Name: Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 ounces linguine; 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; ¾ cup (178.5 g) heavy cream; 1 teaspoon garlic salt; ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes; ½ teaspoon lemon juice; lemon slices, for garnish; parsley, chopped for garnish

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 56 reviews

If you are craving a dish that perfectly balances richness, zest, and comforting warmth, you are going to love this Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe. Imagine tender, bite-sized chicken pieces seared to golden perfection, swimming in a luscious cowboy butter sauce with just the right kick of spice, all tossed lovingly with al dente linguine. Every forkful is a delightful ride of bold flavors and silky textures that will have you coming back for seconds. This dish is both approachable and impressive, making it an absolute favorite for a cozy weeknight or an inviting dinner with friends.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows about eighteen evenly sized pieces of golden brown cooked chicken frying in a black cast iron pan. Each piece has a light crispy outside with shades of pale white and warm golden yellow, some parts slightly browned. Steam rises gently from the hot chicken. The pan's glossy, black surface has small oil spots scattered around the chicken pieces. The whole scene is set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering simple ingredients that perfectly complement each other is the key to making this recipe truly shine. Each element plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor and texture that make this dish irresistibly delicious.

8 ounces linguine: The ideal pasta shape to catch the creamy cowboy butter sauce and tender chicken.
1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch bites: Perfectly sized pieces that cook quickly and absorb flavor beautifully.
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil: For that initial sear, adding a subtle fruity note and crispy edges to the chicken.
½ teaspoon paprika: Brings a smoky warmth and vibrant color to the chicken seasoning.
½ teaspoon garlic salt: Enhances savory depth throughout the dish.
½ teaspoon kosher salt: Balances flavors and enhances all other ingredients.
¼ teaspoon pepper: Adds a gentle heat without overwhelming the palate.
¼ cup cowboy butter (4 tablespoons / 57 g), divided: The heart of the sauce, rich and zesty, infusing each bite with boldness.
¾ cup heavy cream (178.5 g): Creates a velvety texture that wraps the linguine and chicken in pure indulgence.
1 teaspoon garlic salt: Incorporated into the sauce for an extra burst of garlicky goodness.
¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes: Adds just enough heat to elevate the flavors without overpowering them.
½ teaspoon lemon juice: Provides a fresh, bright contrast that cuts through the richness beautifully.
Lemon slices, for garnish: A visually appealing touch and an optional extra burst of zesty flavor.
Parsley, chopped for garnish: Adds color and a light herbal freshness that finishes the dish perfectly.

How to Make Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Adding salt to the water is essential because it seasons the pasta from the inside out, enhancing its natural flavor. Cook the linguine until it is al dente—meaning it still has a slight bite—according to the package directions. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside, ready to soak up that rich cowboy butter sauce later.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

While the pasta cooks, heat up the extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil shimmers, carefully add the chicken bites in a single layer to ensure even browning. Season them generously with paprika, garlic salt, kosher salt, and pepper. Let them cook undisturbed for 3 to 4 minutes on one side to develop a beautiful golden crust that locks in juiciness.

Step 3: Add Cowboy Butter and Finish Chicken

Now it’s time for cowboy butter magic. Nestle 2 tablespoons of cowboy butter right into the skillet with the chicken. Flip the chicken pieces to coat and cook for another 3 to 4 minutes, or until each piece is cooked through to 165°F internally. This step infuses the chicken with that signature buttery, garlicky, and slightly spicy flavor that defines this dish. When done, remove the chicken and tent it with foil to keep it warm.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce

Reduce the skillet heat to low, then add the remaining cowboy butter, heavy cream, garlic salt, and crushed red pepper flakes. Use a spatula to scrape up all the flavorful browned bits from the bottom—these bits are concentrated flavor gold! Stir until the cowboy butter has fully melted and the sauce becomes silky and fragrant.

Step 5: Combine Pasta, Chicken, and Sauce

Return the cooked linguine and chicken back into the skillet. Toss everything gently to ensure each strand of linguine and every morsel of chicken gets coated evenly in the rich sauce. Finish by stirring in freshly squeezed lemon juice to brighten the flavors, making every bite balanced and irresistible.

How to Serve Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe

A large white plate sits on a white marbled surface, filled with a single layer of light golden spaghetti noodles mixed evenly with many pieces of browned chicken chunks that have a crisp, seared texture. The chicken pieces are scattered across the noodles, showing a nice mix of golden and darker brown spots. The dish is garnished lightly with bits of chopped green herbs, adding small flecks of color over the pasta and chicken. Around the plate are lemon wedges with bright yellow flesh and some sprigs of green parsley for decoration. Small wooden bowls with seasonings and sauces are placed near the top, and a woman's hand is visible holding the edge of the plate. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

The classic way to finish this dish is with lemon slices and a generous sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley. The lemon slices not only add a pop of color that lifts the plate visually, but they also allow everyone to add an extra tangy zest at the table. Parsley gives a fresh herbal note and a burst of green that makes the dish look as good as it tastes.

Side Dishes

Pair your Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe with a crisp garden salad or roasted vegetables to round out the meal with some refreshing crunch and earthiness. Garlic bread or a warm baguette also make wonderful companions, perfect for mopping up every last drop of that incredible cowboy butter sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For an extra-special touch, twirl the linguine into neat nests on individual plates and arrange the chicken bites artfully on top. Drizzle a little extra sauce and garnish with microgreens or edible flowers for an elegant presentation that will wow your guests. It’s a surefire way to turn a comforting favorite into a showstopper.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your meal, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Because the sauce contains cream and butter, it’s important to keep it chilled promptly to maintain freshness and food safety.

Freezing

This dish freezes okay, but the cream-based sauce might separate slightly upon thawing. If you want to freeze, portion the linguine and chicken in a freezer-safe container, leaving out any garnishes. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave at medium power to prevent the sauce from breaking. Adding a splash of cream or milk can help restore the creamy texture during reheating, keeping everything luscious and smooth.

FAQs

What exactly is cowboy butter?

Cowboy butter is a flavorful compound butter typically made with ingredients like garlic, herbs, spices, and sometimes a bit of lemon juice or zest. It’s designed to add a punch of savory richness and a touch of heat, perfect for elevating dishes like chicken and steak.

Can I use other types of pasta?

Absolutely! While linguine works beautifully because of its shape and texture, fettuccine, spaghetti, or even penne can be great alternatives depending on your preference or what you have on hand.

Is this recipe spicy?

The recipe features a mild kick from the crushed red pepper flakes and paprika, but it’s not overly spicy. You can adjust the heat by adding more or less chili flakes based on your personal taste.

Can I make this dish dairy-free?

You can modify the sauce by substituting heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream and using a dairy-free butter alternative, but it will change the flavor profile slightly. Still delicious, just a bit different from the classic cowboy butter richness.

How long does this recipe take to make?

This Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe comes together in about 25 minutes total—10 minutes to prep and 15 minutes to cook. It’s perfect for nights when you want a hearty, home-cooked meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about the Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe that makes it feel like a warm hug on a plate. It’s rich, spicy, and packed with fresh flavors that keep you wanting more. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, family, or friends, this dish brings a bit of country comfort and creamy indulgence to your table. Go ahead and give it a try—you’ll wonder why you haven’t made it sooner!