Samantha When life gets busy but your taste buds demand something indulgent, I always turn to my favorite cowboy butter chicken linguine recipe. Imagine silky linguine coated in a bold, buttery, garlicky cowboy butter sauce, topped with juicy seared chicken—each bite bursting with rich flavor and a hint of spice. This is not your average pasta dish!
I first discovered cowboy butter sauce at a cookout where it was served with grilled steak. One taste and I was hooked—garlic, lemon, Dijon mustard, herbs, and butter meld into a luscious sauce that elevates just about anything. It didn’t take long for me to realize how incredible this sauce would be draped over pasta and paired with tender chicken. The result? The most crave-worthy cowboy butter chicken linguine you’ll ever try.
What makes this recipe a game-changer is its simplicity. With just a handful of everyday ingredients and one pan, you can create a meal that feels restaurant-worthy. And it’s flexible—perfect for low-carb cowboy butter chicken bowls with spiralized zucchini or as a hearty dinner with linguine. Plus, this dish is loaded with high-quality protein, heart-healthy garlic, and immune-boosting lemon (Medical News Today).
Whether you’re prepping for a busy weeknight, an at-home date night, or entertaining friends, this cowboy butter pasta with chicken will have everyone reaching for seconds. It’s my go-to when I want to impress with minimal effort. If you’ve never tried cowboy butter pasta, get ready—it’s about to become your new obsession!
Recipe Overview
Difficulty Level: Easy
Course: Dinner / Main
Cuisine: American-Inspired
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: ~30 minutes
Nutritional Snapshot (Per Serving)
Calories: ~520
Protein: 34g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fat: 25g
Fiber: 3g
Gluten-Free: Yes (with gluten-free pasta)
Chicken is a lean source of high-quality protein and B vitamins (WebMD). Garlic and lemon add immune-boosting benefits (Healthline), and pasta offers an excellent energy source when balanced with vegetables and protein.
Budget Breakdown
Chicken breasts (1.5 lbs): ~$8.00
Linguine pasta: ~$2.00
Butter, garlic, lemon, herbs, pantry staples: ~$3.00
Parmesan and optional sides: ~$4.00
Total Cost: ~$17.00
Cost Per Serving: ~$4.25
Check out more ways to enjoy budget-friendly meals at EatRight.org.
Behind the Recipe
The first time I tasted cowboy butter sauce was during a summer BBQ where it was served alongside juicy grilled steaks. The sauce was this glorious blend of melted butter, garlic, fresh herbs, lemon, and a whisper of heat. I couldn’t get enough—and immediately began brainstorming new ways to use it.
Fast forward to my kitchen, where one of my weeknight staples is quick, protein-packed pasta dishes. I knew that pairing my favorite garlicky cowboy butter with tender chicken and linguine would create an incredible cowboy butter chicken linguine recipe that I’d want on repeat. And it absolutely delivered—bold, buttery, satisfying, and easy enough for any night of the week.
Over time, I’ve adapted the recipe to fit a variety of occasions. It makes an ideal one-pan cowboy butter chicken linguine for casual dinners, and it’s an absolute hit when served as part of a low-carb cowboy butter chicken bowl with spiralized veggies or cauliflower rice. The sauce itself is endlessly versatile—you can drizzle it over veggies, seafood, or even grilled tofu.
Another bonus? This dish is packed with nutrients. Garlic provides heart-healthy and anti-inflammatory properties, and lean chicken breast is a top-notch source of protein and B vitamins. The balance of flavors and textures—tender chicken, silky pasta, zippy lemon, and savory butter—makes every bite irresistible.
Now, cowboy butter chicken linguine has become a signature dish in my kitchen. I make it for everything from cozy family dinners to meal prep lunches and even as a crowd-pleasing option for dinner parties. It’s simple, flexible, and guaranteed to earn rave reviews—what more could you want from a pasta night favorite?
