Introduction of Cowboy Butter chicken Linguine
Looking to shake up your pasta night with bold, buttery flavor? Let me introduce you to Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine, a dish that turns simple ingredients into a rich and satisfying meal. I’m Chef Andrew, and this recipe is one of my go-to favorites for blending rustic flair with creamy indulgence.
Table of Contents
Cowboy butter is known for its zesty, savory profile that usually complements grilled meats. But when I first swirled it into a skillet of linguine and tender chicken bites, something magical happened. The sauce hugs every strand of pasta, coating it with garlic, herbs, red pepper, and a hint of citrus brightness. Add golden-browned chicken to the mix, and you’ve got a complete dinner that tastes like something you’d find at a high-end bistro.
This dish is ready in under 30 minutes and doesn’t require any complicated techniques or obscure ingredients. It’s a smart choice for weeknights when you want comfort food without the heaviness or hassle. Whether you’re feeding your family or craving something indulgent for yourself, this recipe delivers every time.
So grab your skillet, prep your pasta, and let’s dive into a creamy cowboy butter experience that’s about to become a weeknight classic in your kitchen.
Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine with 5-Star Flavor
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 oz linguine cooked al dente
Chicken
- 1.5 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 0.5 tsp paprika
- 0.5 tsp garlic salt
- 0.5 tsp kosher salt
- 0.25 tsp black pepper
Sauce
- 4 tbsp cowboy butter divided
- 0.75 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp garlic salt
- 0.25 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- 0.5 tsp lemon juice
- lemon slices for garnish
- fresh parsley chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook linguine until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Add chicken in a single layer. Season with paprika, garlic salt, kosher salt, and pepper. Sear for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
- Add 2 tablespoons cowboy butter to the skillet. Stir and flip chicken to coat, cooking until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove chicken and tent with foil to keep warm.
- Reduce heat to low. Add remaining cowboy butter, heavy cream, garlic salt, and red pepper flakes. Stir to deglaze and combine until sauce is smooth.
- Return linguine and chicken to the skillet. Toss well to coat everything in the creamy sauce. Add lemon juice and mix to finish.
- Serve warm, garnished with lemon slices and chopped parsley.
Notes
More Favorites from My Kitchen
Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Pasta That Wows in 30 Mins
The #1 Secret to Amazing Honey Garlic Chicken
Or go to my Pinterest.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe “Cowboy Butter chicken Linguine“
There’s a reason this Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine disappears fast every time it’s served. Here’s what makes it a recipe you’ll come back to again and again:
- Quick and easy to make with just one skillet and a pot of pasta
- Uses simple pantry ingredients you likely already have on hand
- Rich, creamy cowboy butter sauce adds unforgettable flavor
- Tender, golden-browned chicken pieces add satisfying protein
- The perfect balance of garlic, herbs, lemon, and a subtle heat
- Great for casual family dinners or impressing guests without stress
- Ready in under 30 minutes from start to finish
What really sets this dish apart is the cowboy butter itself. It infuses the entire sauce with deep flavor, combining melted butter with herbs, garlic salt, a hint of crushed red pepper, and a pop of fresh lemon juice. Unlike traditional butter sauces, this one has a savory kick that wakes up your taste buds with every bite.
It’s cozy and filling, yet light enough to enjoy any time of year. Plus, the vibrant garnish of chopped parsley and lemon slices adds just the right finishing touch for presentation. Whether you’re feeding picky eaters or seasoned foodies, this recipe checks all the boxes for comfort, flavor, and ease.
Ingredients Needed for Cowboy Butter chicken Linguine
Before diving in, gather the following ingredients. Everything is simple and easy to find, but together they create bold flavor you’ll love.
For the Pasta
- 8 ounces linguine
(cook until al dente for the perfect bite)
For the Chicken
- 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
(cut into 1-inch bite-sized pieces) - 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
(store-bought or homemade with garlic, herbs, lemon, and red pepper) - ¾ cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- ½ teaspoon fresh lemon juice
- Lemon slices, for garnish
- Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Tip: Cowboy butter adds incredible richness and kick, so don’t skip it. If you want to make your own, combine melted butter with garlic, parsley, red pepper flakes, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice.
How to Make Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
Follow these step-by-step instructions to bring this bold, creamy pasta dish to life. Each step has been refined to help you achieve the best possible flavor and texture.
Step 1: Cook the Linguine
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the linguine and cook according to package instructions until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
Tip: Reserve half a cup of pasta water before draining in case your sauce needs loosening later.
Step 2: Sauté the Chicken
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the chicken pieces in a single layer.
