Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a rich and flavorful pasta dish that combines juicy chicken with a silky, slightly spicy cream sauce made with cowboy butter—a bold blend of garlic, herbs, lemon, and spices. This recipe is the perfect weeknight meal that delivers restaurant-quality results in under 30 minutes. The creamy sauce clings to every strand of linguine, while the seasoned chicken adds a hearty, satisfying element. It's a dish that balances comfort with just the right touch of zest, making it a standout for family dinners or casual entertaining.

Ingredients

For the Pasta:
8 ounces linguine

For the Chicken:
1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
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
½ teaspoon lemon juice
Lemon slices and chopped parsley, for garnish

Instructions

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

2. Cook the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken in a single layer and season with paprika, garlic salt, kosher salt, and black pepper. Cook for 3–4 minutes on one side until golden brown. Add 2 tablespoons of cowboy butter, flip the chicken, and cook another 3–4 minutes or until the chicken is browned and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F). Remove chicken from the pan and cover with foil to keep warm.

3. Make the Sauce
Reduce the heat to low. In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of cowboy butter, heavy cream, garlic salt, and crushed red pepper flakes. Stir and scrape the bottom of the pan to incorporate any browned bits. Cook until the sauce is heated through and well blended.

4. Combine and Serve
Return the chicken and cooked linguine to the skillet. Toss everything to coat in the sauce and stir in lemon juice. Serve hot, garnished with lemon slices and chopped parsley.

Serving and Nutrients

Yield: 4 servings
Calories per serving: Approximately 761 kcal

This hearty and creamy pasta dish provides a balanced combination of protein, carbs, and fats, perfect for a comforting dinner. Serve it with a side of roasted vegetables or a crisp green salad for a complete meal.