Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe

A Simple, Flavorful Pasta Dinner Ready in 20 Minutes

This delicious chicken pasta combines tender pieces of chicken with buttery garlic linguine for a satisfying meal that tastes like it came from a restaurant. With just a few simple ingredients, you can have dinner on the table quickly.

Why This Recipe is Perfect for You

• Quick weeknight dinner – ready in just 20 minutes from start to finish
• Simple ingredients – uses basic items you probably have at home
• One-pan pasta dish – less cleanup means more time to enjoy your meal
• Family-friendly – mild flavors that everyone will love
• Easy to make – perfect for beginners or busy cooks
• Filling and satisfying – combines protein and carbs in one dish

What You Need to Make This Recipe

Main Ingredients:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into small cubes
• 8 oz linguine pasta (about half a standard box)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 tablespoon fresh garlic, minced (or 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped)
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need:

• Large pot for boiling pasta
• Large skillet or frying pan
• Colander for draining pasta
• Sharp knife for cutting chicken
• Cutting board

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Get Your Water Boiling

1. Fill a large pot with water and put it on the stove over high heat. Add a pinch of salt to the water – this helps flavor the pasta.
2. Wait for the water to boil – you’ll see big bubbles coming up from the bottom of the pot. This usually takes 8-10 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare Your Chicken

3. Cut the chicken safely by placing chicken breasts on a clean cutting board. Use a sharp knife to cut them into small cubes, about the size of large dice (roughly 1-inch pieces). Smaller pieces cook faster and more evenly.
4. Season the chicken by sprinkling salt and pepper over the cubed chicken pieces. Toss them gently with your hands to coat evenly.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

5. Add pasta to boiling water and stir it right away so it doesn’t stick together. Cook according to the package directions – usually 8-10 minutes for linguine.
6. Test if pasta is ready by carefully taking out one piece with a fork and tasting it. It should be tender but still have a slight firmness when you bite it (this is called “al dente”).
7. Drain the pasta by pouring it into a colander in the sink. Save about 1/2 cup of the pasta water before draining – you might need it later to help the sauce stick.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken While Pasta Cooks

8. Heat your skillet by placing a large skillet or frying pan on the stove over medium heat. Medium heat prevents the butter from burning.
9. Add oil and butter to the hot pan. The butter should sizzle gently when it hits the pan. Swirl the pan to mix the oil and butter together.
10. Cook the chicken by adding the seasoned chicken pieces to the pan in a single layer. Don’t crowd them – if your pan is small, cook the chicken in two batches.
11. Let chicken brown without moving it for 3-4 minutes. This gives you a nice golden color and better flavor.
12. Stir and finish cooking by turning the chicken pieces and cooking for another 3-4 minutes until they’re golden brown on all sides and completely cooked through. Cut into the thickest piece to make sure there’s no pink color inside.

Step 5: Add Garlic and Combine Everything

13. Add the garlic to the pan with the cooked chicken. Stir it around for about 1 minute until you can smell the garlic cooking. Be careful not to let it burn or it will taste bitter.
14. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the chicken and garlic. Use tongs or a large spoon to toss everything together so the pasta gets coated with the butter and chicken juices.
15. Season and adjust by tasting the dish and adding more salt and pepper if needed. If the pasta seems dry, add a splash of the saved pasta water to make it more saucy.

Step 6: Final Touches and Serving

16. Remove from heat and take the pan off the stove burner.
17. Add fresh herbs by sprinkling the chopped parsley over the pasta. Add red pepper flakes now if you want a little spicy kick.
18. Serve immediately while everything is hot and the butter is still melted and coating the pasta.

Helpful Tips for the Best Results

Chicken Cooking Tips:

• Cut chicken evenly so all pieces cook at the same rate
• Don’t move chicken too soon – let it get golden before stirring
• Check for doneness by cutting the thickest piece to make sure it’s white throughout
• Pat chicken dry with paper towels before seasoning for better browning

Pasta Tips:

• Use plenty of water – pasta needs room to move around while cooking
• Stir pasta right when you add it to prevent sticking
• Save some pasta water before draining – the starchy water helps sauce stick to pasta
• Don’t rinse pasta after draining unless the recipe specifically says to

Flavor Enhancement Ideas:

• Fresh garlic tastes best – avoid pre-minced garlic from jars if possible
• Add lemon juice for brightness – just a squeeze at the end
• Try different herbs like basil or oregano instead of parsley
• Add vegetables like cherry tomatoes or spinach in the last few minutes

Nutrition Benefits

This meal provides:

• Complete protein from chicken to help build and maintain muscles
• Carbohydrates from pasta for energy
• Healthy fats from olive oil
• Antioxidants from garlic and fresh herbs

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers: Keep leftover pasta in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in a covered container.

Reheating Tips:

• Stovetop method: Add a splash of water or chicken broth to a pan and reheat gently over low heat
• Microwave method: Add a tablespoon of water, cover, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each
• Oven method: Cover with foil and reheat at 350°F for 10-15 minutes

Easy Recipe Variations

Make It Your Own:

• Add vegetables: Broccoli, bell peppers, or zucchini work great
• Change the protein: Try shrimp, turkey, or Italian sausage instead of chicken
• Make it creamy: Add 2-3 tablespoons of heavy cream or cream cheese
• Mediterranean style: Add olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and feta cheese
• Spicy version: Increase red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper

For Special Diets:

• Gluten-free: Use gluten-free pasta instead of regular linguine
• Lower carb: Serve over zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash
• Dairy-free: Use olive oil instead of butter

Serving Suggestions

This pasta pairs well with:

• Simple green salad with Italian dressing
• Garlic bread or crusty rolls
• Steamed vegetables like green beans or asparagus
• A glass of white wine for adults (if desired)

Troubleshooting Common Problems

Pasta is sticky: Next time, use more water and stir more frequently while cooking

Chicken is dry: Cook for less time or cut into smaller pieces for more even cooking

Not enough flavor: Add more salt and pepper, or try adding a splash of lemon juice

Sauce seems thin: Save more pasta water next time, or add a pat of butter at the end

Garlic burned: Use lower heat and add garlic later in the cooking process

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Serves: 4 people
Calories: About 400 per serving