Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

Update : March 2, 2026

Why Make This Recipe

Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a delicious and comforting dish that brings the flavors of the Wild West straight to your dinner table. It’s quick to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights. The creamy sauce combined with tender chicken and pasta is sure to please everyone in the family. Plus, it uses simple ingredients that you probably already have at home!

How to Make Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

Ingredients:

3-4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
8 oz linguine pasta
4-5 cloves fresh garlic, minced
6 tbsp unsalted butter
1 cup heavy cream
¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
½ tsp red pepper flakes
Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

Prepare your ingredients: Dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces and mince the garlic.
Cook the pasta: Boil a pot of salted water and cook the linguine until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Reserve some pasta water before draining.
Sauté the chicken: In a skillet, melt half of the butter over medium heat. Add the chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden brown, about 6-8 minutes. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet.
Add garlic: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Create the sauce: Lower the heat, add the remaining butter and heavy cream to the skillet. Stir until the mixture is combined and creamy.
Combine: Toss the cooked linguine with the sauce in the skillet, adding reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency. Finish by stirring in the chopped parsley.

How to Serve Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

Serve Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine warm, garnished with extra parsley if desired. It pairs well with a crisp salad or some garlic bread on the side. Enjoy it with family or friends for a great meal!

How to Store Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The dish will stay fresh for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or cream to loosen the sauce if needed.

Tips to Make Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

Make sure not to overcook the pasta; al dente gives a nice texture to the dish.
If you want a little more heat, feel free to add extra red pepper flakes.
For a healthier option, you can use whole wheat linguine or substitute with gluten-free pasta.

Variation

You can add vegetables such as spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor and nutrition. If you like cheese, top with grated Parmesan cheese before serving!

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just make sure to thaw it completely before cooking for even cooking.

Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Yes, you can substitute the butter with olive oil and the heavy cream with a dairy-free cream alternative.

How spicy is this dish?

The red pepper flakes add a mild heat. You can adjust the amount based on your preference. If you want it less spicy, you can leave them out!