Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe

Get ready to fall in love with flavor—Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is everything I crave in a cozy pasta dish: rich, buttery, savory chicken, swirled through silky linguine and a zippy, garlicky cream sauce. It’s one of those meals you’ll find yourself making again and again, whether it’s a quiet weeknight or the centerpiece of a fun get-together!

Ingredients You’ll Need

This dinner only calls for everyday staples—yet every one pulls its weight for flavor, richness, or color. Here’s how each star ingredient plays its part in making Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine such a standout!

• Linguine: Long and silky, linguine is the perfect vehicle for catching every creamy, buttery drop of sauce.
• Boneless skinless chicken breasts: They cook up tender and juicy when cut in bite-sized pieces and seared quickly, making the dish hearty and satisfying.
• Extra virgin olive oil: Gives the chicken a gorgeous sear and a subtle fruity note.
• Paprika: Adds a pop of color and a gentle smokiness to the chicken.
• Garlic salt: Doubles down on savory garlic flavor throughout the recipe—both in seasoning the chicken and building the sauce.
• Kosher salt & black pepper: Essentials for balanced seasoning—don’t skip them!
• Cowboy butter: The showstopper! This magic blend of melted butter, garlic, lemon, herbs, and spice creates the backbone of the irresistible sauce.
• Heavy cream: Adds lush silkiness and tames the zesty pepper and garlic flavors.
• Crushed red pepper flakes: For a perfect touch of heat—feel free to adjust to your spice level.
• Lemon juice & lemon slices: Add brightness and a pretty finish that balances all the richness.
• Chopped parsley: Brings a fresh, herbaceous pop of green and ties the flavors together beautifully.

Variations

The beauty of Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is how effortlessly you can riff on it! Don’t be shy about swapping ingredients or adjusting flavors to suit your table—there are so many fun ways to make this pasta your own.

• Make it Lighter: Swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or unsweetened coconut cream for a lighter (or dairy-free) sauce that still feels luxurious.
• Try a Different Protein: Use shrimp or turkey in place of chicken for a new flavor spin—the cowboy butter brings everything together.
• Pasta Swap: Not a linguine lover? Fettuccine, spaghetti, or even penne will all work beautifully here.
• Heat It Up: If you love spice, add extra red pepper flakes or finish with a drizzle of chili oil.

How to Make Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

Step 1: Cook the Linguine

Start by bringing a generous pot of salted water to a boil. Toss in the linguine and cook just until al dente—remember, you want the noodles with a little bite since they’ll soak up that glorious cowboy butter sauce later on. Drain and set aside, but don’t rinse; you want all of that starch to help the sauce cling!

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Set a large skillet over medium-high heat and swirl in the olive oil. When it’s shimmering hot, add the chicken pieces in a single layer—don’t crowd them! Sprinkle on the paprika, garlic salt, kosher salt, and pepper, then let the chicken cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes to develop a beautiful golden crust.

Step 3: Cowboy Butter Magic

Drop half of your cowboy butter into the pan, letting it melt and echo all those garlicky, herby aromas. Flip the chicken with tongs, and let them finish cooking—another 3-4 minutes until they’re golden on both sides and just cooked through (165°F is the magic number!). Transfer the juicy chicken to a plate and tent to keep warm.

Step 4: Build the Sauce

Lower the heat and add the rest of that luscious cowboy butter, along with the heavy cream, more garlic salt, and red pepper flakes. Use a spatula to scoop up every toasty brown bit from the pan—these are pure flavor gold! Stir until the sauce is silky and everything is beautifully combined.

Step 5: Toss and Serve

Add the linguine and reserved chicken back in, gently tossing until each piece is sheathed in cowboy butter sauce. Squeeze in the lemon juice and give everything a final stir. Serve immediately, topped with lemon slices and a shower of fresh parsley for that irresistible finishing touch!

How to Serve Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

Garnishes

This is where you can have fun! I love to scatter plenty of chopped fresh parsley over my Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine—its grassy green contrast makes everything pop. Thin lemon slices not only look gorgeous but add just the right zip. A quick shower of Parmesan or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes is pretty dreamy, too.

Side Dishes

To round out your meal, serve with garlicky roasted broccoli, a crisp Italian salad, or some warm, crusty bread—perfect for scooping up every drop of cowboy butter sauce. For a light touch, simple dressed greens with lemon vinaigrette make a refreshing counterpoint.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dramatic dinner party, twirl the linguine into rustic nests on each plate, top with chicken, and artfully tuck in lemon slices and parsley. Or, serve family-style in a big shallow bowl to let everyone dig in—just don’t forget to have extra lemon wedges and a bowl of Parmesan at the table for guests to finish their own plates.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine keeps well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors get even more robust the next day, making it a terrific make-ahead lunch or dinner.

Freezing

While the sauce may separate a bit after freezing, you can portion out cooled leftovers and freeze in single servings for up to a month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best texture.

Reheating

To revive leftover Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine, add a splash of cream or milk and reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, stirring often until hot. This keeps the sauce creamy and prevents the chicken from drying out.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a pasta dish that’s downright special but totally doable, Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is your new go-to. I can’t wait for you to taste all those layers of rich, zesty flavors—don’t be surprised if it finds its way into your regular rotation. Enjoy every creamy, lemony, buttery bite!

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