If you crave big flavors and comforting pasta all in one bite, Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is your new weeknight go-to. Imagine juicy chicken, tender linguine, and a buttery, garlicky sauce that’s just a little bit fiery—the entire dish comes together in under 30 minutes and feels like something you could order at your favorite bistro, but better, because you made it at home!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- A One-Pan Wonder: Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine delivers bold flavor with minimal dishes and easy cleanup, which means more time for you to relax.
- Restaurant-Quality in Minutes: Juicy, well-seasoned chicken and silky linguine in a luscious cowboy butter and cream sauce tastes gourmet but is on your table in under half an hour.
- Customizable Kick: Like it mild or spicy? You control the heat level in the buttery sauce—there’s boldness for everyone!
- Family-Friendly (or Date Night Worthy!): It’s cozy, crowd-pleasing, and so easy to dress up for casual family dinners or to impress your favorite people.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This ingredient list may look simple, but every item pulls its weight—bringing color, richness, and satisfying flavor to Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine. Choose the freshest you can, and don’t be shy about swapping in your favorite pasta or adding a boost of herbs if you have some on hand!
- Linguine: The long, flat strands grab on to the creamy cowboy butter sauce beautifully, but you can sub another pasta if needed.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Cut into bites for even cooking and just the right forkful with your noodles.
- Extra virgin olive oil: Adds flavor and helps the chicken brown up just right in the pan.
- Paprika, garlic salt, kosher salt & pepper: This seasoning mix gives the chicken irresistible warmth and depth.
- Cowboy butter: The pièce de résistance—garlicky, herby compound butter with a hint of heat. It’s what makes this dish truly craveable.
- Heavy cream: The secret to a glossy, silky sauce that clings to every noodle.
- Crushed red pepper flakes: Just enough for a gentle kick, or more if you love it spicy.
- Lemon juice: A squeeze of citrus keeps the sauce bright so it never feels heavy.
- Lemon slices & chopped parsley: Fresh and vibrant garnishes to finish your Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine with flair.
Variations
The beauty of Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is that it loves a little adventure. Personalizing the recipe to fit your pantry, dietary needs, or cravings is a breeze—don’t hesitate to make it truly yours each time you cook!
- Swap the Protein: Try boneless, skinless thighs for extra juiciness, or use cooked shrimp for a surf-inspired spin.
- Dairy-Free Version: Substitute full-fat coconut milk and use vegan butter to make this pasta rich and satisfying without cream.
- Veggie Power: Toss in sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or blistered cherry tomatoes to amp up the color and add fresh flavor.
- Spice it Up: Double the red pepper flakes or stir in a spoonful of chili crisp for a fiery Southern kick!
How to Make Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
Step 1: Boil the Linguine
Bring a big pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil, then drop in your linguine and cook until just al dente. The pasta should be tender but with a nice bite—this helps it hold up under that luscious cowboy butter sauce. Drain the noodles and set aside while you work on the rest.
Step 2: Sauté and Season the Chicken
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add your chicken pieces in a single layer, letting them sizzle and get golden. Sprinkle the paprika, garlic salt, kosher salt, and pepper over the top—watch as the spices start to perfume your whole kitchen! Let the chicken cook for 3–4 minutes on one side, undisturbed, for perfect browning.
Step 3: Cowboy Butter Magic
Add half your cowboy butter directly to the skillet, nestling it around the chicken pieces. Once melted, flip the chicken and cook another 3–4 minutes until beautifully browned and fully cooked. Then transfer the chicken to a plate and tent it with foil to keep it warm and juicy—don’t skip this, the chicken stays ultra-tender.
Step 4: Create the Creamy Cowboy Sauce
Reduce the heat to low and add the rest of your cowboy butter, the heavy cream, extra garlic salt, and a generous pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the same skillet. Use a spatula to scrape up all those golden-brown bits stuck to the pan—that’s pure flavor! Stir gently until the sauce is smooth and butter is fully melted.
Step 5: Toss Pasta and Chicken Together
Add the drained linguine and your cooked chicken back into the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together—every strand of pasta should be lovingly coated in that garlicky, creamy cowboy butter sauce. Squeeze in the lemon juice, give it one last toss, and you’re ready to serve!