Why You’ll Love This
Bold Cowboy Butter Flavor That Shines
The star of this dish is the rich, buttery cowboy butter sauce pasta—infused with garlic, lemon, mustard, herbs, and just a hint of spice. It creates a luxurious coating for both the linguine and chicken, making every bite of this cowboy butter chicken linguine absolutely crave-worthy.
High-Protein, Nourishing & Satisfying
Lean chicken breast adds plenty of high-quality protein to this meal, making it both filling and nutritious. Combined with pasta and fresh herbs, this is the kind of balanced dish you’ll feel good about serving to your family or meal prepping for the week.
Quick & Easy One-Pan Dinner
This one-pan cowboy butter chicken linguine comes together in about 30 minutes—perfect for busy nights when you want restaurant-quality flavor without a lot of effort. Minimal cleanup, maximum satisfaction.
Meal Prep Hero
This dish reheats beautifully, making it ideal for cowboy butter chicken meal prep. The flavors deepen over time, so your leftovers will taste just as delicious as the first serving. Portion it out for grab-and-go lunches or easy weeknight dinners.
Flexible & Family-Friendly
The bold but approachable flavor of cowboy butter chicken pasta makes it a hit with both kids and adults. You can easily adjust the spice level to your family’s taste, and the recipe adapts well to various dietary preferences.
Perfect For
Weeknight Dinners
When time is short but you want something indulgent and flavorful, this easy cowboy butter chicken pasta delivers every time. It’s my go-to for those hectic weeknights when takeout is tempting but I want something homemade.
Pasta Night with a Twist
Shake up your regular pasta night routine with this bold cowboy butter linguine recipe. It’s a fun way to introduce your family to new flavors while keeping things comforting and familiar.
Low-Carb Meals
For a low carb cowboy butter chicken bowl, simply serve the cowboy butter chicken over spiralized zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice. You’ll still enjoy all the bold flavors without the extra carbs.
Meal Prep & Make-Ahead Meals
Double the recipe for cowboy butter chicken meal prep—it stores and reheats beautifully. It’s a fantastic option for prepping ahead and enjoying flavorful, protein-packed lunches throughout the week.
Dinner Parties & Entertaining
Want to impress guests without spending all night in the kitchen? Serve this cowboy butter chicken linguine alongside a crisp salad and a glass of white wine. The rich, buttery sauce feels special, but the dish is easy enough for any home cook.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
- 12 oz linguine pasta (regular or gluten-free)
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh chives, chopped
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan, for serving
Ingredient Highlights
Chicken Breast
A lean source of protein and B vitamins.
(FDA Guide to Poultry Nutrition)
Linguine Pasta
Traditional pasta works well, but gluten-free options can easily be swapped.
Garlic & Lemon
Both provide immune-boosting antioxidants and bright flavor.
(Healthline)
Butter
Use high-quality unsalted butter for the richest, creamiest cowboy butter sauce.
Fresh Herbs
Chives and parsley add brightness and balance the richness of the dish.
How to Make It
1. Cook the Pasta
Boil linguine according to package directions. Reserve 1 cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
2. Cook the Chicken
Season chicken strips with salt, pepper, and paprika.
In a large skillet, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat.
Add chicken and sauté for 5–7 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove to a plate.
3. Make the Cowboy Butter Sauce
In the same skillet, melt remaining 4 tbsp butter.
Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant (about 1 minute).
Stir in lemon zest, juice, mustard, red pepper flakes, parsley, and chives. Cook for 1–2 minutes to meld flavors.
4. Combine & Finish
Return chicken to the skillet. Add drained linguine and a splash of reserved pasta water. Toss to coat the pasta in the cowboy butter sauce.
5. Serve
Top with grated Parmesan and extra herbs. Serve hot and enjoy!
Pro Tips for Success
- Use high-quality butter for the richest flavor.
- Don’t skip the lemon—it balances the richness of the sauce.
- Reserve pasta water—it helps emulsify and thicken the sauce.
