What exactly is cowboy butter?

Cowboy butter is a compound butter typically made with herbs, garlic, and spices. It originated as a flavorful topping for steaks but has evolved into a versatile ingredient for adding remarkable flavor to many dishes. You can buy it premade at specialty stores or easily make your own by mixing softened butter with minced garlic, herbs, lemon zest, and red pepper flakes.

Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?

While heavy cream creates the richest sauce, you can substitute half-and-half with good results. Regular milk can work in a pinch, but you'll need to reduce it longer and the sauce won't be as luxurious. For a dairy-free option, try full-fat coconut milk, which adds a subtle sweetness that works surprisingly well with the other flavors.

My sauce seems too thin, how can I thicken it?

The easiest way to thicken the sauce is to let it simmer longer before adding the pasta. For a quicker fix, mix 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water and stir this slurry into the simmering sauce. Let it cook for another minute until thickened.

What's the best way to prepare this for a dinner party?

You can prep most components ahead of time: cut and season the chicken, measure out sauce ingredients, and even pre-cook the pasta (toss with a tiny bit of oil to prevent sticking). About 15 minutes before serving, quickly cook the chicken and prepare the sauce, then toss with the pasta. This approach minimizes last-minute cooking while ensuring the dish is fresh and delicious.

Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe

Name: Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 ounces linguine; 1 ½ 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 pepper; ¼ cup (4 tablespoons / 57 g) cowboy butter, divided; ¾ cup (178.5 g) heavy cream; 1 teaspoon garlic salt; ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes; ½ teaspoon lemon juice; lemon slices, for garnish; parsley, chopped for garnish

This Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a dinner game-changer that transforms simple ingredients into something truly magical. The tender chicken bites coated in spices, swimming in a rich, buttery sauce with just the right hint of lemon and spice, all tossed with perfectly cooked linguine – it’s comfort food elevated to new heights. Ready in just 25 minutes, this dish strikes that perfect balance between indulgent weekend cooking and practical weeknight dinner solution.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Restaurant-Quality at Home: This dish tastes like something you’d order at your favorite Italian restaurant, but you can make it in your own kitchen for a fraction of the cost.
Quick and Satisfying: From prep to plate in 25 minutes, making it perfect for those evenings when you want something delicious without spending hours cooking.
Crowd-Pleaser: The creamy, buttery sauce with just a hint of heat appeals to almost everyone. Kids love the pasta, adults appreciate the complex flavors.
One-Pan Wonder: Most of the magic happens in a single skillet, meaning less cleanup and more time enjoying your meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Linguine: Creates the perfect base for our sauce. Its flat, ribbon-like shape holds the creamy sauce beautifully. You could substitute fettuccine or spaghetti if that’s what you have on hand.
Chicken breasts: The star protein that soaks up all the wonderful flavors. Cut them into bite-sized pieces for faster, more even cooking.
Olive oil: Used for searing our chicken to golden perfection. Always use extra virgin for the best flavor.
Paprika: Adds a beautiful color and subtle smoky flavor to the chicken.
Garlic salt: Infuses the chicken with garlicky goodness without the need to mince fresh cloves.
Kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors in the dish. The larger crystals dissolve more slowly and provide better flavor than table salt.
Pepper: Adds that essential touch of heat and depth.
Cowboy butter: The heart and soul of this recipe! This herb-infused butter creates an incredible flavor base for the sauce.
Heavy cream: Creates that luxurious, silky sauce that coats every strand of pasta.
Red pepper flakes: Provides a pleasant warmth without overwhelming heat.
Lemon juice: Brightens everything up and cuts through the richness of the butter and cream.
Garnishes: Fresh lemon slices and chopped parsley add color and fresh flavor that makes the dish pop.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Protein Swaps

Substitute shrimp for chicken for an equally delicious seafood version. Cook the shrimp for just 2 minutes per side until pink and opaque.

Pasta Options

Try this sauce with penne, farfalle, or fettuccine. For a lower-carb option, use zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash.

Spice Level Adjustments

Double the red pepper flakes for those who enjoy more heat, or omit them entirely for a milder version perfect for kids.

Add Some Veggies

Throw in some spinach, cherry tomatoes, or sautéed mushrooms in the final cooking stage for added nutrition and flavor complexity.

