𝐂𝐨𝐰𝐛𝐨𝐲 𝐁𝐮𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐂𝐡𝐢𝐜𝐤𝐞𝐧 𝐋𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐮𝐢𝐧𝐞 🤠🧈🍝

Tender, seasoned chicken tossed with buttery cowboy sauce, garlic, lemon, and herbs over a bed of silky linguine—this bold pasta dish brings the flavor of the Wild West straight to your dinner table!
Perfect for weeknight dinners when you need something quick, hearty, and unforgettable.

𝐇𝐎𝐖 𝐃𝐎 𝐘𝐎𝐔 𝐅𝐄𝐄𝐋 𝐀𝐁𝐎𝐔𝐓 𝐁𝐎𝐋𝐃 𝐁𝐔𝐓𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐘 𝐏𝐀𝐒𝐓𝐀 𝐖𝐈𝐓𝐇 𝐀 𝐂𝐎𝐖𝐁𝐎𝐘 𝐊𝐈𝐂𝐊?

Because once you try this savory, spicy, and herb-packed cowboy butter sauce, regular pasta will never be the same. The seared chicken soaks up all that garlicky lemon-butter magic, and the linguine wraps it up with a silky finish that’s nothing short of crave-worthy.

✨ 𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐘𝐨𝐮’𝐥𝐥 𝐋𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐈𝐭

This dish is loaded with flavor—smoky, buttery, tangy, and garlicky all at once. It’s a one-pan pasta that feels restaurant-worthy but comes together in 30 minutes flat. The cowboy butter adds a zesty kick that balances perfectly with tender chicken and chewy linguine.

🧾 Ingredients You’ll Need

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed 🐔
8 oz linguine pasta 🍝
1 tbsp olive oil 🫒
1 tbsp butter 🧈
Salt & black pepper, to taste 🧂

For Cowboy Butter Sauce:

½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter 🧈
4 cloves garlic, minced 🧄
1 tsp Dijon mustard
Juice of 1 lemon 🍋
½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes 🌶
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley 🌿
Optional: pinch of cayenne for extra heat

👩‍🍳 How to Make Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

1. Cook the Pasta

Boil linguine according to package directions in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup pasta water.

2. Sear the Chicken

Season cubed chicken with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil and 1 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken pieces 3–4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Transfer to a plate.

3. Make the Cowboy Butter

In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add ½ cup butter and melt. Stir in minced garlic, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, red pepper flakes, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Simmer for 1–2 minutes until fragrant and glossy.

4. Toss it Together

Return chicken to the skillet. Add linguine and toss everything together with tongs. Add reserved pasta water a bit at a time until the sauce coats the noodles. Finish with chopped parsley and adjust seasoning if needed.

5. Serve

Plate immediately, garnished with more parsley, lemon zest, or grated parmesan if desired. Serve hot with crusty bread or a fresh salad.

🧡 Pro Tips & Tricks

Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best zesty flavor.
Add a splash of white wine to deglaze the pan before making the butter sauce for added depth.
For extra spice, add cayenne or diced jalapeño to the cowboy butter.
Grill the chicken instead of pan-searing for smoky flavor.

🥶 Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.

🧠 Nutrition Breakdown (Per Serving)

Calories: ~580
Protein: 38g
Carbs: 42g
Fat: 28g
Fiber: 2g

🔄 Ingredient Substitutions

Use shrimp or steak instead of chicken for a surf-and-turf twist.
Swap linguine for fettuccine, spaghetti, or even penne.
Vegan version: use plant-based butter and sautéed mushrooms in place of chicken.

🍽️ What to Serve With

Garlic bread or Texas toast 🥖
Grilled vegetables or roasted broccoli 🥦
Caesar or garden salad 🥗
Sparkling lemonade or white wine 🍋🍷

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Why Everyone Loves This

Bursting with bold cowboy butter flavor.
Filling, hearty, and packed with protein.
Quick enough for weeknights but fancy enough for guests.
Comfort food with a flavorful twist.

🔄 Variations to Try

Add halved cherry tomatoes for freshness.
Toss in baby spinach or arugula at the end for greens.
Mix in a touch of cream for a thicker, richer cowboy sauce.

❤️ Reader Rave

“Cowboy butter pasta? SAY LESS. I made this on a Tuesday night and my whole family was licking their plates. So much flavor!” – 💬Tasha G.

📦 Storage & Meal Prep Tips

Great for meal prep! Divide into containers and refrigerate.
Make cowboy butter ahead and refrigerate or freeze in cubes.
Reheat pasta with broth or lemon juice to keep it silky.

🧠 FAQs

Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
A: Yes, just use your favorite gluten-free linguine or rice noodles.
Q: Can I make the cowboy butter separately and use for other dishes?
A: Absolutely! It’s delicious over grilled steak, seafood, or even veggies.
Q: Is it spicy?
A: It has a mild kick. For less heat, reduce red pepper flakes or skip cayenne.

💬 Share Your Version!

Made this dish? We’d love to see it! Tag your creations using #ZacRecipes and #CowboyButterPasta to show off your kitchen skills.

📝 Conclusion

Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is bold, rich, and full of vibrant, buttery goodness. It brings a rustic charm and deep flavor to a pasta night you’ll never forget. Quick to make, endlessly satisfying, and guaranteed to impress—this one’s a keeper for your weeknight rotation.