Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

Name: Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 8 ounces linguine.; 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces.; 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil.; ½ teaspoon paprika.; ½ teaspoon garlic salt.; ½ teaspoon kosher salt.; ¼ teaspoon pepper.; ¼ cup (4 tablespoons) cowboy butter, divided.; ¾ cup heavy cream.; 1 teaspoon garlic salt.; ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes.; ½ teaspoon lemon juice.; Lemon slices.; Fresh parsley, chopped.

by Sophia

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Who doesn’t love a dish that combines tender chicken, creamy linguine, and a buttery sauce with a zesty kick? This Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is exactly that—a hearty, satisfying meal that’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation. It’s a simple yet elegant dish perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests.

Let’s dive in and bring this delicious recipe to life, one step at a time!

Why This Recipe Will Win You Over

When I first stumbled across the idea of cowboy butter, I was intrigued. The rich, buttery base paired with a hint of spice and tang sounded like the perfect addition to chicken and pasta. This dish delivers a harmony of flavors—juicy, golden-brown chicken bites, perfectly cooked linguine, and a sauce that’s creamy, indulgent, and packed with zesty goodness.

Whether you’re cooking for your family or impressing dinner guests, this Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a crowd-pleaser. Plus, it’s quick and straightforward—ready in under an hour from start to finish!

Gather Your Ingredients

Before we start, here’s everything you’ll need to create this masterpiece:

For the Chicken:

1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into 1-inch bites)
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
½ teaspoon paprika

½ teaspoon garlic salt
½ teaspoon kosher salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper

For the Sauce:

¼ cup (4 tablespoons) cowboy butter, divided
¾ cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon garlic salt

¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
½ teaspoon lemon juice
Lemon slices (for garnish)

Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)

For the Pasta:

8 ounces of linguine

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the linguine and cook it until it’s perfectly al dente, following the package instructions (usually about 8-10 minutes). Drain the pasta, set it aside, and keep it warm.

Pro Tip: Toss the cooked pasta with a drizzle of olive oil to prevent it from sticking together while you prepare the rest of the dish.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and let it warm up until shimmering. Then, add the chicken pieces in a single layer—don’t overcrowd the pan; this ensures even browning.

While the chicken cooks, sprinkle it evenly with paprika, garlic salt, kosher salt, and black pepper. Let it cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes on one side until golden brown.

Flip the chicken pieces over, then nestle in 2 tablespoons of cowboy butter. This step not only keeps the chicken juicy but also begins to infuse the buttery richness into the dish. Continue cooking for another 3-4 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate. Cover loosely with foil to keep it warm.

Step 3: Make the Sauce Base

Reduce the skillet’s heat to low. Add the remaining cowboy butter to the pan, allowing it to melt and pick up all the delicious browned bits left behind from the chicken. Stir in the heavy cream, garlic salt, and crushed red pepper flakes. This creates the base of the luscious, slightly spicy sauce.

Pro Tip: Use a wooden spatula to scrape up any browned bits stuck to the pan. These bits add incredible depth and flavor to your sauce.

At this point, your kitchen is probably filled with the mouthwatering aroma of golden-brown chicken and buttery sauce. Now it’s time to combine everything into a dish that looks and tastes like it came straight out of a restaurant.

Step 4: Toss Everything Together

With your creamy cowboy butter sauce bubbling gently over low heat, it’s time to assemble the final masterpiece.

Add the Pasta: Start by tossing the cooked linguine into the skillet with the sauce. Use tongs or a spatula to gently coat the pasta, ensuring every strand is bathed in the rich, velvety sauce.

Reintroduce the Chicken: Next, add the cooked chicken back into the skillet. Stir everything together until the chicken and pasta are evenly combined and warmed through. By now, the sauce should cling beautifully to the linguine and chicken.
A Squeeze of Freshness: Finish the dish by adding ½ teaspoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice. This small touch of acidity cuts through the richness of the sauce and brings a bright, tangy balance to the dish.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Presentation matters, especially with a dish this stunning! Here’s how to serve it like a pro:

Add Garnishes: Garnish the dish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and brightness. Place a few thin lemon slices on top for an elegant, citrusy touch.
Serve Immediately: Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is best enjoyed fresh and hot. Serve it straight from the skillet into bowls or onto plates for a rustic, inviting feel.

