Why Make This Recipe
Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a delicious and easy dish to prepare. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress friends and family. The creamy butter sauce, combined with tender chicken and flavorful herbs, makes each bite satisfying. Plus, it’s a one-pan meal, making cleanup a breeze!
How to Make Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
Ingredients:
- 8 oz linguine pasta
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 tsp Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Parmesan cheese, for serving
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Directions:
- Cook the linguine according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Stir in the Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and Italian herbs. Mix well.
- Add the cooked chicken to the skillet, stirring to coat in the sauce. Season with salt and pepper.
- Add the cooked linguine to the skillet and toss everything together until well combined.
- Serve hot, topped with Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley.
How to Serve Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
Serve this dish while it’s hot for the best flavor. You can sprinkle some extra Parmesan cheese on top for added richness. A side salad or some garlic bread goes well with this meal, making it a complete and satisfying dinner.
How to Store Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
To store leftovers, place the dish in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. When ready to eat, warm it up in a skillet or microwave until heated through. You may want to add a little bit of butter or water to loosen the sauce.
Tips to Make Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
- Use leftover rotisserie chicken for a quicker option.
- Make sure your butter is unsalted for better flavor control.
- You can adjust the lemon juice based on your taste preference for acidity.
- For an extra kick, consider adding some red pepper flakes to the sauce.
Variation
You can add vegetables like spinach or bell peppers to the dish for added nutrition and color. If you prefer a lighter version, substitute the butter with olive oil and use whole grain linguine.
FAQs
Can I use any type of pasta?
Yes, you can swap linguine with any other pasta like spaghetti or fettuccine.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! It stores well, making it perfect for meal prep.
How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
You can replace the butter with a dairy-free margarine or olive oil. Skip the Parmesan or use a dairy-free cheese alternative.

Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 oz linguine pasta
Chicken and Sauce
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded Use leftover rotisserie chicken for quicker preparation.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter Ensure butter is unsalted for better flavor control.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced Sauté until fragrant.
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 each Juice of 1 lemon Adjust based on taste preference for acidity.
- 1 tsp Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Parmesan cheese, for serving Sprinkle on top for added richness.
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
Preparation
- Cook the linguine according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Cooking
- Stir in the Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and Italian herbs. Mix well.
- Add the cooked chicken to the skillet, stirring to coat in the sauce. Season with salt and pepper.
- Add the cooked linguine to the skillet and toss everything together until well combined.
Serving
- Serve hot, topped with Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley.