Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine (One-Pan, 30-Minute Dinner)

If you love creamy pasta dishes packed with bold flavor and ready in under 30 minutes, you need to try Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine. This recipe combines juicy golden-seared chicken, tender linguine, and a rich, garlicky cowboy butter sauce that’s tangy, spicy, and buttery in all the right ways.

The best part? It’s all made in one pan, making cleanup a breeze and leaving you with more time to enjoy every bite. Whether you’re feeding the family or whipping up a cozy dinner for two, this dish tastes like restaurant-quality comfort food straight from your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fast & Easy – Ready in about 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
• Incredible Flavor – The cowboy butter sauce combines garlic, lemon, Dijon, and herbs for a zesty, buttery kick.
• One-Pan Wonder – Cook everything in the same skillet for minimal cleanup.
• Totally Customizable – Swap the protein, add veggies, or spice it up to your liking.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
• Salt & black pepper, to taste

For the Pasta:

• 8 oz linguine
• Salted water, for boiling
• ¼ cup reserved pasta water

For the Cowboy Butter Sauce:

• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• ¼ cup chicken broth
• ¼ cup heavy cream
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

How to Make Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

1. Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the linguine until al dente (about 9–11 minutes). Reserve ¼ cup of the pasta water before draining. Drizzle the pasta with a little olive oil to prevent sticking and set aside.

2. Cook the Chicken

While the pasta boils, toss chicken cubes with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper.
Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 3–4 minutes per side, until golden and fully cooked. Transfer to a plate and cover loosely with foil.

3. Make the Cowboy Butter Sauce

In the same skillet (don’t wipe it out!), reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the butter and let it melt. Stir in garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add chicken broth, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice. Whisk and simmer for 2 minutes.
Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan. Let it simmer gently until smooth and slightly thickened. Avoid boiling.

4. Combine Everything

Return the chicken (and its juices) to the pan. Add the linguine and toss everything together. Use the reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed. Let it cook together for 1–2 minutes so the flavors blend.

5. Garnish & Serve

Turn off the heat. Stir in chopped parsley. Serve immediately with extra parsley, red pepper flakes, and lemon wedges if desired.

Pro Tips for Success

• Use Good-Quality Butter – European-style butter adds richness and better flavor.
• Don’t Skip the Pasta Water – It helps emulsify the sauce and cling to the pasta.
• Keep the Heat Low After Adding Cream – Too much heat can cause separation.
• Even Chicken Cubes – Cut chicken evenly for consistent cooking.

Variations & Add-Ins

• Add Veggies – Spinach, cherry tomatoes, or roasted bell peppers make great additions.
• Change the Protein – Try shrimp, sausage, or even tofu for a different spin.
• Go Spicy – Add more cayenne and red pepper flakes if you like heat.

What to Serve With Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

• Crispy Garlic Bread – Perfect for mopping up all that buttery sauce.
• Side Salad – A simple green salad with vinaigrette balances the richness.
• White Wine – A dry Sauvignon Blanc or unoaked Chardonnay pairs beautifully.

Make-Ahead Tips

• Chicken – Cube and season up to a day ahead and store in the fridge.
• Sauce Base – Mix the broth, mustard, lemon juice, and garlic together in advance.
• Reheat Pasta – If cooking in advance, refresh cooked pasta in boiling water for 30 seconds before using.

---

Final Thoughts

Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is more than just another pasta recipe—it’s your new weeknight favorite. Creamy, flavorful, and easy to pull together, it brings bold, buttery flavor to the dinner table with minimal effort and maximum satisfaction.

Love this recipe? Don’t forget to pin it, print it, or share it with a fellow pasta lover! 🍝💛

Would you like a recipe card layout for this too?

You can see more about Slow Cooker Shredded Beef Sandwiches: The Ultimate Comfort Food