Season evenly with paprika, garlic salt, kosher salt, and black pepper. Cook undisturbed for 3 to 4 minutes to develop a golden sear. Flip each piece and cook for another 3 to 4 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Add 2 tablespoons of cowboy butter to the pan during the last minute of cooking to coat the chicken in flavor.
Step 3: Make the Cowboy Butter Sauce
Remove the cooked chicken and set it aside on a plate. Reduce the skillet heat to low.
Add the remaining cowboy butter, heavy cream, garlic salt, and crushed red pepper flakes. Stir gently with a spatula, scraping up the flavorful browned bits from the pan.
Continue stirring until the butter fully melts and the sauce is smooth and glossy.
Step 4: Combine and Finish
Return the cooked chicken and linguine to the skillet. Toss everything together to evenly coat with the sauce.
Add the lemon juice and toss again for a final touch of brightness.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
Divide the pasta among plates or bowls. Garnish with fresh parsley and thin lemon slices for a beautiful, zesty finish.
Serving and Storage Tips of Cowboy Butter chicken Linguine
Serving Suggestions:
Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a complete meal on its own, but you can elevate the experience with a few extras:
- Serve with warm, crusty garlic bread to soak up the rich sauce
- Add a light arugula or mixed green salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness
- Garnish each plate with extra parsley and a fresh lemon wedge for a burst of color and brightness
This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers are just as satisfying with the right care.
Storage Tips:
- Refrigeration: Allow the pasta to cool, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat. Add a splash of milk or reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed. Microwave reheating works too—cover and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
- Freezing: Not recommended, as the creamy sauce can separate and lose its smooth texture after thawing.
Keep these tips in mind to make the most of your leftovers and maintain the flavor-packed experience this dish delivers.
Helpful Notes for Cowboy Butter chicken Linguine
- Make Your Own Cowboy Butter:
If you don’t have pre-made cowboy butter, whip some up by combining softened butter with minced garlic, chopped parsley, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, red pepper flakes, salt, and a dash of smoked paprika. It adds a bold, tangy flavor with a subtle heat that makes the sauce shine. - Chicken Cut Tip:
Cutting the chicken into even, bite-sized pieces helps it cook quickly and evenly. Be sure not to overcrowd the skillet, or the chicken will steam instead of sear. - Don’t Skip the Lemon Juice:
The splash of lemon at the end brightens the whole dish and balances the richness of the butter and cream. - Control the Heat:
Crushed red pepper flakes give a little kick. Adjust the amount to your taste, or omit entirely for a milder version. - Use High-Quality Cream:
Full-fat heavy cream gives the sauce a luxurious texture. Avoid substitutes like milk or half-and-half, which can make the sauce too thin or risk curdling. - Toss Gently:
When combining the pasta and chicken with the sauce, toss gently with tongs to evenly coat without breaking the noodles.
Conclusion of Cowboy Butter chicken Linguine
If you’re searching for a comforting, bold-flavored dinner that comes together quickly and impresses every time, this Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine absolutely delivers. With tender, seasoned chicken bites and rich, velvety sauce clinging to perfectly cooked pasta, it’s no wonder this dish has become a weeknight favorite for so many.
The real magic lies in the cowboy butter. Infused with garlic, herbs, and a hint of spice, it transforms a simple skillet meal into something restaurant-worthy. Paired with a splash of lemon juice and a creamy base, the sauce wraps every bite in flavor that’s both indulgent and balanced.
Whether you’re feeding your family or hosting friends, this dish checks all the boxes:
- Quick and easy to prepare
- Made with familiar pantry ingredients
- Comforting and satisfying
- Gorgeous on the plate
If you gave this Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine a try, we’d love to hear how it turned out. Please leave a comment below and give it a star rating. Your feedback means a lot and helps others discover this recipe, too.
Don’t forget to share your creations on social media—tag us or pin it on Pinterest to inspire your followers. What twist did you add? Did you spice it up or keep it mellow? Let us know in the comments!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How do you enhance butter chicken sauce?
To enhance butter chicken sauce, consider adding a touch of lemon juice, a bit more garlic or onion powder, or even a dash of smoked paprika. Fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro can also brighten the flavor at the end.
Can you overcook butter chicken?
Yes, overcooking can make the chicken dry and tough. Cook just until the internal temperature reaches 165°F, then remove it from the heat to maintain its juicy texture.
Is butter chicken good on pasta?
Absolutely. Butter chicken pairs wonderfully with pasta, especially linguine or spaghetti, because the rich, creamy sauce clings beautifully to the noodles and enhances every bite.
How long can you marinade butter chicken?
For best results, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes. If you have more time, marinating for up to 12 hours in the refrigerator will deepen the flavor.
What makes butter chicken spicy?
The heat in butter chicken comes from ingredients like red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or chili powder. You can adjust the amount used to match your heat preference.