- Adjust spice level to taste by adding more or less red pepper flakes.
- Use tongs to toss the pasta well with the cowboy butter sauce for even coating.
Easy Variations
Grain-Free Option
Swap linguine for spiralized zucchini noodles or your favorite low-carb pasta substitute. You’ll create a low carb cowboy butter chicken bowl that’s just as flavorful but lighter on carbs.
Vegetarian Twist
For a plant-based version, replace the chicken with sautéed mushrooms or tofu. The creamy cowboy butter pasta sauce works beautifully with either, providing bold flavor and satisfying richness.
Swap Your Protein
Not in the mood for chicken? Try this recipe with shrimp, steak, pork tenderloin, or even grilled salmon. The versatile cowboy butter pasta base pairs perfectly with a wide range of proteins.
Add Seasonal Veggies
Toss in your favorite seasonal vegetables to elevate your cowboy butter chicken linguine recipe. Asparagus, roasted bell peppers, spinach, or broccoli add color, texture, and extra nutrients.
Spice It Up
For a spicy cowboy butter chicken linguine, increase the red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper. You can also stir in a bit of hot sauce for an extra bold kick.
Storage & Reheat Tips
Store
Refrigerate leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3 days.
Reheat
Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Add a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.
Meal Prep
Portion into individual containers for grab-and-go lunches.
Make It a Meal
Round out your dinner with these delicious sides:
Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine | Bold, Buttery, and Irresistibly Good
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
- 12 oz linguine pasta regular or gluten-free
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter
- 5 cloves garlic minced
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes adjust to taste
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh chives chopped
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan for serving
Instructions
- Cook the PastaBoil linguine according to package directions. Reserve 1 cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- Cook the Chicken– Season chicken strips with salt, pepper, and paprika.– In a large skillet, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat.– Add chicken and sauté for 5–7 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove to a plate.
- Make the Cowboy Butter Sauce– In the same skillet, melt remaining 4 tbsp butter.– Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant (about 1 minute).– Stir in lemon zest, juice, mustard, red pepper flakes, parsley, and chives. Cook for 1–2 minutes to meld flavors.
- Combine & FinishReturn chicken to the skillet. Add drained linguine and a splash of reserved pasta water. Toss to coat the pasta in the cowboy butter sauce.
- ServeTop with grated Parmesan and extra herbs. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
Secret Tips for the Best Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
- Use freshly minced garlic: For the boldest flavor, always use fresh garlic in your cowboy butter sauce pasta—jarred garlic won’t deliver the same rich aroma or depth.
- Don’t skip the lemon zest: Zest adds brightness and cuts through the richness of the butter. It balances your cowboy butter chicken linguine and elevates the sauce.
- Get a good sear on your chicken: For juicy, flavorful cowboy butter chicken, let your chicken strips develop a nice golden crust before adding them to the pasta.
- Reserve your pasta water: Adding reserved pasta water helps the cowboy butter sauce cling perfectly to the linguine for a glossy, silky finish.
- Customize your spice level: If you love heat, turn this into a spicy cowboy butter chicken linguine by adding extra red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne.
- Choose high-quality butter: Since butter is the star of this dish, use the best unsalted butter you can find for the richest, most flavorful cowboy butter chicken pasta.
- Toss the pasta well: When combining your linguine with the sauce and chicken, toss vigorously with tongs so every strand gets coated in that luscious cowboy butter sauce pasta.
- Make it ahead: This dish is a fantastic option for cowboy butter chicken meal prep. The flavors develop beautifully, making your leftovers taste even better.
- Try different proteins: Want a twist on your cowboy butter chicken linguine? Swap in shrimp, steak, or even salmon—this versatile sauce pairs well with so many proteins.
- Add veggies for extra nutrition: Toss in spinach, asparagus, bell peppers, or broccoli to turn this indulgent cowboy butter chicken linguine recipe into a balanced one-pan meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Cowboy butter sauce is a rich, garlicky sauce made with melted butter, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, lemon zest and juice, fresh herbs (such as parsley and chives), and a touch of red pepper flakes. It’s a versatile sauce that pairs perfectly with chicken, steak, seafood, vegetables, and pasta.
