Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

Last updated on June 23, 2025

Are you ready to dive into a delightful dish that combines the creaminess of linguine with the bold flavors of cowboy butter and chicken? Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is not just a meal; it’s an experience that brings warmth and comfort to your dinner table. With its rich sauce and tender chicken, this dish is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for family or hosting friends, this recipe will impress everyone. Let’s explore why you’ll love this Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine and how to bring this delicious dish to life in your own kitchen!

Why You’ll Love This Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a mouthwatering fusion of flavors. Here’s why this recipe is bound to become a favorite:

1. Flavorful and Hearty: The combination of spices and the creamy sauce creates a rich and satisfying meal that’s bursting with flavor.
2. Quick and Easy: Despite its decadent taste, this recipe is straightforward to prepare, making it suitable for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
3. Versatile: You can easily personalize this dish by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting the spice levels to suit your taste.
4. Crowd-Pleaser: Its delightful flavors appeal to a wide range of palates, making it a fantastic choice for gatherings and family dinners.
5. Comfort Food: This dish serves up nostalgia and warmth, bringing everyone back to cozy kitchen moments.

Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

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• Author: Sarah Mendez
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

This Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a rich, creamy, and flavorful pasta dish featuring tender chicken bites in a spicy, buttery garlic sauce. It’s comforting, quick to make, and perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Essential Ingredients:

• 8 oz linguine
• 1 1/2 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp garlic salt
• 1/2 tsp kosher salt
• 1/4 tsp pepper
• 1/4 cup cowboy butter (divided)
• 3/4 cup heavy cream
• 1 tsp garlic salt
• 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
• 1/2 tsp lemon juice
• Lemon slices (for garnish)
• Chopped parsley (for garnish)

Optional Add-Ons:

• Vegetables (spinach, bell peppers, cherry tomatoes)
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh herbs (thyme or basil)

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Instructions

1. Cook Linguine: Boil a large pot of salted water. Cook linguine until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. Sauté Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces in a single layer. Season with paprika, garlic salt, kosher salt, and pepper. Cook for 3–4 minutes on one side until golden.
3. Add Cowboy Butter: Add 2 tablespoons of cowboy butter to the pan. Flip the chicken and cook an additional 3–4 minutes until fully cooked (internal temp 165°F). Remove and keep warm.
4. Make the Sauce: Lower heat to low. In the same skillet, add remaining cowboy butter, heavy cream, garlic salt, and red pepper flakes. Stir to combine and deglaze the pan.
5. Combine Pasta and Chicken: Add the cooked linguine and chicken to the skillet. Toss to coat in the sauce.
6. Finish with Lemon: Drizzle lemon juice over the dish and stir to combine.
7. Serve: Plate hot, garnish with lemon slices and chopped parsley. Optional: top with Parmesan or additional herbs.

Notes

• Adjust spice level by increasing or reducing red pepper flakes.
• Use store-bought or homemade cowboy butter for best results.
• To make it lighter, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.
• Add vegetables for more color, nutrition, and flavor.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1/4 recipe
• Calories: 670
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 820mg
• Fat: 42g
• Saturated Fat: 20g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 42g
• Cholesterol: 160mg

Keywords: Cowboy butter chicken, creamy linguine pasta, spicy garlic chicken pasta, easy chicken dinner, weeknight pasta recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need for Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine:

To make this wonderful Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine, gather the following ingredients:

Essential Ingredients:

• 8 ounces linguine: A perfect pasta choice to soak up the creamy sauce.
• 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts: Cut into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil: For sautéing the chicken and infusing it with flavor.
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika: Adds a lovely color and a mild warmth.
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt: Enhances the savory flavors of the chicken.
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt: Just the right amount to season the chicken.
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper: To add a touch of heat.
• 1/4 cup cowboy butter: This is the star ingredient that gives the dish its name and flavor (more on this later).
• 3/4 cup heavy cream: For that rich, silky sauce.
• 1 teaspoon garlic salt: This will enrich the cream sauce.
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes: For a hint of spice that elevates the dish.
• 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice: To brighten the flavors.
• Lemon slices for garnish: Adds a pop of color and a fresh aroma.
• Chopped parsley for garnish: Provides a lovely finish and a hint of freshness.

Optional Add-Ons:

• Vegetables: Feel free to toss in some spinach, bell peppers, or cherry tomatoes for added nutrition and color.
• Cheese: Grated Parmesan cheese can be sprinkled on top for an extra creamy and cheesy finish.
• Herbs: Experiment with additional herbs like thyme or basil for a different flavor profile.

