Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a flavorful and creamy pasta dish with tender chicken in a rich, buttery sauce, complemented by the zesty freshness of lemon. With its smoky paprika, garlic, and a bit of heat from red pepper flakes, this dish combines comfort with bold flavors, making it perfect for dinner any night of the week.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Flavor-Packed: The cowboy butter sauce adds richness, with smoky paprika and a zesty lemon finish, giving the chicken and pasta a mouthwatering boost.
Quick and Easy: A one-pan dish that comes together in under 40 minutes, making it ideal for busy nights.
Customizable: You can adjust the heat with more or less red pepper flakes or swap the pasta to suit your preferences.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

8 ounces linguine
1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
2 tablespoons olive oil
½ teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon garlic salt
½ teaspoon kosher salt
¼ teaspoon pepper
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 for garnish
Chopped parsley for garnish

Directions

Cook the Linguine: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the linguine and cook until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and season with paprika, garlic salt, kosher salt, and pepper. Cook for 3-4 minutes until golden, then flip and cook for another 3-4 minutes until fully cooked. Remove chicken and set aside.
Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, lower heat and add 2 tablespoons of cowboy butter, heavy cream, garlic salt, crushed red pepper flakes, and lemon juice. Stir, scraping up the browned bits for added flavor.
Combine: Add the cooked chicken and linguine to the skillet, tossing to coat in the creamy sauce.
Garnish and Serve: Garnish with lemon slices and chopped parsley before serving.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

Variations

Vegetarian: Replace chicken with mushrooms or another protein source.
Spicy: Add more red pepper flakes for extra heat.
Different Pasta: Use fettuccine, spaghetti, or penne if you prefer a different pasta shape.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a pan on low heat to avoid overcooking the pasta.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, any pasta like fettuccine, spaghetti, or penne will work well.

How do I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can prep the chicken and sauce ahead of time, but it’s best to cook the pasta fresh when ready to serve.

How do I make it spicier?

Add extra crushed red pepper flakes or hot sauce to increase the heat level.

Can I use a different protein?

Yes, you can use shrimp or turkey as an alternative to chicken.

Conclusion

Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a rich, creamy, and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a satisfying dinner. With tender chicken, a buttery sauce, and the perfect balance of heat and zest, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Quick to make and packed with flavor, this dish is perfect for any occasion!