COWBOY BUTTER CHICKEN LINGUINE

I’ll never forget the first time I tasted cowboy butter; it was at a little roadside diner, slathered on a perfectly grilled steak. The flavor explosion of herbs, garlic, and spices was just incredible. Since then, I’ve been obsessed with finding new ways to use this magical concoction, and that’s how I stumbled upon the idea of Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine! Today, I’m sharing my absolute favorite recipe for this flavorful dish that’s sure to become a family favorite.

Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine: A Flavor Fiesta in a Bowl!

Alright, my friend, let’s dive into this dish that’s bursting with flavor and surprisingly easy to make. Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is the kind of meal that makes everyone happy. Tender chicken, perfectly cooked linguine, and that amazing cowboy butter sauce…it’s a match made in culinary heaven. Don’t be intimidated by the name; it comes together faster than you might think, and I’m here to guide you every step of the way.

Why You’ll Absolutely LOVE This Recipe

• Insane Flavor: That cowboy butter is the star! It’s garlicky, herby, and has just the right kick.
• Quick & Easy: Perfect for busy weeknights. We’re talking about a dinner that’s on the table in under 30 minutes!
• Crowd-Pleaser: Even picky eaters will devour this. Trust me, I’ve tested it!
• Versatile: You can easily adapt it to your taste. Add more veggies, swap out the protein, or adjust the spice level.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our ingredients. Don’t worry, you probably have most of these on hand already.

• Linguine Pasta: 1 pound. You can use other pasta shapes if you prefer, but linguine is my go-to for this recipe.
• Chicken Breasts: 1.5 pounds, boneless and skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces.
• Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons. For sautéing the chicken.
• Butter: 1 cup (2 sticks), unsalted, softened.
• Garlic: 6 cloves, minced. Because more garlic is always better, right?
• Fresh Parsley: 1/4 cup, chopped.
• Fresh Chives: 1/4 cup, chopped.
• Fresh Thyme: 2 teaspoons, chopped.
• Red Pepper Flakes: 1/2 teaspoon (or more, to taste). For a little kick!
• Smoked Paprika: 1 teaspoon. Adds a wonderful smoky depth.
• Dried Oregano: 1 teaspoon.
• Lemon Juice: 2 tablespoons. Brightens up the sauce.
• Salt & Pepper: To taste.
• Grated Parmesan Cheese: For serving (optional, but highly recommended!).

Step-by-Step Instructions: Let’s Get Cooking!

Okay, friend, now for the fun part! Let’s make some delicious Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine. I’ll walk you through it, step by step. Just follow along, and you’ll have a restaurant-worthy meal on your table in no time.

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. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining. Set the pasta aside.
2. Prepare the Chicken: While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and season with salt and pepper. Cook until the chicken is cooked through and lightly browned, about 5-7 minutes. Make sure you don’t overcrowd the pan; cook the chicken in batches if needed to ensure even browning.
3. Make the Cowboy Butter: In a medium bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, parsley, chives, thyme, red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, dried oregano, and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mash everything together with a fork until well combined. The mixture should be soft, fragrant, and ready to add to the pasta.
4. Combine Everything: Add the cooked linguine to the skillet with the chicken. Top with the cowboy butter and toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated. If the sauce seems too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
5. Serve & Enjoy: Serve immediately, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese (if desired). This dish is best enjoyed hot, so don’t let it sit around for too long!

Success Tips for Perfect Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

These tips are my secret weapons for making this dish absolutely foolproof. Follow these, and you’re guaranteed to impress!

• Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Al dente pasta is key. It should still have a slight bite to it. Overcooked pasta will get mushy and won’t hold the sauce as well.
• Soften the Butter Properly: Softened butter is crucial for the cowboy butter to come together smoothly. If it’s too cold, it will be difficult to mix. If it’s melted, the sauce will be greasy.
• Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Everyone’s taste buds are different. Taste the cowboy butter and adjust the seasonings (salt, pepper, red pepper flakes) to your liking.
• Don’t Skip the Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs make a HUGE difference in the flavor of this dish. Dried herbs just won’t give you the same vibrant taste.
• Reserve Pasta Water: That starchy pasta water is liquid gold! It helps to create a creamy, emulsified sauce that clings to the pasta perfectly.

