There’s something about the smell of butter sizzling with garlic and onions that instantly makes a kitchen feel like home. I remember the first time I made Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine—it was a chilly evening, and as the spices toasted in the pan, the aroma wrapped around me like a warm blanket. The tender chicken pieces browned perfectly, their smoky paprika and cumin seasoning filling the air with hints of something both familiar and exciting. When I tossed the pasta into the rich sauce, the way it clung to every strand made me want to dive in right away. It wasn’t just dinner; it was a moment to slow down, breathe deeply, and enjoy something made with care.

Deliciously rich and buttery sauce that coats the pasta beautifully.
Spiced chicken brings a warm, smoky depth without overwhelming the dish.
Fresh herbs add a bright, lively touch to balance the richness.
Ready in just about 40 minutes—perfect for weeknight dinners.
Comforting and satisfying, yet feels a bit special and indulgent.

If you’re a fan of dishes that marry bold flavors with comforting textures, this one’s going to become part of your regular rotation. Plus, it’s easy to tweak based on what you have on hand or how spicy you like it.

Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

Print Recipe

A hearty and flavorful pasta dish featuring tender chicken breasts cooked in a rich cowboy butter sauce, served over linguine for a satisfying meal.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4

Ingredients

Scale

12 ounces linguine pasta
1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup finely chopped yellow onion
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
1/4 cup chopped fresh chives
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add linguine and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a medium bowl, combine smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper. Toss the chicken pieces in the spice mixture until evenly coated.
Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Add minced garlic and chopped onion. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onion is translucent and garlic is fragrant.
Add chicken broth, lemon juice, and crushed red pepper flakes to the skillet. Stir to combine and let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes until slightly reduced.
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. Stir in chopped parsley and chives.
Add the cooked linguine to the skillet and toss everything together until the pasta is well coated with the cowboy butter sauce.
Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta and toss lightly to combine.
Serve immediately, garnished with additional parsley if desired.

FAQ

Can I use a different pasta? Absolutely. While linguine is perfect for this sauce, fettuccine or even penne would work well, too.

How spicy is this dish? The crushed red pepper flakes add a gentle kick, but you can adjust or omit them to suit your taste.

Can I prepare parts of this ahead? Yes, you can cook the chicken and make the sauce earlier, then toss with freshly cooked pasta when ready to serve.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers? Gently warm on the stovetop with a splash of chicken broth to keep the sauce silky.

Give this Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine a try next time you want a meal that’s both cozy and full of flavor. Save it, print it, and most importantly—cook it!