Pro Tips for Making Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
- The Cowboy Butter Advantage: If you’re using homemade cowboy butter, double up on the garlic and herbs for an even bolder kick—store-bought works, but freshness makes the sauce sing.
- Perfect Chicken Bites: Cutting all your chicken to about 1-inch ensures even, quick cooking and that each forkful of linguine gets the ideal chicken-to-noodle ratio.
- Don’t Rush the Browning: Let chicken cook undisturbed for that gorgeous golden crust—it adds color and locks in moisture.
- Save Pasta Water: If you want a looser sauce, add a splash of reserved pasta cooking water at the finishing toss to bring everything together silkily.
How to Serve Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
Garnishes
Fresh is best for garnish here! Scatter over lots of chopped parsley for color and brightness, and tuck in a few lemon slices or even a wedge for those who love a burst of citrus. Want to go extra? A shower of freshly grated parmesan makes every bite of Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine even dreamier.
Side Dishes
This pasta is a showstopper all on its own, but a crisp green salad (think arugula or romaine with a lemony vinaigrette) is a perfect fresh counterpoint. Serve with warm, crusty bread or garlicky Texas toast to mop up every drop of that luscious sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a casual night, pile Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine in a big family-style bowl and let everyone serve themselves. Want to impress? Twirl the linguine into nests using tongs, then top with a few glossy chicken pieces and a drizzle of extra cowboy butter. Garnish with herbs and lemon for a bistro-worthy look!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making lunch the next day something to look forward to!
Freezing
While creamy sauces can change texture after freezing, you can freeze the chicken and sauce (without the pasta) for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, simply reheat gently and toss with freshly cooked linguine for best results.
Reheating
Reheat Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine slowly over medium-low heat, stirring in a splash of cream or milk if needed to loosen up the sauce. The microwave works, too—just stir halfway through so everything reheats evenly and stays silky.
FAQs
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What is cowboy butter and where can I find it?
Cowboy butter is a punchy compound butter made with garlic, herbs, lemon, and a touch of heat—think of it as herby, garlicky magic in a stick. You can sometimes find it at specialty grocers, but it’s easy (and extra delicious) to whip up a quick batch at home with softened butter, fresh garlic, parsley, chives, lemon zest, red pepper flakes, and salt.
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Can I use a different kind of pasta?
Absolutely! While linguine is wonderful for soaking up the sauce, fettuccine, spaghetti, or even penne work well if you have them on hand. Just adjust the cooking time, and you’re good to go.
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Is there a way to make Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine gluten-free?
Yes—just use your favorite gluten-free pasta instead of traditional linguine, and double-check your cowboy butter ingredients for any hidden gluten (some store-bought blends may have additives).
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How spicy is the sauce?
The heat in Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is mild as written, thanks to the balanced amounts of red pepper flakes and the richness of the sauce. If you prefer more fire, feel free to add extra red pepper or your favorite hot sauce!
Final Thoughts
When you need a dish that brings both comfort and a little excitement to the table, Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is your answer. Whether it’s a cozy weeknight or you’re looking to spoil someone special, this pasta always delivers. Treat yourself—you can’t help but go back for seconds!
Print
Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Stovetop
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Indulge in the rich flavors of Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine, a delicious pasta dish featuring tender chicken bites in a creamy, buttery sauce with a hint of spice. This recipe is sure to become a family favorite!
Ingredients
Linguine:
- 8 ounces linguine
Chicken:
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch bites
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
Sauce:
- 1/4 cup (4 tablespoons / 57 g) cowboy butter, divided
- 3/4 cup (178.5 g) heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
- lemon slices, for garnish
- parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Cook Linguine: Boil salted water, cook linguine until al dente, drain, and set aside.
- Cook Chicken: Sear seasoned chicken in oil until golden brown. Add 2 tablespoons cowboy butter and cook until done.
- Make Sauce: Reduce heat, add remaining cowboy butter, heavy cream, garlic salt, and red pepper flakes. Stir until creamy.
- Combine: Toss cooked linguine and chicken in the sauce. Add lemon juice and mix well.
- Serve: Garnish with lemon slices and parsley before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 761 kcal
