Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine: A Creamy, Irresistible Twist

Q: Can I substitute the heavy cream?

Absolutely! Half and half works, though the sauce won’t be quite as rich. For a dairy-free option, unsweetened coconut cream could do the trick (just skip the lemon garnish—trust me).

Jump to Recipe

If there’s one thing we can all agree on, it’s this: a comforting bowl of pasta can turn even the wildest day into something soft and buttery (literally, in this case). And if Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine hasn’t made its way into your dinner rotation yet—girl, buckle up, because this one’s got flavor, comfort, and a little yeehaw all in one skillet.

This cowboy butter chicken pasta recipe is for those evenings when you need something cozy, creamy, and fast—but you also want to feel like a total kitchen rockstar. It’s rich, savory, and just spicy enough to keep things interesting. Think of it as your weeknight dinner with a little cowboy swagger.

Why You’ll Love This Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

Let’s start with the obvious: cowboy butter. If you’ve never experienced this garlicky, lemony, herby miracle before, prepare to be delighted. Add tender bites of seasoned chicken, perfectly cooked linguine, and a silky cream sauce that coats every strand of pasta like a warm hug, and you’ve got a dish that practically lassos compliments at the dinner table.

This recipe is perfect for:

Busy moms who want to serve something hearty but easy
Chicken lovers looking to break out of a flavor rut
Pasta night regulars ready to spice things up

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Pasta :

8 ounces linguine

For the Chicken :

1½ 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

For the Sauce :

¼ cup (4 tablespoons) cowboy butter, divided
¾ cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon garlic salt
¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (more if you like it spicy)
½ teaspoon lemon juice

Garnish :

Lemon slices
Fresh chopped parsley

How to Make Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

Boil the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the linguine according to the package until al dente. Drain and set it aside—you’ve got bigger, butterier things ahead.
Sear the Chicken:
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat up the olive oil. Add the chicken in a single layer, season with paprika, garlic salt, kosher salt, and pepper. Let it cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes until golden brown.
Cowboy Butter, Round One:
Add 2 tablespoons of that magical cowboy butter to the pan. Flip the chicken and cook for another 3-4 minutes, or until it’s fully cooked (165°F inside if you’re fancy with a meat thermometer).
Make the Sauce:
Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and loosely cover to keep warm. Turn the heat down to low. Add the remaining cowboy butter to the same skillet, along with heavy cream, garlic salt, and red pepper flakes. Scrape up those flavorful brown bits with a spatula—this is where the magic lives.
Bring It All Together:
Add the drained linguine and cooked chicken back into the skillet. Toss everything to coat it in that luscious, buttery sauce. Finish it off with a splash of lemon juice and stir gently.
Garnish and Serve:
Plate it up with fresh parsley and a few lemon slices for that touch of cowboy flair.

Quick Tips to Keep in Your Back Pocket

Make it ahead: You can cook the chicken in advance and store it in the fridge. Just warm it through when making the sauce.
Don’t overthink the cowboy butter: You can find it premade or whip up your own with butter, garlic, herbs, lemon juice, and a touch of red pepper.
Want it extra saucy? Double the sauce ingredients and treat yourself.
Pasta swap: No linguine? Fettuccine or spaghetti totally work here.

A Little Story From My Kitchen…

The first time I made this cowboy butter chicken pasta, I was juggling emails, laundry, and a toddler on a mission to reorganize the pantry. Let’s just say I needed a dinner that basically made itself. When I tasted that first forkful—creamy, garlicky, with that zing of lemon—I had to laugh. Somehow, amid the chaos, I had made something downright fancy-feeling. Even my husband asked, “Did you make this from scratch??” (Victory.)

FAQs About Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

Can I substitute the heavy cream?

Absolutely! Half and half works, though the sauce won’t be quite as rich. For a dairy-free option, unsweetened coconut cream could do the trick (just skip the lemon garnish—trust me).

How can I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over low heat on the stove or in the microwave. You may need to add a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce.

Is cowboy butter spicy?

Just a little! The red pepper adds a mild kick. Want it hotter? Crank up those flakes or add a dash of cayenne.

Conclusion

Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is one of those dishes that makes your kitchen smell like heaven on a rainy day and makes your people ask for seconds before they finish their first plate. It’s easy, it’s delicious, and it might just become your new favorite way to pasta. Whether you’re wrangling a wild Wednesday night or just want to feel like a dinner hero—this one’s got you covered.

Happy cooking, and don’t forget to share your cowboy creation with me! Yeehaw and bon appétit! 🤠🍝

If you fell head over heels for this Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine, here are a few more chicken-packed favorites from the Chicken Magic kitchen that deserve a spot on your dinner table:

Bold and Zesty Buffalo Ranch Chicken Pasta Skillet
This creamy, spicy skillet meal is a flavor bomb that’s perfect for pasta lovers who like a little kick.
Creamy Cajun Chicken Stuffed Shells
Cheesy, spicy, and totally satisfying—these stuffed shells are comfort food with a Cajun twist.
Pineapple Chicken and Rice
Sweet, savory, and tropical—it’s a one-pan wonder that brings bold flavor with minimal effort.
Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet
If you loved the cowboy butter in today’s recipe, this skillet dish brings that same buttery goodness to a new level.

Feel free to mix and match these with your weekly meal plan—they’re quick, flavorful, and every bit as magical.