If you’re craving a dish that combines rich, buttery flavors with a bit of a spicy kick and the comforting embrace of pasta, then this Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe has got you covered. It’s a stunning, vibrant meal that brings juicy chicken, creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked linguine together for a plate that is both satisfying and sophisticated without any fuss. Trust me, once you try this Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe, it will quickly become one of your go-to weeknight dinners or impressive weekend treats that you’ll happily share with friends and family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are refreshingly straightforward but carefully chosen to deliver maximum flavor and texture to your dish. Each component plays a pivotal role, whether it’s enriching the sauce, seasoning the chicken, or making the pasta sing.
- 8 ounces linguine: The perfect pasta shape to hold the luscious sauce in every bite.
- 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch bites: Tender, easy-to-cook morsels that soak up all the seasoning beautifully.
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil: Adds a light, fruity base for cooking the chicken.
- ½ teaspoon paprika: Offers a subtle smoky sweetness that deepens the flavor profile.
- ½ teaspoon garlic salt: Garlic’s rich warmth paired with salt to enhance every taste element.
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt: Brings out the natural flavors of all ingredients.
- ¼ teaspoon pepper: Adds a gentle peppery bite without overpowering the dish.
- ¼ cup (4 tablespoons / 57 g) cowboy butter, divided: The star ingredient – a flavorful compound butter that packs in garlic, herbs, and a hint of heat.
- ¾ cup (178.5 g) heavy cream: Creates a luxuriously creamy sauce that clings to pasta and chicken alike.
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt: Used again to intensify that savory garlic goodness in the sauce.
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes: Gives the sauce that characteristic southwestern heat in every spoonful.
- ½ teaspoon lemon juice: Brightens and balances the rich sauce with a fresh zing.
- Lemon slices, for garnish: Adds a cheerful, colorful pop and a hint of citrus aroma on the plate.
- Parsley, chopped for garnish: Fresh green notes and a beautiful finishing touch.
How to Make Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Linguine
Start by boiling a large pot of salted water, then cook the linguine until it reaches that perfect al dente texture—tender yet with a slight bite. This ensures the pasta saves enough structure to carry the luscious sauce and chicken without turning mushy. Once done, drain the linguine and set it aside, ready for the magic that comes next.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
While the pasta cooks, heat the extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season your chicken bites with paprika, garlic salt, kosher salt, and pepper. Toss these seasoned pieces into the skillet and let them develop a gorgeous golden-brown crust. Next, add half of the cowboy butter to the skillet, allowing it to melt and coat the chicken, giving you that signature buttery flavor and slight caramelization. Cook until the chicken is fully cooked through and deliciously browned.
Step 3: Prepare the Sauce
With the chicken set aside momentarily, melt the remaining cowboy butter in the same skillet to capture all those flavorful bits left behind. Pour in the heavy cream, then sprinkle in garlic salt and crushed red pepper flakes, stirring continuously to integrate all these components into a creamy, silky sauce. The subtle heat from the red pepper flakes combined with a garlicky richness makes this sauce unforgettable.
Step 4: Combine Dish
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and add the linguine. Toss everything together so that every strand of pasta and piece of chicken is immersed in the silky cowboy butter sauce. Finish things off by stirring in fresh lemon juice to lift and balance all the richness with just a hint of citrus brightness.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
Plate your Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe with a flourish, garnishing with lemon slices and a sprinkle of chopped parsley. These add a fresh visual appeal and subtle flavor accents that make the dish feel even more special.
How to Serve Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe
Garnishes
Lemon slices and fresh parsley are your best friends here—they not only offer a fresh, aromatic bite but also brighten up every plate visually. For an extra pop, consider sprinkling a bit of grated Parmesan or a few chili flakes if you love additional heat.
Side Dishes
This pasta pairs beautifully with something light and crisp, like a simple green salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette or roasted asparagus. Garlic bread also makes a perfect companion, ideal for mopping up any leftover cowboy butter sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this dish family-style in a large skillet right at the table, allowing everyone to help themselves. Or, for a dinner party, plate individual portions twisted into elegant nests and topped with a sprig of parsley and a lemon wedge for that restaurant-worthy feel.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors meld even more, making each reheated portion tastier than the last.
Freezing
While this dish is best fresh, you can freeze the cooked chicken and sauce (without the pasta) in a freezer-safe container for up to two months. Thaw gently in the fridge before reheating and tossing with freshly cooked linguine for best results.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream or water to loosen the sauce if it has thickened too much. Avoid the microwave when possible to preserve the creamy texture and tender chicken chunks.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While linguine is ideal because of its flat surface that holds the sauce well, fettuccine, spaghetti, or even penne would work wonderfully too.
What is cowboy butter?
Cowboy butter is a flavorful compound butter typically blended with garlic, herbs, spices, and sometimes a touch of heat, perfect for enriching meats and sauces.
Is this recipe spicy?
The crushed red pepper flakes add just a hint of heat, balanced perfectly by the creamy sauce, so it’s mildly spicy but not overwhelming—great for most palates.
Can I prepare this dish vegetarian?
To make it vegetarian, substitute the chicken with hearty vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or roasted cauliflower and skip the chicken cooking step.
How long does this dish take to prepare?
From start to finish, it only takes about 25 minutes to whip up this delightful Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Final Thoughts
This Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that brings together bold, comforting flavors with effortless cooking steps. I encourage you to give it a try—you’ll love how quickly it comes together and how deeply satisfying it feels. Your taste buds and dinner guests will thank you!
Print
Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
A rich and flavorful Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine recipe combining tender chicken bites with a creamy, spiced cowboy butter sauce tossed with al dente linguine. Ready in 25 minutes, this comforting pasta dish is perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 ounces linguine
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 pepper
- ¼ cup (4 tablespoons / 57 g) cowboy butter, divided
Sauce
- ¾ cup (178.5 g) heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- ½ teaspoon lemon juice
Garnish
- Lemon slices, for garnish
- Parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Cook Linguine: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the linguine and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Cook Chicken: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the chicken bites with paprika, garlic salt, kosher salt, and pepper. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until golden brown on all sides. Add ¼ cup cowboy butter to the skillet and continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and cooked through.
- Prepare Sauce: In the same skillet with remaining juices, melt additional cowboy butter if needed. Pour in the heavy cream, then add 1 teaspoon garlic salt and ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes. Stir continuously until the sauce is well combined and heated through.
- Combine Dish: Add the cooked linguine and chicken back into the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together to ensure the pasta is fully coated. Stir in ½ teaspoon lemon juice to brighten the flavors.
- Serve: Plate the linguine and garnish with fresh lemon slices and chopped parsley. Serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- Cook the pasta just until al dente to prevent overcooking when combined with the sauce.
- Adjust the crushed red pepper flakes to control the spiciness of the dish.
- Cowboy butter can be substituted with compound butter or a mixture of butter and garlic if unavailable.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or milk, but the sauce will be less rich.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
