There are weeknight dinners, and then there are legendary weeknight dinners. Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine falls firmly in the second category. It takes everything you love about buttery garlic sauces and adds a spicy, herbaceous kick with the signature cowboy butter twist. Toss in juicy chicken and tender linguine and you’ve got a dish that’s bold, rich, and unbelievably satisfying.

The moment that butter hits the pan, sizzling with garlic, paprika, and fresh herbs, you’ll know something special is happening. This recipe brings that same indulgent steakhouse cowboy butter vibe to pasta in the most comforting way. It’s one of those meals where everyone goes quiet at the table—a sign that you’ve nailed dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

It’s fast enough for a busy weeknight but luxurious enough to serve for guests. The cowboy butter sauce melts into the linguine, wrapping each strand with bold flavor, while the chicken adds the perfect hearty bite. Plus, everything comes together in one skillet and pot, making cleanup minimal.

This pasta dish is packed with creamy richness and zesty edge, so even picky eaters find something to love. It’s one of those comfort meals that still manages to feel just a little bit fancy, without requiring much effort at all.

What Kind of Chicken Should I Use?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs both work great in this recipe. Breasts are leaner and stay tender when cooked right, while thighs add extra juiciness and flavor. If you’ve got leftover grilled or rotisserie chicken, that works beautifully too and cuts down the cooking time even further. Just be sure the chicken is cooked through and nicely seasoned, since it’s the base of your flavor foundation.

Ingredients for the Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

To get the most out of this recipe, you’ll want to use fresh, high-quality ingredients that bring the bold and buttery cowboy flavor to life. Every ingredient plays a role in building a creamy, garlicky, and slightly spicy sauce that clings to the linguine perfectly.

Linguine: A wide, flat pasta that holds onto the butter sauce beautifully.
Chicken breasts: Lean and quick-cooking, they soak up all that cowboy butter flavor.
Butter: The heart of the sauce, giving it richness and that signature melt-in-your-mouth taste.
Garlic: Adds depth and an irresistible aroma when sautéed in butter.
Paprika: Brings smoky warmth and a touch of heat.
Red pepper flakes: For a spicy kick that makes the cowboy butter pop.
Fresh parsley: Adds freshness and a bit of color contrast.
Lemon juice: Brightens up the richness of the butter and balances the flavors.
Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings that tie it all together.

How To Make the Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the linguine according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about a cup of the pasta water before draining.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

While the pasta cooks, season your chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and a bit of paprika. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chicken in a drizzle of oil until golden and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes per side. Remove and slice into strips.

Step 3: Make the Cowboy Butter Sauce

In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic, paprika, red pepper flakes, and a pinch of salt. Stir until fragrant, about 1–2 minutes. Add lemon juice and chopped parsley, then turn off the heat.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Add the drained linguine to the skillet with the cowboy butter sauce. Toss to coat, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time until the sauce reaches your desired consistency. Add the chicken strips and toss again until everything is warm and well coated.

Step 5: Serve

Plate the pasta and garnish with extra parsley or a sprinkle of parmesan if you like. Serve hot and enjoy the bold buttery flavors!

Serving and Storing Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

This dish is at its absolute best fresh from the skillet, served piping hot with all that melty cowboy butter glistening over the linguine. It feeds about 4 people generously, though don’t be surprised if there are no leftovers. The sauce is too good to waste.

If you do find yourself with extras, store the cooled pasta 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 back up without making it greasy.

What to Serve With Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine?

Garlic Bread

Nothing soaks up cowboy butter like thick slices of warm, crispy garlic bread.

Simple Arugula Salad

A peppery arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette adds brightness and freshness to balance the buttery pasta.

Roasted Broccoli

Tossed in olive oil and garlic, roasted broccoli makes for a flavorful and nutritious side.

Parmesan Green Beans

Tender green beans sprinkled with parmesan complement the rich sauce without overpowering it.

Grilled Corn on the Cob

Slightly charred corn brushed with butter adds a touch of sweetness and texture.

Crispy Brussels Sprouts

Oven-roasted sprouts with crispy edges pair well with the smokiness of the paprika in the sauce.

A Glass of Chardonnay

A buttery white wine rounds out the dish and echoes the richness of the cowboy butter.

Want More Pasta Ideas?

If you’re craving even more creamy, comforting pasta dishes with a twist, here are a few MiaPlates favorites you should try next:

Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe is perfect for a satisfying, meaty dinner.
Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta delivers cozy flavor in every bite.
Cheesesteak Tortellini in Rich Provolone Sauce brings bold sandwich flavors into cheesy pasta.
Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta for a hearty and creamy one-pot meal.
One Pot Smoked Sausage Pasta if you want something smoky and simple to whip up.

Save This Recipe For Later

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And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go heavy on the heat, or keep it mellow? Add your own spin with veggies or cheese?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Got questions? Ask away, let’s make dinner better together.

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