Irresistibly Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine in 30 Minutes

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe combines the rich flavors of cowboy butter—garlic, lemon, Dijon mustard, and spices—with a creamy pasta base to create a comforting yet zesty meal. It’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner and indulgent enough to serve to guests. The recipe is simple, with pantry staples and minimal prep, making it ideal for busy cooks who still want something delicious and satisfying.

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• 12 ounces linguine pasta

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 3 tablespoons butter

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

• 2 tablespoons lemon juice

• 1 teaspoon lemon zest

• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped

• ½ cup chicken broth or reserved pasta water

• 1 cup heavy cream

• ½ cup grated parmesan cheese

• Salt and black pepper to taste

Directions

1. Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the linguine according to package directions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining, then set the pasta aside.

2. Cook the Chicken: While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt and black pepper, then cook for 5–7 minutes, or until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

3. Make the Cowboy Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter. Add garlic, paprika, and optional red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 1 minute, just until fragrant.

4. Build the Flavor: Stir in Dijon mustard, lemon juice, lemon zest, and chicken broth (or pasta water). Scrape the bottom of the pan to loosen any flavorful browned bits.

5. Add Cream and Herbs: Pour in heavy cream and half of the chopped parsley. Stir and cook for 2 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens.

6. Combine Everything: Return the chicken to the pan. Add linguine and parmesan cheese. Toss to coat evenly. Add reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.

7. Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Garnish with remaining parsley and extra parmesan if desired. Serve hot.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 4

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 20 minutes

• Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Swap the Protein: Try shrimp, salmon, or tofu for different takes on this dish.

• Use a Different Pasta: Fettuccine, spaghetti, or penne work well in place of linguine.

• Make It Spicier: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.

• Add Veggies: Toss in spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes for a nutritional boost.

• Lighter Version: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, and reduce the butter to lighten the dish.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best results when reheating, add a splash of milk or water to bring the sauce back to a creamy consistency. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. To freeze, store the sauce and pasta separately for up to 2 months.

FAQs

What is cowboy butter?

Cowboy butter is a compound butter or sauce made with garlic, lemon, Dijon mustard, herbs, and spices. It’s rich, zesty, and perfect for meats or pasta.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep the sauce and chicken in advance. Reheat everything together with the pasta and a splash of water or cream to refresh the sauce.

Is this dish spicy?

It has a mild heat from the red pepper flakes, but you can omit them for a milder flavor or increase them for more spice.

Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Yes, shredded rotisserie chicken can be added to the sauce instead of cooking fresh chicken. Just heat it through in the sauce before adding the pasta.

What can I use instead of heavy cream?

You can substitute with half-and-half or whole milk, though the sauce may be slightly less creamy.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free pasta and ensure your Dijon mustard and broth are certified gluten-free.

What herbs work well besides parsley?

Chopped basil or thyme also pair nicely with the flavors in this dish.

Can I use pre-grated parmesan?

Yes, though freshly grated parmesan melts more smoothly into the sauce.

How do I keep the sauce from breaking?

Don’t overheat the sauce once the cream is added. Keep it at a gentle simmer to prevent separation.

Can I double this recipe?

Absolutely. Double the ingredients and use a large skillet or pot to accommodate everything.

Conclusion

Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a fast, flavorful, and satisfying dinner that brings together the comfort of pasta with the boldness of cowboy butter sauce. With just 30 minutes and a handful of ingredients, you’ll have a creamy, zesty dish that’s sure to become a go-to favorite. Whether you're cooking for the family or entertaining guests, this recipe delivers every time.