Can I use whole wheat linguine for this recipe?

Absolutely! Whole wheat linguine is a great alternative that adds more fiber and nutrients to the dish without sacrificing flavor.

What if I don’t have cowboy butter?

If you can’t find cowboy butter at your local store, you can easily make your own by mixing softened butter with minced garlic, herbs, and spices, or simply use regular butter with some added seasonings.

Can I make this dish in advance?

Yes, you can prep the chicken and sauce in advance. Simply store them separately, and cook the pasta just before serving. Combining everything right before serving will keep the texture just right.

Is there a vegetarian version of this dish?

Yes! You can replace the chicken with a plant-based protein like tofu or use hearty vegetables such as mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers for a delicious vegetarian option.

Can I add more vegetables to this meal?

Definitely! Feel free to add vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, or spinach to the skillet at the same time as the cream for extra flavor and nutrition.

Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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)

Instructions

Cook Linguine: Boil a large pot of salted water. Cook linguine until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
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.
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.
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.
Combine Pasta and Chicken: Add the cooked linguine and chicken to the skillet. Toss to coat in the sauce.
Finish with Lemon: Drizzle lemon juice over the dish and stir to combine.
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