If you’re craving a dish that brings together the heartiness of tender chicken, the richness of a luscious sauce, and the comforting charm of pasta, then the Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe is exactly what you need. This recipe delivers a harmonious blend of smoky, buttery, and slightly spicy flavors, making every bite a celebration. Whether it’s a weekday dinner or a weekend treat, this dish promises simplicity, bold taste, and a touch of gourmet flair that’s sure to impress anyone lucky enough to share your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of the Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe lies in how simple, quality ingredients come together to create layers of flavor and satisfying texture. Each element has a part to play, from the hearty linguine that provides the perfect base, to the bold cowboy butter that infuses the dish with richness and spice. Here’s what you’ll gather before you start cooking:
- 8 ounces linguine: The classic pasta shape that holds onto sauce wonderfully for every bite.
- 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch bites: Tender and quick-cooking protein for that hearty kick.
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil: Adds depth and helps brown the chicken beautifully.
- ½ teaspoon paprika: Brings a subtle smoky warmth to the chicken seasoning.
- ½ teaspoon garlic salt: Seasons with a perfect balance of savory garlic and saltiness.
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances natural flavors throughout the dish.
- ¼ teaspoon pepper: Just enough for a hint of spice and complexity.
- ¼ cup (4 tablespoons / 57 g) cowboy butter, divided: The star of the dish, loaded with garlic, herbs, and spices for that iconic flavor.
- ¾ cup (178.5 g) heavy cream: Creates the rich, silky sauce that coats every strand of linguine.
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt: Added again in the sauce to maintain that irresistible garlicky punch.
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes: Introduces a gentle heat that wakes up the palate.
- ½ teaspoon lemon juice: Provides a bright, fresh contrast to the creamy sauce.
- Lemon slices, for garnish: Adds a pop of color and a zesty aroma.
- Parsley, chopped for garnish: A fresh herbal note to finish this cowboy-inspired classic.
How to Make Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe
Step 1: Cook Linguine
Start by boiling a large pot of salted water, then cook the linguine until it reaches that perfect al dente texture—still slightly firm but tender enough to soak up flavors. Drain and set it aside so it’s ready to mingle with the sauce later.
Step 2: Cook Chicken
Season the chicken bites generously with paprika, garlic salt, kosher salt, and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden brown on the outside, about 5 to 7 minutes. Stir in half of the cowboy butter to coat the chicken and allow it to brown further, sealing in the delicious flavors while cooking through.
Step 3: Prepare Sauce
In the same skillet, melt the remaining cowboy butter over medium heat. Pour in the heavy cream, then stir in garlic salt and crushed red pepper flakes. Let the sauce simmer gently, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly and the spices infuse throughout—this creamy, flavorful base will elevate the entire dish.
Step 4: Combine Dish
Add the cooked linguine and browned chicken back into the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together until each strand of pasta is lovingly coated. Finally, drizzle lemon juice over the dish and stir to add a bright, fresh layer that cuts through the richness perfectly.
Step 5: Serve Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe
This is the moment you’ve been waiting for—time to transfer it to plates and prepare for some serious compliments!
How to Serve Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance the visual appeal and flavors with a few vibrant lemon slices and a generous sprinkle of chopped parsley. These simple touches bring freshness, color, and a lovely aroma that will make your dinner even more inviting.
Side Dishes
Pair this dish with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables to bring balance and contrast. A loaf of crusty garlic bread would also be a perfect accompaniment, soaking up any extra sauce left on your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the linguine in shallow bowls topped with lemon wedges and a dash of extra red pepper flakes for guests who love a little heat. Alternatively, swirl the pasta around a fork and place chicken bites on top for an elegant touch that’s still approachable.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure it cools before sealing to maintain texture and flavor.
Freezing
While fresh is best, you can freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best experience.
Reheating
Gently reheat leftovers on the stovetop over low heat to prevent the cream sauce from separating. Adding a splash of milk or cream while warming helps restore creaminess and prevent drying out.
FAQs
What exactly is cowboy butter?
Cowboy butter is a flavorful compound butter made with garlic, herbs, spices, and sometimes a bit of citrus. It’s famously rich and savory, which makes it a perfect ingredient to elevate dishes like this linguine.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While linguine works beautifully here, you can swap in fettuccine, spaghetti, or even penne. Just adjust cooking times to ensure your pasta cooks perfectly al dente.
Is there a substitute for heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half or a mixture of milk and cream cheese if you want a lighter option, but the sauce might not be quite as rich or thick as with heavy cream.
How spicy is the Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe?
The crushed red pepper flakes provide a gentle heat that complements the buttery sauce without overpowering. You can adjust the amount to make it milder or spicier according to your preference.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
For a vegetarian version, swap out chicken for hearty vegetables like mushrooms or roasted cauliflower, and consider using vegetable broth infused cowboy butter. The flavors remain delicious and satisfying.
Final Thoughts
Once you try the Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe, it’s hard not to make it a regular favorite. The combination of creamy, garlicky cowboy butter sauce with tender chicken and perfectly cooked linguine delivers comfort and bold flavors in every mouthful. Don’t be surprised if it quickly becomes your go-to dinner when you want something that feels both special and effortless. Grab your ingredients, gather your loved ones, and enjoy this delicious ride!
Print
Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a rich and flavorful dish combining tender chicken bites, creamy cowboy butter sauce, and perfectly cooked linguine pasta. The savory spices and a hint of lemon make it a comforting yet vibrant meal perfect for a hearty 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 black 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
- Chopped parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook Linguine: Boil salted water in a large pot and cook linguine until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Cook Chicken: Season chicken bites with paprika, garlic salt, kosher salt, and black pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, then add the chicken pieces. Cook until golden brown on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add Cowboy Butter to Chicken: Add half of the cowboy butter (2 tablespoons) to the skillet with the chicken. Cook until the butter is melted and chicken is fully cooked through, about 2-3 more minutes, allowing it to brown nicely.
- Prepare Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the remaining cowboy butter (2 tablespoons). Stir in heavy cream, 1 teaspoon garlic salt, and crushed red pepper flakes. Cook and stir the sauce until it is smooth and heated through, about 3-4 minutes.
- Combine Dish: Add the cooked linguine and chicken back into the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together to coat the pasta and chicken evenly. Stir in lemon juice to brighten the flavors.
- Serve: Plate the linguine and chicken mixture. Garnish with lemon slices and chopped parsley for a fresh finish.
Notes
- Use fresh parsley and lemon slices for the best garnish flavor.
- Adjust crushed red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level.
- To reduce calories, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, but the sauce will be less rich.
- If cowboy butter is unavailable, a mixture of softened butter, garlic, and herbs can be used as a substitute.
