If you’re craving a hearty, flavor-packed meal that combines the rich, buttery notes of cowboy butter with tender chicken and silky noodles, this Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe is about to become your new weeknight obsession. Imagine juicy, spiced chicken mingling with a creamy, garlicky sauce that clings to every strand of linguine — it’s the kind of dish that makes you want to twirl up a big forkful and savor every bite. Whether you’re feeding a family or treating yourself after a long day, this recipe is simple, satisfying, and absolutely irresistible.

Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of the Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredient list — each item brings its own magic, from the creaminess of the sauce to the boldness of the spices. These essentials create layers of flavor, color, and texture that transform humble pantry staples into a restaurant-worthy pasta.

Linguine: The perfect pasta for soaking up that luscious cowboy butter sauce and offering a delightful bite.
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Cut into bite-sized pieces for fast cooking and tender results in every forkful.
Olive Oil: Adds a subtle fruitiness and helps brown the chicken beautifully.
Unsalted Butter: The star of the cowboy butter, bringing richness and a silky texture to the sauce.
Garlic: Freshly minced for a punch of aroma and depth — don’t skimp on this!
Smoked Paprika: Lends a gentle smokiness that’s key to the cowboy flavor profile.
Chili Powder: Brings a little kick and warmth, balancing the creamy sauce.
Salt: Essential for enhancing every layer of flavor.
Black Pepper: Adds subtle heat and complexity to the dish.
Chicken Broth: De-glazes the pan and adds savory depth to the sauce.
Heavy Cream: For that ultra-creamy, dreamy consistency that coats the pasta perfectly.
Grated Parmesan Cheese: Melts into the sauce, adding nutty, salty notes and a little body.
Chopped Fresh Parsley: A sprinkle of green freshness to finish — it brightens up every bite.
Optional Red Pepper Flakes: For anyone who loves a hint of extra heat.

How to Make Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Linguine

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your linguine and cook it according to the package instructions until it’s al dente — you want the noodles to be tender but still have a little bite. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside. This gives you time to focus on building those bold cowboy butter flavors in the sauce.

Step 2: Sauté the Chicken

While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil and half the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in your chicken pieces, then season them with smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Let the chicken cook undisturbed for a couple of minutes to build a golden crust, then stir and continue sautéing for 5 to 6 minutes, until the pieces are cooked through and irresistibly fragrant.

Step 3: Build the Cowboy Butter Sauce

Lower the heat slightly and add the remaining butter to the skillet. Stir in the minced garlic, letting it sizzle for just a minute until it becomes wonderfully aromatic — you’ll know it’s ready when the kitchen smells like you could eat the air. Next, pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Simmer for 3 to 4 minutes, letting the sauce thicken and bubble gently.

Step 4: Toss Everything Together

Now for the magic moment: add the cooked linguine straight into the skillet with your cowboy butter sauce and chicken. Toss everything together with tongs or a big spoon, making sure every noodle gets a generous coating of sauce. Sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley, stirring until the cheese melts into the sauce and the parsley brightens up the whole pan.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Serve the Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe immediately, while it’s piping hot and the sauce is at its silkiest. Top each plate with a bit more parsley or a pinch of red pepper flakes for those who love a little extra heat. Every bite is a celebration of creamy, spicy, buttery goodness!

How to Serve Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe

Garnishes

For a final flourish, sprinkle your Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe with extra chopped parsley or fresh basil to add a pop of color and herbaceous brightness. A dusting of additional Parmesan or a smattering of red pepper flakes boosts both flavor and visual appeal, making each plate look as inviting as it tastes.

Side Dishes

This rich pasta pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad drizzled in lemon vinaigrette, or a side of roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli. For a true comfort meal, serve it with warm, crusty bread to mop up every last drop of that cowboy butter sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to impress your guests, twirl the linguine into nests using tongs and place them in shallow bowls. Add a few pieces of golden chicken on top, then drizzle with a bit more sauce. A wedge of lemon on the side can also add a zesty touch, or serve it family-style in a big skillet for a rustic, shareable feast.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to three days. Store it in an airtight container to preserve the creamy texture and bold flavors. Just be sure to let everything cool to room temperature before refrigerating to avoid condensation.

Freezing

While pasta dishes with cream sauce don’t always freeze perfectly, you can freeze this recipe if needed. Place cooled portions in freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to two months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results.

Reheating

For the creamiest results, reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or chicken broth to loosen the sauce. Stir frequently until warmed through. You can also microwave individual servings, but be sure to stir halfway through to heat evenly and avoid drying out the pasta.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Main Course

Absolutely! While linguine is perfect for soaking up the cowboy butter sauce, you can easily swap in spaghetti, fettuccine, or even penne if that’s what you have on hand. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions.

Is there a gluten-free option for this recipe?

Yes! The Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe is just as delicious with your favorite gluten-free linguine or spaghetti. Be sure to check your other ingredients (like broth and spices) to ensure they’re certified gluten-free as well.

What can I use instead of heavy cream?

If you’re looking for a lighter version, substitute half-and-half or even whole milk for the heavy cream. The sauce will be a bit less rich, but still wonderfully creamy and flavorful.

Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Definitely! Sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or sun-dried tomatoes make great additions to the Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe. Just cook them with the chicken or stir them in with the pasta for extra color and nutrition.

How spicy is this recipe?

The Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe has a gentle warmth from smoked paprika and chili powder, but it’s not overly spicy. If you like more heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to suit your taste.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a new go-to comfort food, this Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe is guaranteed to win you over with its bold flavors and creamy texture. Give it a try the next time you want something special but easy — I have a feeling it’ll be a hit at your table, too!

Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 19 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a creamy, flavorful pasta dish featuring tender chicken breasts sautéed in a rich butter sauce with garlic, smoked paprika, and a touch of chili. Tossed with linguine and Parmesan cheese, it makes a perfect easy weeknight dinner that’s both comforting and indulgent.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

12 ounces linguine

Chicken and Seasonings

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Sauce

2 tablespoons olive oil
4 tablespoons unsalted butter (divided)
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Garnish

1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Optional red pepper flakes for heat

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Instructions

Cook the Linguine: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the linguine according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Sauté the Chicken: Heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and season with smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 5–6 minutes until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked through.
Add Garlic and Butter: Add the remaining butter and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for 1 minute, stirring frequently, until the garlic becomes fragrant and slightly softened.
Create the Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce slightly thickens.
Toss Pasta with Sauce: Add the cooked linguine directly to the skillet with the sauce and chicken. Toss everything together well so the pasta is evenly coated.
Finish and Serve: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley. Serve immediately, garnished with additional parsley or optional red pepper flakes for extra heat.

Notes

For added flavor and texture, try adding sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or sun-dried tomatoes to the dish.
You can substitute half-and-half for heavy cream if you prefer a lighter sauce.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator and gently reheated on the stovetop to prevent the sauce from separating.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American