Hello friends, Chef André here.
If you love bold flavors and comforting pasta dinners, this Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta is about to steal the spotlight in your kitchen. Inspired by the famous cowboy butter sauce—rich with garlic, herbs, butter, and a touch of heat—this dish turns simple linguine and chicken into a crave-worthy meal.
Juicy chicken, silky butter sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta come together in just 30 minutes, making this recipe ideal for busy weeknights or relaxed family dinners. It’s indulgent without being complicated, and every bite is packed with flavor. This is the kind of pasta that makes everyone ask for seconds.
Big flavor, minimal effort—that’s cowboy cooking done right.
Why This Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta Is a Must-Try
This recipe shines because it’s:
- Ready in just 30 minutes
- Rich, buttery, and full of garlic flavor
- Family-friendly and satisfying
- Easy to customize
- Perfect for weeknight pasta cravings
Comfort food with a bold personality.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Chicken
- 1½ lbs boneless chicken breast or thighs, sliced
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Pasta
- 12 oz linguine pasta
- Salted water, for boiling
Cowboy Butter Sauce
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
Optional Garnish
- Grated Parmesan
- Extra parsley
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook linguine until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.
Step 2
Season chicken with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
Step 3
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
Step 4
Lower heat to medium. Add butter to the same skillet and let it melt.
Step 5
Stir in garlic, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, thyme, and red pepper flakes. Cook gently 1 minute until fragrant.
Step 6
Return chicken to the skillet. Toss to coat in the cowboy butter sauce.
Step 7
Add cooked linguine and a splash of reserved pasta water. Toss until pasta is glossy and well coated.
Step 8
Finish with parsley and optional Parmesan. Serve immediately.
Chef André’s Tips for Perfect Cowboy Butter Pasta
- Don’t brown the garlic—keep heat gentle
- Use pasta water to loosen the sauce
- Taste before adding extra salt (butter is salty)
- Serve right away for best texture
Simple steps, big payoff.
Easy Variations to Try
- Add mushrooms or spinach
- Swap linguine for fettuccine or penne
- Add a splash of cream for extra richness
- Use shrimp instead of chicken
This sauce works with everything.
What to Serve with Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta
This dish pairs perfectly with:
- Simple green salad
- Roasted vegetables
- Garlic bread
It’s hearty enough to stand alone.
Storage and Reheating
- Store leftovers in the fridge up to 3 days
- Reheat gently with a splash of water or butter
For safe handling of cooked chicken, follow USDA Food Safety guidelines:
https://www.usda.gov/food-safety
FAQ – Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta
Is this dish spicy?
Mild heat, easily adjustable.
Can I make it ahead?
Best fresh, but reheats well.
Can I use another pasta?
Yes, any long pasta works.
Is this kid-friendly?
Yes—skip the red pepper flakes.
Approximate Nutrition Per Serving
- Calories: ~640 kcal
- Protein: 36 g
- Fat: 38 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
Values vary based on butter and pasta amounts.
Final Words from Chef André
This Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta is proof that simple ingredients can create bold, unforgettable flavor. It’s buttery, garlicky, and comforting—the kind of dinner that makes a regular night feel special.
If you make it, tell me—extra garlic or extra butter?
Chef André 👨🍳