Pro Tip: For an added kick, sprinkle a pinch of extra crushed red pepper flakes on top. It’s the perfect way to customize the heat level for those who like a little spice.

Tips for Perfect Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

Cooking this dish is straightforward, but a few simple tips can make it absolutely flawless:

Perfectly Cooked Chicken: To ensure your chicken stays juicy, cook it just until it reaches 165°F. Overcooking will dry it out, and you want those bites to be tender and flavorful.

Customizing the Sauce: Love it extra creamy? Add an extra splash of heavy cream. Want it zestier? Squeeze in a bit more lemon juice. This sauce is incredibly versatile, so feel free to adjust it to your taste.
Balance the Flavors: Cowboy butter has a bold, tangy flavor profile, but if you want a little extra richness, stir in a small handful of grated Parmesan cheese at the end. It melts beautifully into the sauce and adds a subtle nutty flavor.
Make It Spicy: For heat lovers, swap out the crushed red pepper flakes for finely diced fresh chili peppers, or serve with hot sauce on the side.

Variations to Try

This recipe is a dream for experimenting. Here are a few creative twists to keep it exciting:

Swap the Protein: Don’t feel like chicken? Shrimp or thinly sliced steak work wonderfully with cowboy butter sauce. Just adjust the cooking times to suit your protein choice.
Go Low-Carb: Substitute the linguine with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash for a lighter, low-carb version of this dish.

Add Veggies: Toss in some sautéed spinach, roasted cherry tomatoes, or steamed broccoli for a burst of color and added nutrition.
Make It Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free linguine or pasta to cater to dietary preferences without compromising flavor.

What Makes Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine So Special?

The beauty of this dish lies in its ability to transform simple ingredients into something magical. The cowboy butter sauce, with its tangy, buttery base and subtle heat, ties everything together in a way that feels indulgent yet approachable. Paired with tender chicken and perfectly al dente linguine, it’s comfort food at its finest.

FAQ and Final Touches for Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

You’ve cooked, garnished, and served your Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine. But what about those lingering questions and the best ways to store or reheat leftovers? Let’s wrap things up with helpful tips and answers to common questions, followed by a warm invitation to share your culinary creations.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is cowboy butter, and where can I find it?
Cowboy butter is a flavorful, compound butter typically made with butter, garlic, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and a mix of fresh herbs and spices. It adds richness and zest to any dish. You can make it at home or find pre-made versions at some specialty grocery stores.

2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare parts of it in advance. Cook the chicken and sauce separately, and store them in airtight containers in the fridge for up to two days. Reheat gently and combine with freshly cooked pasta when ready to serve.

3. How do I reheat leftovers without the sauce breaking?
To reheat, add a splash of heavy cream or milk to the dish and warm it over low heat on the stovetop. Stir continuously to keep the sauce smooth and creamy. Avoid high heat, as it can cause the sauce to separate.

4. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While linguine is ideal for its flat, absorbent texture, feel free to substitute it with fettuccine, spaghetti, or even penne. The sauce clings beautifully to almost any type of pasta.

5. How spicy is this dish?
The crushed red pepper flakes add a mild heat to the sauce. If you prefer a completely mild dish, simply omit the red pepper flakes. For those who like it extra spicy, double the amount or add diced chili peppers.

6. Is this dish suitable for kids?
Yes! You can easily adjust the spice level to make it kid-friendly. Omit or reduce the red pepper flakes, and you’ve got a dish that’s creamy, savory, and perfect for little ones.

7. Can I freeze Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine?
Freezing this dish is not ideal, as the creamy sauce may separate upon reheating. If you must freeze it, store the chicken and pasta separately from the sauce. Reheat the sauce gently while combining it with the fresh or reheated pasta and chicken.

Conclusion: Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine—A Dish Worth Sharing

Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is the perfect blend of creamy, zesty, and savory flavors that feel indulgent yet approachable. It’s a dish that turns any mealtime into a special occasion without requiring hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re serving it for your family on a busy weeknight or wowing friends at a dinner party, this recipe is a guaranteed hit.