When you want a hearty, satisfying pasta dish packed with bold flavors, the Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta is a perfect choice.
Tender, juicy chicken seasoned with smoky spices meets rich, creamy butter sauce tossed with linguine to create an indulgent meal that’s easy to make but impressive enough for any dinner.
Why I Love This Recipe
Juicy, well-seasoned chicken cooked to perfection
Creamy, buttery sauce with garlic, Parmesan, and a touch of mustard and lemon
Simple pasta that perfectly carries the sauce
Quick one-skillet sauce making cleanup easier
Customizable heat level with optional cayenne and red pepper flakes
What You’ll Need (Ingredient Highlights)
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts — Cubed for quick, even cooking.
Linguine pasta — Al dente and lightly tossed with olive oil to prevent sticking.
Butter and olive oil — For searing chicken and creating a rich sauce base.
Garlic and onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne — For flavorful chicken seasoning.
Chicken broth, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, Dijon mustard, lemon juice — Combine for a luscious, tangy sauce.
Fresh parsley and crushed red pepper flakes — For garnish and subtle heat.
Pro Tips Before You Start
Use a good quality Parmesan for a richer sauce.
Don’t overcook the chicken; sear until just cooked through for juiciness.
Reserve some pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency and help it cling to the pasta.
Simmer the sauce gently to avoid breaking the cream or burning the butter.
Finish with fresh parsley for brightness and a pop of color.
How to Make Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Cook linguine until al dente, about 9–11 minutes. Reserve some pasta water before draining.
Toss pasta lightly with olive oil and set aside.
Step 2: Season and Sear the Chicken
Mix garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne (optional), salt, and pepper.
Coat cubed chicken evenly with the seasoning.
Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium-high heat.
Sear chicken in a single layer until golden and cooked through.
Remove and keep warm.
Step 3: Make the Cowboy Butter Sauce
Lower heat to medium-low.
Melt butter in the same skillet, then sauté minced garlic until fragrant.
Add chicken broth, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard, simmering briefly.
Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan until smooth and slightly thickened—don’t boil.
Step 4: Combine Everything
Return chicken with juices to the skillet.
Add cooked linguine and toss to combine, adding reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.
Simmer briefly to meld flavors.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Turn off heat and stir in chopped parsley.
Garnish with extra parsley, cracked pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes if desired.
Serve immediately with lemon wedges.
What to Serve It With
Garlic bread or crusty baguette
Simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette
Roasted or steamed vegetables like asparagus or broccoli
Light dessert such as lemon sorbet or fruit tart
Crisp white wine or sparkling water with lime
Variations / Substitutions
Use chicken thighs for more flavor and juiciness
Substitute linguine with fettuccine, penne, or gluten-free pasta
Add sautéed mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes to the sauce
Swap heavy cream for half-and-half for a lighter sauce
Increase cayenne or red pepper flakes for extra heat
Storage & Leftovers
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of cream or broth if sauce thickens too much.
Pasta may absorb sauce over time—add reserved pasta water to loosen when reheating.
FAQs
Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes, add cooked chicken at the end to warm through without overcooking.
What if I don’t have smoked paprika?
Regular paprika or chili powder works as a substitute.
How do I keep the sauce creamy?
Simmer gently, don’t boil, and add cream last.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Use dairy-free butter, cream alternatives, and skip Parmesan or use vegan cheese.
Is this recipe spicy?
It has mild heat from optional cayenne and red pepper flakes, adjustable to taste.
How do I prevent pasta from sticking?
Toss pasta with olive oil after draining and serve immediately.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, use a larger pan and adjust cooking times as needed.
Final Thoughts
The Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta combines juicy, seasoned chicken with a rich, creamy sauce that’s bursting with flavor.
It’s a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that’s surprisingly simple to prepare yet impressive on the plate.
Perfect for weeknights or special dinners, this pasta will quickly become a favorite in your recipe rotation.
