak this dish to suit your taste and dietary needs. Whether for a weeknight dinner, date night, or a special gathering, Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is guaranteed to impress!

Ingredients

Scale

8 ounces linguine

Chicken

1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch bites

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
½ teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon garlic salt

½ teaspoon kosher salt
¼ teaspoon pepper

Sauce

¼ cup (4 tablespoons / 57 g) cowboy butter, divided

¾ cup (178.5 g) heavy cream
1 teaspoon garlic salt
¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

½ teaspoon lemon juice
lemon slices, for garnish
parsley, chopped for garnish

Instructions

- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the linguine and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain pasta and set aside.

To a large skillet over medium-high heat, add oil. Once hot, add the chicken in a single layer. Season chicken evenly with paprika, garlic salt, salt, and pepper. Cook for 3-4 minutes on one side, or until golden brown.

Nestle 2 tablespoons cowboy butter into the skillet. Flip pieces of chicken and cook until browned and cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F, another 3-4 minutes.
Remove the chicken from the pan. Place onto a plate and tent to keep warm.
Reduce heat to low. Add the rest of the cowboy butter, heavy cream, garlic salt, and red pepper flakes. Use a spatula to scrape up the brown bits in the pan, and stir until the butter has melted.

Add the cooked linguine and chicken to the skillet, tossing to coat in the sauce.
Add lemon juice. Stir to combine.
Serve the dish garnished with lemon slices.

Notes

1. Adjusting the Spice Level

If you prefer milder flavors, reduce or omit the red pepper flakes.
For an extra kick, add cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce.

2. Choosing the Right Pasta

Linguine works best for this recipe, but you can also use spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne.
For a low-carb version, try zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash.

3. Best Chicken Options

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are lean and cook quickly.
Chicken thighs are more flavorful and juicier.

Rotisserie chicken can be used for a shortcut version.

4. How to Make It Creamier

Add ¼ cup of heavy cream or half-and-half for a richer, silkier sauce.

Stir in extra Parmesan cheese for a cheesier finish.

5. Making Cowboy Butter in Advance

Cowboy Butter can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to a week.

Simply reheat it gently before using.

6. Storage & Reheating Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat in a skillet with a splash of water or broth to keep the sauce from drying out.