Variations & Substitutions: Make It Your Own!

One of the best things about this recipe is how easily you can customize it. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Spice It Up: If you like things really spicy, add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cowboy butter.
• Add Veggies: Sauté some sliced bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, or spinach with the chicken for extra nutrients and flavor.
• Swap the Protein: If you’re not a fan of chicken, try using shrimp, sausage, or even tofu.
• Make it Creamy: Stir in a dollop of heavy cream or cream cheese at the end for an even richer sauce.
• Add Some Cheese: Mix in some shredded mozzarella, provolone, or Asiago cheese for extra cheesy goodness.

Serving Suggestions: Complete Your Meal

This Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is delicious on its own, but here are a few ideas to round out your meal:

• Garlic Bread: Because who can resist garlic bread with pasta?
• Side Salad: A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing is a refreshing contrast to the rich pasta.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts would be a delicious and healthy addition.

Storing & Reheating: Make Ahead Tips

Got leftovers? No problem! Here’s how to store and reheat your Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine:

• Storing: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent the pasta from drying out. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but be careful not to overcook it.
• Make Ahead: You can make the cowboy butter ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just bring it to room temperature before using. You can also cook the chicken ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Let’s Talk About Similar Recipes

If you’re loving this Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine, then I think you’ll also adore some of my other pasta and chicken creations. For a comforting and classic dish, check out my recipe for Smothered Chicken. It’s a family favorite that’s always a hit. Or, for another delicious chicken and pasta combo, you might want to try my Garlic Butter Chicken Rotini – it’s packed with flavor and super easy to make. And if you’re a fan of creamy pasta dishes, you can’t go wrong with Creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta. For a quicker weeknight meal, you might consider making Garlic Butter Chicken Bites & Creamy Pasta. You’ll also love how easy it is to prepare Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo, where the whole meal cooks in just one pan, making clean up a breeze! And lastly, if you are looking for another garlic parmesan recipe, I recommend my Parmesan Garlic Chicken Pasta, which is also a one-pan meal that only takes about 30 minutes from start to finish!

Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe

Here’s a handy recipe card for you to print out and keep in your kitchen!

Conclusion: Your New Favorite Weeknight Dinner!

And there you have it! My foolproof recipe for Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine. I hope you love it as much as my family and I do. It’s a flavor explosion that’s sure to become a regular on your dinner table. Don’t be afraid to experiment with the variations and make it your own. Happy cooking, my friend!

Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

Amelia

This Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a quick and easy weeknight meal bursting with garlicky, herby, and slightly spicy flavor. Tender chicken and perfectly cooked linguine are coated in a rich cowboy butter sauce for a dish that’s sure to become a family favorite.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 2025

Calories 650 kcal

Equipment

• Large pot
• Colander
• Large skillet
• Medium bowl
• Fork
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife

Ingredients

  

• 1 pound linguine pasta
• 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
• ¼ cup fresh chives, chopped
• 2 teaspoons fresh thyme, chopped
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes or more, to taste
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste
• Grated Parmesan cheese for serving optional

Instructions

 

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
• Add the linguine and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
• Set the pasta aside.
• Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
• Add the chicken pieces and season with salt and pepper.
• Cook until the chicken is cooked through and lightly browned, about 5-7 minutes. Cook the chicken in batches if needed to ensure even browning.
• In a medium bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, parsley, chives, thyme, red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, dried oregano, and lemon juice.
• Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Mash everything together with a fork until well combined.
• Add the cooked linguine to the skillet with the chicken.
• Top with the cowboy butter and toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated.
• If the sauce seems too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
• Serve immediately, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese (if desired).

Notes

For best results, use high-quality butter and fresh herbs. Don’t overcook the pasta, as it will become mushy. Taste the cowboy butter before adding it to the pasta and adjust seasonings as needed. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet with a splash of water or broth to prevent drying.