Dinner decisions getting a little too “chicken and rice… again”? This one’s a lifesaver. Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is one of those meals that feels like a cheat code for getting something bold, buttery, and just a little fancy on the table—without breaking a sweat.
It’s rich, creamy, and has that little kick of flavor that makes everyone pause mid-bite and go, “Wait… what’s in this?”
Whether it’s a regular Tuesday or a casual dinner with friends, this dish has that “Wow, did you really make this?” energy—without actually being difficult to make. Chicken, pasta, cowboy butter, and a silky sauce that ties it all together. That’s it. That’s the magic.
Let’s break it down.
What You’ll Need
For the Pasta
- 8 oz linguine
For the Chicken
- 1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic salt
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the Sauce
- ¼ cup cowboy butter, divided
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, but recommended)
- ½ teaspoon lemon juice
Garnish
- Lemon slices
- Chopped fresh parsley
Pro Tips
- Cut the chicken before dinner time Toss it in a zip-top bag with the seasonings in the morning and refrigerate. When it’s go-time, half the work is already done.
- Spice dial for picky eaters Kids not into spice? Go easy on the crushed red pepper or skip it altogether. Still tastes amazing.
- Don’t toss all that pasta water A couple tablespoons can help smooth out the sauce if it tightens up while waiting to serve.
- Lemon at the end makes a difference The squeeze of lemon right before serving wakes up the whole dish and keeps it from feeling too heavy.
- Double the sauce, thank yourself later If the crew loves extra sauce (and who doesn’t?), make a little more than listed and save it for dipping bread or drizzling over veggies.
Tools You’ll Need
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Knife and cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Tongs or spatula
Substitutions and Variations
- Pasta swap: Fettuccine, spaghetti, or even penne all work. Use whatever’s in the pantry.
- Protein variation: Shrimp, tofu, or even rotisserie chicken (just warm it in the butter sauce) are great here.
- Dairy-free option: Sub plant-based butter and use a dairy-free cream alternative like coconut cream or oat-based cream.
- Add-ins: Toss in spinach, blistered cherry tomatoes, or sautéed mushrooms to bulk it up.
Make Ahead Tips
The chicken can be prepped and seasoned in the morning or even the night before. The sauce can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to two days. Just reheat gently on low before combining with fresh pasta.
How to Make Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
- Cook the pasta Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the linguine until al dente according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside, saving a small cup of pasta water.
- Sauté the chicken Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in an even layer and season with paprika, garlic salt, kosher salt, and black pepper. Cook undisturbed for 3 to 4 minutes until golden. Add 2 tablespoons of cowboy butter, stir, and cook another 3 to 4 minutes until cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the sauce Lower the heat. In the same skillet, add remaining cowboy butter, heavy cream, garlic salt, red pepper flakes, and lemon juice. Stir and let it come together until smooth and slightly thickened.
- Combine it all Add the cooked linguine and chicken back to the pan. Toss everything gently to coat. If needed, splash in a bit of the reserved pasta water to loosen up the sauce.
- Finish and serve Top with lemon slices and chopped parsley. Serve immediately while it’s hot and glossy.
Nutrition (per serving, approx.)
- Calories: 760
- Protein: 40g
- Carbs: 45g
- Fat: 45g
- Sugar: 2g
- Fiber: 2g
Pairing ideas
- Green salad with a light vinaigrette
- Roasted green beans or asparagus
- Garlic bread or a crusty baguette for soaking up sauce
Time-saving tip
- Cook the pasta while the chicken is in the pan. That overlap knocks off several minutes from start to finish.
Leftovers and Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove over low heat with a splash of water or cream to bring the sauce back to life. Microwave works, too—just stir every 30 seconds until warmed through.
This dish doesn’t freeze well due to the cream-based sauce, so aim to enjoy it fresh within a few days.
FAQ
Can this be made gluten-free? Yes. Use your favorite gluten-free pasta and double-check the cowboy butter ingredients for any hidden gluten sources.
Is cowboy butter spicy? It can be! Depends on the recipe used. If making it from scratch, the spice level is totally adjustable.
What if cowboy butter isn’t available? Make it at home with butter, garlic, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, crushed red pepper, parsley, and a pinch of paprika. Plenty of recipes online to guide the mix.
Can this be made lighter? Yes. Use light cream or half-and-half, and go easy on the butter if needed. The flavor will still shine.
Wrap Up
Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is one of those meals that somehow feels both cozy and elevated at the same time. Perfect for busy nights when something satisfying needs to land on the table fast—but still feel like an actual meal.
Give it a shot, and if anything unexpected happens along the way, feel free to drop a question in the comments. And if it turns out great? Definitely share how it went. The more variations, swaps, and family wins, the better.
