Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta

If you’ve ever wanted a meal that feels like a warm hug after a wild day wrangling work, kids, or just your own sanity—Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta is your new dinner BFF. Rich, buttery, and full of zesty flavor, this dish combines the creamy comfort of pasta with the bold punch of cowboy butter. Yes, it’s as fun (and delicious) as it sounds!

Whether you’re feeding picky eaters or treating yourself after a long day, this recipe hits that sweet spot between indulgent and easy. Plus, it stars a pantry favorite: good ol’ chicken breasts.

Why You’ll Love This Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta

First off, cowboy butter sauce. It’s like a flavor rodeo in your mouth—garlic, herbs, spices, a kick of heat, and buttery bliss in every bite. Add perfectly seared chicken and al dente linguine to the mix, and you’ve got a recipe that feels both fancy and fuss-free.

Did I mention it comes together in under 40 minutes? It’s ideal for weeknights when you want something special without breaking a sweat.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 8 oz linguine pasta
• ½ cup unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish

Ingredient Highlights:

• Smoked paprika adds that irresistible smoky depth.
• Lemon juice brightens things up and keeps the butter from feeling too heavy.
• Chicken breasts give lean protein and get wonderfully golden in the skillet.

How to Make Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Season & Sear the Chicken

Pat chicken dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, onion powder, and red pepper flakes (if using). In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Sear chicken for about 6–7 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (165°F internal temp). Remove from skillet and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

While the chicken’s doing its thing, boil linguine in salted water according to package instructions. Cook to al dente, then drain—reserve 1 cup of that pasta water for the sauce.

Step 3: Make the Cowboy Butter Sauce

In the same skillet, melt the remaining butter. Add garlic, parsley, and thyme; sauté until fragrant (just a minute or two). Pour in chicken broth and lemon juice. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning—more lemon, salt, or pepper as needed.

Step 4: Combine It All

Slice that beautifully golden chicken into strips. Toss the drained linguine into the skillet with the cowboy butter sauce. Add reserved pasta water a splash at a time until it’s just how you like it. Fold in the chicken.

Step 5: Serve & Enjoy

Divide onto plates, sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan, and add a final dusting of parsley or thyme if you’re feeling fancy. Serve immediately.

Quick Tips to Wrangle This Dish Like a Pro

• Don’t skimp on the lemon juice! It cuts the richness and wakes everything up.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan if you can—it melts better and tastes way more luxe.
• Red pepper flakes are optional but add a fun kick. Adjust to your heat level.

A Little Story From My Kitchen

This Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta quickly became my family’s weeknight hero. I first made it after a day that felt 37 hours long—laundry piled high, inbox overflowing, and dinner still a question mark. One bite of this buttery, garlicky goodness and everyone was quiet (bliss!). Now it’s on regular rotation.

FAQs About Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta

Let’s Make Dinner Delicious Again

Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta is more than a recipe—it’s a little act of self-care in a bowl. Bold, buttery, and surprisingly simple, this dish brings big flavor with very little fuss. Perfect for busy nights, hungry bellies, and anyone who believes dinner should be the best part of the day.

Go ahead, grab that skillet and let’s cook up some cowboy magic tonight!

Discover More Delicious Chicken Recipes

If you loved the bold, buttery flavor of this Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta, don’t miss these other comforting and creative chicken dinners. Whether you’re after something creamy, spicy, or straight-up cozy, these recipes are here to inspire your next meal:

• Craving more rich, creamy pasta? Try our Best Marry Me Chicken Pasta—a romantic, cheesy twist that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.
• For a slow-cooked weeknight wonder, the Crockpot Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken brings bold garlic flavor with a velvety finish.
• Want something with a Tex-Mex kick? Our Pioneer Woman Mexican Chicken Casserole is loaded with flavor and family-friendly goodness.
• Fuel up with flavor and protein with our High Protein Creamy Chilli Chicken Enchiladas—a spicy, satisfying dinner that’s perfect for busy nights.

Your next chicken favorite is just one click away!

Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

• Author: Aneta
• Total Time: 35 mins
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta is the perfect weeknight meal—bold, buttery, and bursting with flavor. Tender seared chicken, garlicky cowboy butter sauce, and creamy linguine come together in one unforgettable dish.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 large chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)

• 8 oz linguine pasta ( or your Favourite )

• ½ cup unsalted butter

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

• 1 teaspoon onion powder

• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 1 cup chicken broth

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Season the Chicken: Pat chicken dry and season with salt, pepper, paprika, onion powder, and red pepper flakes (if using).

2. Cook Chicken: In a large skillet, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat. Cook chicken 6–7 minutes per side or until golden and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.

3. Cook Pasta: While chicken cooks, boil linguine in salted water until al dente. Drain and reserve 1 cup of pasta water.

4. Make Sauce: In the same skillet, melt remaining butter. Add garlic, parsley, and thyme; sauté for 1–2 minutes. Add chicken broth and lemon juice. Simmer 2–3 minutes.

5. Slice Chicken: Cut cooked chicken into strips.

6. Combine: Toss linguine in the sauce, adding reserved pasta water until desired consistency. Fold in the chicken.

7. Serve: Plate and top with Parmesan and extra herbs if desired. Enjoy warm.

Notes

For extra zest, squeeze a little more lemon before serving.
Swap linguine with fettuccine or penne if desired.
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Add broth or water when reheating.

• Prep Time: 10 mins
• Cook Time: 25 mins
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 620 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 490 mg
• Fat: 32 g
• Saturated Fat: 17 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 48 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 40 g
• Cholesterol: 145 mg