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Creamy cowboy butter chicken linguine in a skillet, garnished with herbs and lemon slices.

Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe | Bold & Creamy Pasta with Garlic Herb Butter

This Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a flavor-packed pasta dish that brings smoky heat, rich butter, and tender chicken together in one irresistible skillet. Inspired by cowboy butter—a zesty blend of garlic, herbs, Dijon, and chili flakes—this creamy linguine is bold, comforting, and ready in under 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you want something indulgent with a kick. Serve with fresh parsley and lemon wedges for a bright finish.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Dinner, Main
Cuisine American, Comfort Food, Gluten-Free (with pasta swap), Weeknight
Servings 4
Calories 400 kcal

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • Pot for boiling pasta
  • Cutting board
  • Knife
  • Measuring spoons
  • Tongs or spatula

Ingredients
  

Core:

  • 2 cups cooked chicken (diced or shredded)
  • 8 oz linguine pasta
  • 3 tbsp butter
  • 3 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • ½ tsp red pepper flakes
  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Add-ins:

  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan
  • 1 cup spinach or arugula
  • ½ cup halved cherry tomatoes
  • 2 tbsp cream cheese or ¼ cup heavy cream

Instructions
 

  • Cook Pasta: Boil linguine in salted water until al dente. Drain and reserve ½ cup pasta water.
  • Sauté Chicken: In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add chicken and cook until warmed and lightly golden. Season with salt and pepper.
  • Make Cowboy Butter Sauce: Add garlic and sauté until fragrant. Stir in mustard, lemon juice, red pepper flakes, and parsley. Simmer for 1–2 minutes.
  • Combine: Add cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss to coat in sauce. Use reserved pasta water to loosen if needed.
  • Customize: Stir in Parmesan, greens, tomatoes, or cream for added richness. Simmer briefly until heated through.
  • Serve: Portion into bowls and garnish with lemon wedges and extra parsley.

Notes

  • Use rotisserie or pre-cooked chicken for speed.
  • Prep cowboy butter ahead and store in fridge for quick meals.
  • Reheat gently with a splash of broth or cream.
  • Avoid freezing—sauce may separate.
  • For gluten-free, use rice or chickpea linguine.
  • For low-carb, swap pasta with zucchini noodles.
 
Keyword chicken linguine, Comfort Food, Cowboy butter, easy dinner, one-pan pasta, spicy butter sauce