How to Make Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add the linguine and cook until al dente according to package directions. Drain well but don’t rinse – that starch helps the sauce stick to the pasta.

Step 2: Prepare and Cook the Chicken

While the pasta cooks, cut chicken into uniform 1-inch pieces. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add chicken in a single layer (work in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding). Season evenly with paprika, garlic salt, kosher salt, and pepper. Let it cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes until golden brown on one side.

Step 3: Add Butter and Finish Chicken

Add half the cowboy butter to the skillet, letting it melt around the chicken. Flip each piece and cook for another 3-4 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. The butter will create a beautiful brown crust on the chicken.

Step 4: Create the Sauce

Remove chicken to a plate and tent with foil to keep warm. Reduce heat to low, then add remaining cowboy butter, heavy cream, garlic salt, and red pepper flakes to the same skillet. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up all those flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let the sauce simmer gently until slightly thickened.

Step 5: Combine and Finish

Return the chicken to the skillet and add the drained linguine. Toss everything together until the pasta and chicken are evenly coated in the luxurious sauce. Add the lemon juice and give everything one final stir to incorporate.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Transfer to serving plates or a large pasta bowl. Garnish with fresh lemon slices and chopped parsley for a beautiful presentation and bright, fresh flavor contrast.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Keep it al dente since it will continue cooking slightly when added to the hot sauce.
Chicken Sizing Matters: Cut the chicken into evenly sized pieces to ensure they cook at the same rate.
Room Temperature Ingredients: Allow the chicken to sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before cooking for more even cooking.
Scrape Those Brown Bits: The fond (those browned bits on the bottom of the pan) is flavor gold! Make sure to scrape it all up when making the sauce.
Let the Sauce Reduce: If your sauce seems too thin, let it simmer a bit longer before adding the pasta and chicken back in.

How to Serve

Perfect Pairings

This rich pasta dish pairs beautifully with a simple green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to cut through the creaminess. A side of garlic bread is perfect for sopping up every last drop of that incredible sauce!

Wine Recommendations

Pour a glass of buttery Chardonnay or crisp Pinot Grigio to complement the creamy sauce. For red wine lovers, a light Pinot Noir works wonderfully.

Make It a Feast

For special occasions, start with a simple antipasto platter, follow with this pasta as your main, and finish with a light lemon sorbet for the perfect Italian-inspired meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making this dish excellent for next-day lunch.

Freezing

While cream-based pasta dishes aren’t ideal for freezing, you can freeze the cooked chicken in the sauce (without pasta) for up to 2 months. Then simply prepare fresh pasta when reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to revive the sauce. Stir frequently to prevent scorching. Microwave reheating works in a pinch, but the stovetop method yields much better results.

FAQs

What exactly is cowboy butter?

Cowboy butter is a compound butter typically made with herbs, garlic, and spices. It originated as a flavorful topping for steaks but has evolved into a versatile ingredient for adding remarkable flavor to many dishes. You can buy it premade at specialty stores or easily make your own by mixing softened butter with minced garlic, herbs, lemon zest, and red pepper flakes.
Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?

While heavy cream creates the richest sauce, you can substitute half-and-half with good results. Regular milk can work in a pinch, but you’ll need to reduce it longer and the sauce won’t be as luxurious. For a dairy-free option, try full-fat coconut milk, which adds a subtle sweetness that works surprisingly well with the other flavors.
My sauce seems too thin, how can I thicken it?

The easiest way to thicken the sauce is to let it simmer longer before adding the pasta. For a quicker fix, mix 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water and stir this slurry into the simmering sauce. Let it cook for another minute until thickened.
What’s the best way to prepare this for a dinner party?

You can prep most components ahead of time: cut and season the chicken, measure out sauce ingredients, and even pre-cook the pasta (toss with a tiny bit of oil to prevent sticking). About 15 minutes before serving, quickly cook the chicken and prepare the sauce, then toss with the pasta. This approach minimizes last-minute cooking while ensuring the dish is fresh and delicious.

Final Thoughts

This Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is more than just a meal—it’s a little celebration on a plate. The combination of tender chicken, al dente pasta, and that luscious, flavor-packed sauce creates something truly special that belies how simple it is to prepare. Whether you’re cooking for a quiet weeknight dinner or hosting friends, this dish delivers restaurant-quality results without the fuss. Give it a try—I’m betting it will quickly earn a spot in your regular rotation!