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Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe


  • Author: Jennie Graham
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

This restaurant-quality Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine combines tender chicken with creamy garlic butter sauce over perfectly cooked pasta. Ready in just 25 minutes with simple pantry ingredients.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces linguine pasta
  • pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts (cut into 1-inch pieces)
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon garlic salt (plus 1 teaspoon for sauce)
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ cup cowboy butter (divided)
  • ¾ cup heavy cream
  • ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • ½ teaspoon fresh lemon juice
  • Lemon slices for garnish
  • Fresh parsley (chopped) for garnish

Instructions

  1. Bring large pot of salted water to rolling boil. Add linguine and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. Heat olive oil in large skillet over medium-high heat. Arrange chicken pieces in single layer without overcrowding.
  3. Season chicken evenly with paprika, garlic salt, kosher salt, and pepper. Cook 3-4 minutes until golden brown on first side.
  4. Add 2 tablespoons cowboy butter to skillet. Flip chicken pieces and continue cooking 3-4 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  5. Transfer cooked chicken to plate and tent with foil to keep warm. Reduce heat to low.
  6. Add remaining cowboy butter, heavy cream, garlic salt, and red pepper flakes. Scrape up browned bits while stirring until butter melts.
  7. Return cooked linguine and chicken to skillet. Toss everything together until well coated with creamy sauce.
  8. Drizzle lemon juice over pasta and stir gently. Serve immediately garnished with lemon slices and fresh parsley.

Notes

  • Don’t overcook your linguine – al dente pasta holds sauce better and maintains perfect texture when tossed with hot ingredients
  • Pat chicken dry before seasoning to ensure beautiful golden crust forms during searing process
  • Save pasta water before draining – add splashes if sauce becomes too thick while tossing
  • Let chicken rest after cooking to redistribute juices, ensuring every bite stays tender and moist
  • Taste and adjust seasonings before serving – everyone’s spice preference varies, so customize accordingly
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 685
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 580mg
  • Fat: 38g
  • Saturated Fat: 18g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 16g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 48g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 42g
  • Cholesterol: 165mg

Keywords: butter chicken pasta, creamy chicken linguine, garlic butter pasta recipe, spicy chicken pasta, easy weeknight dinner, one pan pasta dish, restaurant style pasta