Yes! To make a low-carb cowboy butter chicken linguine, simply swap out the linguine for spiralized zucchini noodles or serve the cowboy butter chicken over cauliflower rice. You’ll still get all the bold flavor of the cowboy butter sauce without the extra carbs.
Absolutely. Cowboy butter chicken meal prep is a fantastic option because the flavors develop even more after resting. Store portions in airtight containers and reheat gently. The sauce will remain flavorful and creamy when reheated.
Many vegetables complement cowboy butter pasta with chicken beautifully. Some of my favorites include sautéed spinach, asparagus, roasted bell peppers, broccoli, and mushrooms. They add both color and nutrition to your dish.
Yes! Simply use your favorite gluten-free linguine or other gluten-free pasta alternative. The cowboy butter chicken linguine recipe itself is naturally gluten-free aside from the pasta, so it’s an easy adaptation.
To make a spicy cowboy butter chicken linguine, increase the amount of red pepper flakes in the cowboy butter sauce, or add a dash of cayenne pepper. You can also stir in a bit of your favorite hot sauce for an extra kick.
Definitely! While I love using chicken breast for this dish, cowboy butter pasta is also fantastic with shrimp, steak, pork tenderloin, or even tofu for a vegetarian version.
When enjoyed in moderation, cowboy butter can be part of a balanced diet. It’s important to pair it with lean proteins like chicken and nutrient-dense vegetables. Garlic and lemon in the sauce contribute additional health benefits (Healthline). For those watching saturated fat intake, consider using a lighter butter alternative.
Stored properly in airtight containers, cowboy butter chicken linguine will last up to 3 days in the fridge. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if needed.
Use high-quality butter and fresh garlic for the richest flavor. Don’t skip the lemon zest—it brightens the entire dish. Reserve some pasta water to help the sauce cling to the linguine. And for extra bold flavor, let the chicken get a nice sear before combining everything.
You can experiment with dairy-free butter alternatives, though the sauce will have a slightly different texture. Nutritional yeast can be used to add a cheesy flavor without Parmesan. For tips on balancing your diet when using dairy-free alternatives, visit EatRight.org.
Final Thoughts
I’m always looking for recipes that deliver maximum flavor with minimal effort, and this cowboy butter chicken linguine ticks every box. It’s quick to make, versatile enough to fit any dietary preference, and packed with bold, buttery flavor that’s simply unforgettable.
What I especially love about this dish is how adaptable it is. You can make it a little spicier, go low-carb by swapping out the linguine, or bulk it up with your favorite seasonal veggies. The cowboy butter pasta base is so flavorful that it elevates every version you try. Plus, it’s a fantastic recipe for meal prep—it reheats beautifully and makes every workday lunch a little more exciting.
If you’re looking to break free from boring weeknight dinners or impress your friends with a pasta dish they’ll rave about, add this cowboy butter chicken linguine recipe to your rotation. The combination of silky linguine, juicy chicken, and garlicky cowboy butter sauce is pure pasta magic.
And don’t stop there—experiment with new variations, use the sauce on different proteins, or create your own twist on this irresistible meal. Once you’ve tasted the bold, buttery goodness of cowboy butter chicken linguine, I promise it’ll become a beloved staple in your home—just like it is in mine!
“Bold flavor. Buttery goodness. One pan. One unforgettable meal—this cowboy butter chicken linguine is pure pasta perfection!” — Sam
📌 Pin & Share the Love
Love this Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine? Pin it to your Dinner Recipes or One-Pan Dinner board and tag us @readyprepmeals!
📌 Pin This Recipe: Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
Rich, buttery cowboy butter sauce, tender chicken, and silky linguine—this easy one-pan dinner is packed with flavor and ready in just 30 minutes!
