Go Back
–+ servings
Benjamin

Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a must-try dish!

This Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine brings bold, zesty flavor to your plate with juicy chicken tossed in a buttery garlic herb sauce, all swirled into creamy linguine. It’s a spicy, savory twist on classic comfort food—perfect for weeknight dinners or date night indulgence.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz linguine pasta
  • 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into strips
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 4 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tsp lemon juice
  • 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes adjust to taste
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper optional for extra heat
  • 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/3 cup heavy cream optional for added richness

Method
 

  1.  
  2. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook linguine until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
  3. Sear the chicken: Season chicken strips with salt and pepper. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat olive oil. Add chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes. Transfer to a plate.
  4. Make cowboy butter: In the same skillet, melt butter. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in Dijon mustard, lemon juice, red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, onion powder, and cayenne pepper.
  5. Combine everything: Return chicken to the skillet. Add cooked linguine, reserved pasta water (as needed for consistency), Parmesan, and cream if using. Toss until the pasta is well coated and creamy.
  6. Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan if desired. Serve hot.
  7.  

Notes

  • Add baby spinach or sautéed mushrooms for extra texture and veggies.
  • You can swap linguine for fettuccine or penne if preferred.
  • Adjust the spice level by reducing or increasing the red pepper flakes and cayenne.
  • The heavy cream is optional but adds a velvety finish.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!