If you’ve been searching for a meal that combines comfort, a touch of spice, and a whole lot of flavor, Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is your answer. This dish takes the creamy, dreamy qualities of a pasta favorite and elevates it with the bold, buttery tang of cowboy butter. Let’s dive into the first steps of this mouthwatering recipe and discover why it’s a must-try for your dinner table.

Why You’ll Love Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

Picture this: tender chicken bites seared to perfection, a silky sauce that coats every strand of linguine, and just enough zing from a hint of lemon and crushed red pepper. This recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners when you’re short on time but want something indulgent and satisfying. The best part? It’s as impressive as it is easy to whip up, so it’s a great choice for hosting friends or family, too!

The Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s break it down into three main components:

1. The Pasta: Linguine is the star here, cooked to al dente perfection.
2. The Chicken: Juicy, bite-sized pieces of boneless, skinless chicken breasts seasoned with paprika, garlic salt, and kosher salt.
3. The Sauce: The real showstopper, made with cowboy butter, heavy cream, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to brighten things up.

Step 1: Cook the Linguine

Cooking the linguine is the easiest part of this recipe, but it’s essential to get it right. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then toss in 8 ounces of linguine. Follow the package instructions for cooking to al dente—usually around 9–11 minutes. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside. Pro tip: Reserve about half a cup of pasta water in case you need to loosen up your sauce later.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Now it’s time to give that chicken some love! Heat 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces in a single layer and season them with paprika, garlic salt, kosher salt, and a touch of pepper. Let them cook undisturbed for about 3–4 minutes on one side until they’re beautifully golden brown.

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Step 3: Add the Cowboy Butter

Here comes the magic: cowboy butter! Add 2 tablespoons of this flavor-packed butter to the skillet and let it melt into the chicken. Flip the pieces over and cook for another 3–4 minutes, ensuring the chicken is cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and tent it with foil to keep warm.

Welcome back to the Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine journey! By now, your kitchen probably smells amazing with that golden-brown chicken resting under foil. But we’re not done yet! It’s time to create a sauce that ties everything together and makes this dish irresistibly creamy and flavorful. Let’s dive in.

Step 4: Prepare the Cowboy Butter Sauce

With your skillet still warm from cooking the chicken, reduce the heat to low. This is where all those browned bits on the skillet become your best friend—they’re packed with flavor and will elevate your sauce to a whole new level.

1. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of cowboy butter to the skillet and let it melt completely.
2. Slowly stir in ¾ cup of heavy cream, followed by 1 teaspoon of garlic salt and ¼ teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes.
   • Pro Tip: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to match your heat tolerance. A little goes a long way, but if you’re feeling bold, don’t be shy!
3. Use a spatula to gently scrape up those browned bits stuck to the pan as you stir. They’ll dissolve into the sauce, adding richness and depth.
4. Continue stirring until the sauce is smooth and velvety.

Step 5: Combine the Pasta and Chicken

Now it’s time to reunite all the delicious elements! Add the cooked linguine back into the skillet, followed by the seared chicken. Toss everything together gently, ensuring that each strand of pasta and every piece of chicken is evenly coated in the creamy cowboy butter sauce.

• Pro Tip: If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to thin it out. This will also help the sauce cling beautifully to the pasta.

Step 6: Add a Zesty Kick with Lemon

This step is small but mighty. Squeeze in ½ teaspoon of fresh lemon juice and give the pasta one final toss. The acidity of the lemon cuts through the richness of the sauce, balancing the flavors perfectly.

• Want to go the extra mile? Garnish the skillet with a few thin lemon slices for a pop of color and added aroma.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Transfer the Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine to your serving plates (or keep it family-style in the skillet—it’s your call!). Finish it off with a sprinkle of chopped parsley for a touch of freshness and brightness. The vibrant green against the creamy sauce is visually stunning.

Tips for Customizing Your Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

• Swap the Protein: Not a fan of chicken? Shrimp works wonderfully here, as does sliced sausage for a heartier twist.
• Make It Veggie-Friendly: Replace the chicken with roasted vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms. They soak up the sauce just as beautifully!
• Go Gluten-Free: Use your favorite gluten-free pasta in place of linguine to make this dish accessible for everyone at the table.
• Extra Creamy Sauce: Add a handful of grated Parmesan cheese into the sauce while it’s warm for an extra layer of creaminess and depth.

