Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a tasty twist on classic pasta with a hearty, buttery chicken sauce that’s full of flavor. Tender pieces of chicken cooked in a rich, buttery sauce mix perfectly with the linguine for a dish that feels both fancy and homey. You get just the right amount of creamy sauce, with a little kick from spices that make every bite interesting.
I love making this dish when I want something quick but special. The name “cowboy butter” always makes me smile because it’s just butter and spices that give the chicken such a cool, bold flavor—plain but powerful. It’s simple to throw together, which means I can enjoy a yummy dinner without spending too much time in the kitchen.
My favorite way to serve Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is with a side of fresh green salad or some crusty bread to soak up the sauce. It’s a great meal to share with family or friends because it’s filling but not too heavy, and everybody seems to enjoy the buttery, flavorful chicken paired with pasta. If you like things a bit spicy, adding a pinch of red pepper flakes on top is a nice touch too!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Linguine pasta: This pasta holds the sauce nicely thanks to its flat shape. If you don’t have linguine, spaghetti or fettuccine work well as substitutes.
Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts cook quickly and stay tender. You can swap for chicken thighs if you prefer juicier meat.
Butter: This is the heart of the “cowboy butter” sauce. Unsalted butter is best to control salt levels, but you can use salted if needed—just reduce added salt.
Spices (smoked paprika, chili powder, cumin, onion powder): These give the chicken a bold, smoky flavor. Feel free to adjust the quantities to make it milder or spicier.
Feta cheese: Adds a nice tang and creaminess. Cotija or even Parmesan can be great alternatives depending on your taste.
How Do You Get the Chicken Perfectly Cooked with Rich Cowboy Butter Sauce?
The key is to cook the chicken in two steps—first to brown it well, then add flavor with the sauce.
- Pat chicken pieces dry so they brown nicely.
- Use a hot skillet with oil and butter for a nice sear without sticking.
- Cook chicken just until done, don’t overcook to keep it tender.
- Don’t toss garlic in too early—add it after chicken is removed to keep it from burning.
- Simmer the sauce with broth and cream to combine flavors and thicken slightly.
- Mix pasta in last to coat everything well with sauce while keeping noodles from getting mushy.
Following these steps will give you tender chicken with a flavorful, buttery sauce that clings well to the linguine. Fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon brighten the dish beautifully at the end.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large pot – I use this to cook the pasta quickly and easily drain it when done.
- Skillet or frying pan – A wide skillet helps cook the chicken evenly and makes it easy to toss everything together.
- Small bowl – Perfect for mixing the spice blend so the chicken gets coated well.
- Cheese grater or crumbled – To add fresh feta or cotija cheese easily on top of the dish.
- Juicer or lemon squeezer – Makes serving the lemon wedges simple and mess-free.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Protein swap: Use shrimp or sausage instead of chicken for a different flavor — they cook quickly and add variety.
- Cheese options: Switch feta for Parmesan, mozzarella, or goat cheese to change up the taste depending on what you like.
- Extra veggies: Toss in sautéed peppers, spinach, or cherry tomatoes to add some freshness and color.
- Spice level: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to give it some heat — perfect for those who love extra kick.
How to Make Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 8 oz linguine pasta
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp salt, divided
- 1/4 tsp black pepper, divided
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese (or cotija cheese)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 lemon, cut into wedges (for serving)
- Olive oil, for cooking
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine takes about 25 minutes total. You’ll spend 10 minutes cooking the pasta and another 15 minutes preparing the flavorful chicken and buttery sauce, then mixing it all together for a delicious and satisfying meal that’s quick enough for weeknights.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Linguine:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the linguine and cook until al dente according to the package directions, usually around 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Prepare the Chicken with Spices:
In a small bowl, stir together smoked paprika, chili powder, cumin, onion powder, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/8 teaspoon black pepper. Toss the bite-sized chicken pieces with this spice mix until they are well coated and flavorful.
3. Cook the Chicken:
Heat 2 tablespoons of butter and a drizzle of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken pieces and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, turning occasionally, until they’re cooked through and nicely browned. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
4. Make the Cowboy Butter Sauce:
Reduce the heat to medium. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet. Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, but don’t let it burn. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Let the sauce simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes until it thickens slightly.
5. Combine Pasta and Chicken:
Add the cooked linguine to the skillet, tossing it well so the pasta gets coated in the buttery sauce. Season with the remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/8 teaspoon black pepper. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and gently toss everything together to mix.
6. Serve and Garnish:
Divide the linguine and chicken among serving plates. Sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese and chopped fresh parsley. Serve with lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over the top just before eating – it adds a fresh, bright zing that balances the rich butter sauce perfectly.
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes! Just be sure to fully thaw the chicken in the refrigerator overnight before cooking to ensure even cooking and the best texture.
Can I Make Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Ahead of Time?
Absolutely. Prepare the dish up to the point of combining the pasta and sauce, then refrigerate separately. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth or cream if needed to refresh the sauce.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove or microwave until warmed through, stirring occasionally for even heating.
What Can I Substitute for Feta Cheese?
You can substitute feta with cotija, Parmesan, or goat cheese depending on your preference and availability. Each adds its own unique flavor that complements the dish well.