If you’re craving something indulgent, packed with rich, bold flavors, this Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is exactly what you need! Juicy, tender chicken tossed in a velvety, buttery sauce infused with garlic, herbs, and a hint of spice—this pasta is pure comfort in a bowl.
Want recipes like this delivered straight to your inbox? Subscribe now to get the latest culinary creations you’ll love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Rich and Creamy: The buttery sauce wraps the linguine in luxurious flavor.
- Savory and Spicy: A dash of chili flakes and herbs give it that cowboy kick.
- Perfect for Weeknight Dinners: Ready in under 40 minutes!
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- Chicken Breast (1 lb, sliced into strips): Juicy and tender protein.
- Salt & Black Pepper (to taste): Seasoning essentials.
- Garlic Powder (1 tsp): Adds depth of flavor.
- Olive Oil (2 tbsp): For cooking the chicken.
For the Cowboy Butter Sauce:
- Butter (4 tbsp): The star of the show!
- Garlic (4 cloves, minced): Rich, aromatic flavor.
- Chicken Broth (1 cup): Forms the base of the sauce.
- Heavy Cream (¾ cup): For that luscious, creamy texture.
- Parmesan Cheese (½ cup, grated): Melty, cheesy goodness.
- Lemon Juice (2 tbsp): Adds brightness and balances the richness.
- Chili Flakes (½ tsp or to taste): For a kick of heat.
- Smoked Paprika (½ tsp): Adds a smoky depth.
- Fresh Parsley (¼ cup, chopped): Garnish for a pop of freshness.
For the Pasta:
- Linguine Pasta (12 oz): The perfect vehicle for the sauce.
- Salt (for pasta water): Enhances flavor while cooking.
Tools You’ll Need:
- Large pot (for cooking pasta)
- Large skillet (for chicken and sauce)
- Colander
- Wooden spoon or tongs
Let’s Make Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine:
- Cook the Linguine
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the linguine according to package instructions. Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of pasta water. - Cook the Chicken
Season the chicken strips with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside. - Make the Cowboy Butter Sauce
In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth and let it simmer for 3-4 minutes. - Add Cream and Flavorings
Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, chili flakes, and smoked paprika. Let the sauce thicken for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally. - Combine Chicken, Linguine, and Sauce
Add the cooked chicken and linguine to the sauce. Toss to combine, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to reach your desired consistency. - Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan before serving. Dig in and enjoy the creamy, buttery goodness!
What to Serve with Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine:
- Garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks
- A fresh green salad with a lemon vinaigrette
- Steamed or roasted veggies like broccoli or asparagus
Tips for Success:
- Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Searing it quickly ensures juicy and tender bites.
- Let the Sauce Thicken: Simmering the sauce for a few minutes ensures it coats the pasta perfectly.
- Use Fresh Lemon Juice: It brightens the dish and enhances the flavors.
Storing and Reheating:
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to prevent drying out.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use a different pasta?
Yes! Fettuccine, spaghetti, or even penne work well. - Can I substitute the heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half, but the sauce may be slightly less rich. - Is this dish spicy?
The chili flakes add a mild kick, but you can adjust the spice level to your liking.
Conclusion:
This Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a dinner dream come true. The combination of buttery garlic sauce, tender chicken, and al dente pasta will make it a regular on your dinner table.
Don’t forget to leave a review below and share your photos on Pinterest! I can’t wait to see your delicious creations.
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Cuisine: American
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 540 | Protein: 28g | Carbohydrates: 52g | Fat: 24g | Fiber: 3g | Sodium: 580mg

Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Description
If you’re craving something indulgent, packed with rich, bold flavors, this Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is exactly what you need! Juicy, tender chicken tossed in a velvety, buttery sauce infused with garlic, herbs, and a hint of spice—this pasta is pure comfort in a bowl.
Want recipes like this delivered straight to your inbox? Subscribe now to get the latest culinary creations you’ll love.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- Chicken Breast (1 lb, sliced into strips): Juicy and tender protein.
- Salt & Black Pepper (to taste): Seasoning essentials.
- Garlic Powder (1 tsp): Adds depth of flavor.
- Olive Oil (2 tbsp): For cooking the chicken.
For the Cowboy Butter Sauce:
- Butter (4 tbsp): The star of the show!
- Garlic (4 cloves, minced): Rich, aromatic flavor.
- Chicken Broth (1 cup): Forms the base of the sauce.
- Heavy Cream (¾ cup): For that luscious, creamy texture.
- Parmesan Cheese (½ cup, grated): Melty, cheesy goodness.
- Lemon Juice (2 tbsp): Adds brightness and balances the richness.
- Chili Flakes (½ tsp or to taste): For a kick of heat.
- Smoked Paprika (½ tsp): Adds a smoky depth.
- Fresh Parsley (¼ cup, chopped): Garnish for a pop of freshness.
For the Pasta:
- Linguine Pasta (12 oz): The perfect vehicle for the sauce.
- Salt (for pasta water): Enhances flavor while cooking.
Instructions
- Cook the Linguine
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the linguine according to package instructions. Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of pasta water. - Cook the Chicken
Season the chicken strips with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside. - Make the Cowboy Butter Sauce
In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth and let it simmer for 3-4 minutes. - Add Cream and Flavorings
Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, chili flakes, and smoked paprika. Let the sauce thicken for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally. - Combine Chicken, Linguine, and Sauce
Add the cooked chicken and linguine to the sauce. Toss to combine, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to reach your desired consistency. - Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan before serving. Dig in and enjoy the creamy, buttery goodness!
Notes
- Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Searing it quickly ensures juicy and tender bites.
- Let the Sauce Thicken: Simmering the sauce for a few minutes ensures it coats the pasta perfectly.
- Use Fresh Lemon Juice: It brightens the dish and enhances the flavors.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Cuisine: American