This Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta is a rich, creamy, and flavorful dish that combines tender, seasoned chicken with linguine in a mouthwatering, buttery sauce. With a perfect balance of garlic, lemon, Dijon mustard, and Parmesan cheese, this meal will have everyone asking for seconds. It’s simple yet incredibly delicious, ideal for a comforting weeknight dinner or a special meal to impress guests!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta combines the perfect blend of savory, tangy, and creamy flavors, creating a comforting dish everyone will love. The chicken is perfectly seasoned with a smoky, garlicky kick, while the sauce is rich with butter and a touch of heat. The linguine holds the sauce beautifully, making every bite a satisfying experience. It’s a meal that comes together quickly, making it both easy and impressive at the same time!

Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
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 and 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, softened
2 garlic cloves, minced
¼ cup chicken broth
¼ cup heavy cream
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
1 tbsp lemon juice

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the linguine according to package instructions. Reserve ¼ cup of pasta water before draining the pasta and set it aside.
Cook the Chicken: While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the cubed chicken and season with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Cook the chicken for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
Make the Cowboy Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice. Allow the sauce to simmer for another minute or until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
Combine the Pasta and Chicken: Add the cooked chicken and reserved pasta water to the skillet. Stir in the cooked linguine, making sure the pasta is well-coated in the sauce. Let everything simmer together for 1-2 minutes so the flavors can meld.
Serve: Plate the pasta and chicken, and optionally garnish with more grated Parmesan or fresh herbs. Serve hot and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes about 4 servings.

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

Vegetarian Option: Replace the chicken with cubed tofu or a mix of your favorite vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms.
Spicy Kick: Add more cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to spice up the sauce.
Herbs: Add fresh herbs like parsley or thyme to the sauce for a burst of freshness.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Leftover Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat the pasta on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or chicken broth to loosen the sauce. You can also reheat it in the microwave, covered, for 1-2 minutes.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes! While linguine works great with this sauce, you can use other pasta types like fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti.

How can I make this dish less rich?

To lighten the sauce, you can reduce the amount of butter or use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.

Can I use frozen chicken?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but make sure to thaw it completely before cooking for the best texture and flavor.

Is there a way to make this dish dairy-free?

You can substitute the butter with a dairy-free alternative and use a non-dairy cream (like coconut cream) and vegan Parmesan cheese to make this dish dairy-free.

How do I make sure the chicken doesn’t dry out?

Make sure to cook the chicken just until it is no longer pink in the center and remove it from the heat as soon as it’s done. Overcooking can lead to dry chicken.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the cowboy butter sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, reheat it gently and toss with the pasta.

What can I serve this pasta with?

This pasta pairs well with a simple green salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Can I use a different kind of cheese?

Yes, you can use other cheeses such as Pecorino Romano or Asiago in place of Parmesan for a slightly different flavor.

Can I add more vegetables to the dish?

Absolutely! You can add vegetables like spinach, tomatoes, or peas for added flavor and nutrition.

Is this dish spicy?

The cayenne pepper adds a mild heat, but it’s optional. You can leave it out if you prefer a milder flavor.

Conclusion

Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta is the ultimate comfort food, with a creamy, garlicky sauce that pairs perfectly with tender chicken and linguine. This dish is rich in flavor, easy to make, and sure to become a weeknight favorite in your household. With a few simple ingredients, you can create a meal that feels indulgent but comes together quickly—making it ideal for busy nights or when you want to impress your guests!

Chef MARTHA