You’ve made it to the final stretch! Before you dig into this luscious Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine, let’s tackle some common questions to ensure your dish turns out flawless. Plus, we’ll wrap things up with a few final thoughts to inspire you to make this recipe your own.

FAQs About Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

1. What is cowboy butter, and can I make it at home?
Cowboy butter is a flavorful compound butter made with garlic, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, fresh herbs, and a pinch of spice. It’s versatile and adds a unique kick to many dishes. If you don’t have store-bought cowboy butter, you can easily whip it up at home with softened butter and these ingredients.

2. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While linguine works wonderfully for its smooth texture, you can substitute it with fettuccine, spaghetti, or even penne for a different experience. Just ensure the pasta is cooked al dente for the best results.

3. How can I tell if my chicken is cooked through?
Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. It should read 165°F (75°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, cut into a piece to ensure there’s no pink in the center.

4. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
This dish is best served fresh, but you can prepare the components in advance. Cook the chicken and make the sauce ahead of time, then reheat and combine with freshly cooked pasta when ready to serve.

5. How spicy is this dish?
The crushed red pepper flakes add a subtle warmth, but the heat level is adjustable. If you’re not a fan of spice, you can omit the flakes entirely. For more heat, add an extra pinch to the sauce.

6. What sides pair well with Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine?
This dish is rich and satisfying on its own, but a side of garlic bread or a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette complements it beautifully. Steamed broccoli or roasted asparagus also make great veggie sides.

7. Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Yes, you can! Substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or a non-dairy alternative like cashew cream. Use a plant-based butter in place of cowboy butter to keep it flavorful and dairy-free.

Conclusion: Your New Favorite Pasta Recipe

Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine isn’t just a meal—it’s a culinary experience that combines comfort food with bold, dynamic flavors. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy night in or impressing guests at a dinner party, this dish is sure to be a hit.

Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

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• Author: David
• Total Time: 35 minutes

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Description

Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a creamy, zesty, and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken bites, a rich buttery sauce with a hint of spice, and perfectly cooked linguine. It’s an indulgent and comforting meal, perfect for any occasion.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the pasta:

• 8 ounces linguine
• Water for boiling
• Salt for pasta water

For the 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 pepper

For the sauce:

• ¼ cup (4 tablespoons) cowboy butter, divided
• ¾ cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon garlic salt
• ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• ½ teaspoon lemon juice
• Lemon slices, for garnish
• Chopped parsley, for garnish

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Instructions

1️⃣ Cook the linguine:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the linguine and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.

2️⃣ Cook the chicken:
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces in a single layer. Season evenly with paprika, garlic salt, kosher salt, and pepper. Sear for 3–4 minutes on one side until golden brown.

3️⃣ Add cowboy butter:
Nestle 2 tablespoons of cowboy butter into the skillet. Flip the chicken pieces and continue cooking for another 3–4 minutes until browned and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F). Remove the chicken from the skillet and place it on a plate. Tent with foil to keep warm.

4️⃣ Prepare the sauce:
Reduce the skillet heat to low. Add the remaining cowboy butter, heavy cream, garlic salt, and red pepper flakes. Use a spatula to scrape up any browned bits stuck to the pan for extra flavor. Stir until the butter has melted and the sauce is smooth.

5️⃣ Combine pasta and chicken:
Add the cooked linguine and the chicken back into the skillet. Toss everything together to coat evenly in the creamy sauce.

6️⃣ Add lemon juice:
Stir in the lemon juice and adjust the seasoning if needed.

7️⃣ Garnish and serve:
Transfer the linguine to serving plates. Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon slices. Serve immediately.

Notes

• Cowboy butter tip: Cowboy butter is a mix of melted butter, garlic, herbs, lemon, and spices. If unavailable, you can make your own or substitute with garlic butter.
• Spice level: Adjust red pepper flakes to suit your heat preference.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of cream or water to loosen the sauce.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4