Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

Name: Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Italian
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

Jack

Update : February 20, 2026

Delicious plate of Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine garnished with herbs.

Why Make This Recipe

Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a delightful dish that combines tender chicken, creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta. It has a nice kick from red pepper flakes and the fresh taste of garlic and parsley. It’s great for a quick weeknight dinner, and your family or guests will love it! Plus, it only takes about 30 minutes to make.

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 chicken into bite-sized pieces and mince garlic.
Cook the pasta: Boil salted water and cook linguine until al dente (about 8-10 minutes). Reserve some pasta water before draining.
Sauté the chicken: In a skillet, melt half the butter over medium heat. Add chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden brown (about 6-8 minutes). Remove chicken from skillet.
Add garlic: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and red pepper flakes; sauté until fragrant (about 1 minute).
Create the sauce: Lower heat, add remaining butter and heavy cream. Stir until combined and creamy.
Combine: Toss cooked linguine with the sauce in the skillet, adding reserved pasta water for desired consistency. Finish with chopped parsley.

How to Serve Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

Serve this dish warm on a plate and sprinkle some extra parsley on top for a pop of color. It pairs well with a simple salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.

How to Store Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

To store leftovers, let the linguine cool down to room temperature. Place it in an airtight container and refrigerate. It will keep well for 3-4 days. When you’re ready to eat, reheat it on the stove or in the microwave until hot.

Tips to Make Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

Make sure to season the chicken well for extra flavor.
Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to match your spice preference.
If you prefer a lighter dish, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
Try adding vegetables like spinach or cherry tomatoes for added nutrition.

Variation

You can easily convert this dish into a shrimp linguine by substituting shrimp for chicken. Just cook the shrimp until they turn pink and opaque.

FAQs

1. Can I use different types of pasta?
Yes, you can use any pasta you like, such as spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne.

2. Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?
You can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time but mix them with the pasta just before serving for the best texture.

3. Can I freeze leftovers?
It’s not recommended to freeze this dish as cream sauces may separate when thawed. Instead, enjoy it fresh within a few days!