If you’re craving a meal that feels like a warm, comforting hug on a plate, look no further than this Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe. It’s a vibrant and creamy pasta dish that combines tender, perfectly seasoned chicken with rich cowboy butter sauce, all wrapped up with al dente linguine. Every bite bursts with bold flavors and silky textures that will make you want to cook this at least once a week. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to prepare, making it a fantastic choice whether you’re cooking for family or impressing friends over dinner.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe plays a crucial role, from the juicy seasoned chicken bringing heartiness, to the creamy sauce adding richness, and the linguine giving it that perfect pasta base.
- 8 ounces linguine pasta: Choose a good-quality linguine for the perfect texture that holds sauce well.
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Cut into bite-sized pieces for quick, even cooking.
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil: Adds a fruity sheen and helps brown the chicken perfectly.
- ½ teaspoon paprika: Gives a subtle smoky warmth that elevates the chicken’s flavor.
- ½ teaspoon garlic salt: Infuses savory garlic notes while seasoning the dish seamlessly.
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Adds just the right amount of gentle heat.
- ¼ cup (4 tablespoons) cowboy butter, divided: The star of the sauce, bringing richness and a mouthwatering garlicky kick.
- ¾ cup heavy cream: Creates a luscious, velvety sauce that clings to every strand of pasta.
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt: Deepens the garlicky flavor and ties the sauce together.
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes: Offers a subtle spicy tease without overwhelming the palate.
- ½ teaspoon lemon juice: Adds a fresh, zesty brightness to cut through the richness.
- Lemon slices, for garnish: For a visually appealing plate and a hint of citrus aroma.
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish: Adds a pop of green and fresh herbal contrast.
How to Make Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Linguine
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the linguine according to the package instructions until it reaches that perfect al dente stage—tender but still slightly firm to the bite. Drain the pasta and set it aside, ready to soak up that rich cowboy butter sauce later.
Step 2: Season and Sear the Chicken
While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the bite-sized chicken pieces generously with paprika, garlic salt, kosher salt, and black pepper. Once the oil is shimmering, add the chicken and cook until golden brown and fully cooked through. In the last moments of cooking, stir in 2 tablespoons of cowboy butter—this step infuses the chicken with that trademark garlicky butter flavor. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside for now.
Step 3: Build the Cowboy Butter Sauce
Turn the heat down to low and add the remaining cowboy butter to the skillet. Pour in the heavy cream and season with garlic salt and crushed red pepper flakes. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to scrape up all those delicious browned bits left from cooking the chicken—this enriches the sauce spectacularly. Stir gently until the butter melts completely and the sauce becomes creamy and smooth.
Step 4: Toss Everything Together
Return the cooked linguine and chicken back to the skillet, gently tossing everything to coat the pasta and chicken evenly in the luscious sauce. Just before serving, stir in the lemon juice to brighten each bite. This final touch balances the richness and lightens the flavors beautifully.
How to Serve Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe
Garnishes
To give your plate that extra touch of freshness and appeal, garnish with lemon slices and a generous sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley. The lemon slices not only add visual brightness but also allow guests to squeeze a little extra citrus if they prefer, enhancing the dish’s depth and aroma.
Side Dishes
This Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe pairs wonderfully with crisp green salads, roasted vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts, or even some warm crusty bread to mop up all that buttery sauce. A simple salad with a tangy vinaigrette cuts through the creaminess perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a family-style gathering, serve the linguine in a large shallow bowl sprinkled with extra parsley and lemon zest. For an elegant dinner, plate individual servings twirled neatly on forks or spoons, with microgreens and a light drizzle of olive oil on top. Presentation can totally elevate this already incredible dish from casual comfort to elegant home dining.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep beautifully for up to 3 days, allowing the flavors to meld even further. Just make sure to cool completely before sealing to preserve freshness.
Freezing
While this recipe freezes okay, the texture of the linguine might soften slightly upon thawing. If you want to freeze, separate the chicken and sauce from the pasta, freeze them individually, and recombine after reheating for best results. Use within one month for optimal taste.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the Cowboy Butter Chicken and sauce in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth if it looks too thick. Reheat the pasta separately by briefly plunging it in boiling water or microwaving with a damp paper towel to keep it tender without drying out. Combine everything just before serving for that fresh-cooked feel.
FAQs
Can I use another type of pasta instead of linguine?
Absolutely! While linguine works great because it holds the sauce nicely, you can swap it for fettuccine, spaghetti, or even penne. Just adjust the cooking time according to the pasta you choose.
What exactly is cowboy butter?
Cowboy butter is a compound butter blended with herbs, garlic, and spices that adds rich flavor and a touch of heat to dishes. It’s often used in grilling and sauces for an extra punch of savory goodness.
Is there a way to make this recipe lighter?
You can lighten this dish by substituting half-and-half or whole milk for the heavy cream, though the sauce will be less rich and creamy. Reducing the amount of butter slightly also helps without sacrificing too much flavor.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Definitely! Chicken thighs bring extra juiciness and flavor, especially when cooked with this spicy, buttery seasoning. Just be sure to cook them a little longer until fully tender.
How spicy is this dish with the crushed red pepper flakes?
The red pepper flakes add a gentle, warming heat that balances the richness of the sauce. If you prefer milder flavors, simply reduce or omit them without losing the essence of the recipe.
Final Thoughts
Making this Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe is like inviting a little bit of home-cooked magic into your kitchen. It’s flavorful, comforting, and surprisingly straightforward, perfect for those nights when you want something special without spending hours cooking. Trust me, once you try it, this recipe will quickly become a go-to favorite you’ll want to share with everyone.
Print
Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
A creamy and flavorful Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine combines tender seasoned chicken with a rich cowboy butter sauce tossed with linguine pasta, garnished with fresh lemon and parsley for a delightful dinner option.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 ounces linguine pasta
Chicken
- 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 black pepper
- 2 tablespoons cowboy butter (divided use)
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
Garnish
- Lemon slices
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring salted boiling water to a boil and cook the linguine pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta thoroughly and set it aside.
- Cook Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with paprika, garlic salt, kosher salt, and black pepper. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until golden brown and fully cooked, approximately 6-8 minutes. In the last moments of cooking, add 2 tablespoons of cowboy butter to the skillet to melt and coat the chicken. Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare Sauce: Reduce the skillet heat to low. Add the remaining cowboy butter (about 2 tablespoons), heavy cream, garlic salt, and crushed red pepper flakes to the skillet. Stir continuously, scraping the bottom to incorporate any browned bits, and cook until the butter is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Toss Pasta and Chicken: Add the cooked linguine and chicken back into the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything gently to evenly coat the pasta and chicken with the sauce. Stir in the lemon juice for brightness.
- Garnish and Serve: Serve the linguine garnished with fresh lemon slices and chopped parsley to enhance flavor and presentation.
Notes
- Ensure chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Adjust crushed red pepper flakes to taste for spiciness.
- Use fresh parsley and lemon slices just before serving for best freshness.
- If cowboy butter is not available, consider substituting with a flavored compound butter with herbs and spices.
- Reserve some pasta water if needed to loosen sauce consistency.