How to Make Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine: Step-by-Step

Follow these simple steps to create your Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine, ensuring you enjoy every savory bite.

Step 1: Cook the Linguine

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once the water is bubbling, add in the linguine. Cook it according to the package instructions until it is al dente. This means it should be cooked but still firm to the bite. After cooking, drain the pasta and set it aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

In a large skillet, heat up the extra virgin olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, place the chicken pieces in a single layer in the pan. It’s essential not to overcrowd the skillet, as this can cause the chicken to steam rather than brown. Season the chicken evenly with paprika, garlic salt, kosher salt, and pepper. Cook the chicken for about 3-4 minutes on one side or until it turns a beautiful golden brown.

Step 3: Add Cowboy Butter

Once the chicken is browned, carefully nestle 2 tablespoons of the cowboy butter into the skillet. Flip the chicken pieces to the other side and continue cooking until it is browned and cooked through, which should take another 3-4 minutes. You can check the internal temperature to ensure it reaches 165°F.

Step 4: Keep the Chicken Warm

When the chicken is ready, remove it from the skillet and place it on a plate. Tent the chicken loosely with aluminum foil to keep it warm while you prepare the sauce.

Step 5: Make the Sauce

Reduce the heat to low. In the same skillet, add the remaining cowboy butter, heavy cream, garlic salt, and crushed red pepper flakes. Use a spatula to scrape up any delicious brown bits stuck to the bottom of the pan; this will enhance the flavor of your sauce. Stir until the butter melts and everything is well combined.

Step 6: Combine Pasta and Chicken

Add the cooked linguine and the warm chicken back into the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together to coat the chicken and pasta evenly in the creamy sauce. The linguine should absorb some of the sauce while mixing.

Step 7: Add Lemon Juice

To brighten up the dish, drizzle in the lemon juice. Stir to combine, ensuring every bite is bursting with flavor.

Step 8: Serve and Garnish

Serve the Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine hot, garnished with lemon slices and chopped parsley for a fresh touch. Enjoy this creamy, rich dish that’s as fun to make as it is to eat!

Serving Suggestions for Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a dish that can stand alone, but pairing it with the right sides can elevate your meal. Here are some suggestions:

• Garlic Bread: Serve alongside warm garlic bread to soak up the extra sauce.
• Green Salad: A light, crisp salad with a vinaigrette can balance the richness of the pasta.
• Steamed Vegetables: Broccoli or asparagus can add color and nutrition to the plate.
• Wine Pairing: Consider serving this dish with a glass of chilled white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay, to enhance your dining experience.

Pro Tips for Perfecting Your Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

To ensure your Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine turns out perfectly every time, consider these pro tips:

1. Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Follow the package instructions closely to achieve that ideal al dente texture.
2. High-Quality Chicken: Use fresh chicken breasts for the best flavor and tenderness.
3. Use a Wide Skillet: A large skillet allows for better browning of the chicken and room for tossing the pasta.
4. Adjust Spiciness: If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or omit them entirely.
5. Don’t Rush the Sauce: Allow the sauce to simmer gently to deepen the flavors—don’t be tempted to turn up the heat too high.

Easy Variations for Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

Feel free to put your spin on this recipe. A few easy variations to consider include:

• Shrimp Instead of Chicken: For a seafood twist, swap chicken for shrimp. Just be sure not to overcook the shrimp to keep them tender.
• Add Spinach or Kale: Stir in fresh spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking for added nutrition and color.
• Spicy Cowboy Butter: Mix in extra spices like cayenne pepper or chipotle powder into the cowboy butter for a kick.
• Pasta Alternatives: If linguine isn’t your favorite, try fettuccine, penne, or even whole wheat pasta for a healthier option.

Storage Tips for Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

If you end up with leftovers (or want to meal prep!), follow these storage tips to keep your Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine fresh:

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: If you want to save it for longer, store the dish in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Remember that the cream sauce may alter in texture after freezing.
• Reheating: To reheat, gently warm the pasta on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to help restore its creaminess. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Conclusion

Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a delicious dish that combines hearty chicken, rich cream, and perfectly cooked linguine. Whether you’re dining solo or hosting a gathering, this recipe is sure to impress. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create a meal that evokes warmth and comfort. Don’t hesitate to make this dish your own with personal touches—there’s always room for creativity in the kitchen. Gather your ingredients and let’s make magic happen with Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine!

FAQs About Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

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