Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine: A Spicy Chicken Pasta Delight 🌶️🍝🔥
1. Introduction
If you’re craving a hearty, flavorful, and spicy chicken pasta dish that blends the rich, buttery flavors of cowboy butter with the satisfying comfort of linguine, then this Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine recipe is exactly what you need. This spicy chicken pasta recipe is not only easy to prepare but also packed with bold flavors that will impress family and guests alike. Perfectly suited for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive weekend feast, the creamy cowboy butter sauce pairs beautifully with tender slices of chicken and al dente linguine, creating an irresistible spicy chicken pasta that will quickly become a household favorite.

2. Ingredients for Spicy Chicken Pasta
- 1 lb (450g) chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips
- 12 oz (340g) linguine pasta
- 4 tbsp cowboy butter (or substitute with garlic butter mixed with hot sauce)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small red chili or 1 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to spice preference)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
3. Preparing the Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
3.1. Cook the Ligurine Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the linguine and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water for adjusting the sauce consistency later.
3.2. Cook the Spicy Chicken
While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced chicken breasts, seasoned with salt and black pepper. Cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3.3. Prepare the Cowboy Butter Spicy Sauce
In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic, red chili or red pepper flakes, and cowboy butter. Stir until fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour in the heavy cream, stirring constantly to combine. Allow the sauce to simmer gently and thicken slightly, about 3-4 minutes. For more flavor ideas, explore this Indian butter chicken recipe for inspiration on flavorful creamy sauces.
3.4. Combine and Finish
Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet. Toss in the cooked linguine and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix thoroughly, adding reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce and enhance creaminess. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to ensure everything is well coated and heated through, creating a rich, spicy chicken pasta dish.
4. Storage Tips for Spicy Chicken Pasta
To store leftovers of this cowboy butter chicken linguine, transfer the dish into an airtight container and refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking. Properly stored, it can last for up to 3 days. When reheating, do so gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or chicken broth to restore the sauce’s creaminess and flavor.

5. Serving Suggestions for Spicy Chicken Pasta
This spicy chicken pasta is best enjoyed hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan. Complement the dish with a crisp green salad or flavorful garlic bread to round out the meal. The smoky richness of cowboy butter combined with the spicy kick makes this dish perfect for sharing, whether with family or friends, or even indulging solo for a comforting dinner.
6. Variations for Your Spicy Chicken Pasta
- Use chicken thighs for juicier, more flavorful meat.
- Add vegetables such as bell peppers, spinach, or cherry tomatoes for extra freshness and nutrition.
- Adjust spice levels by varying the amount of red chili or red pepper flakes to taste.
- Incorporate a splash of white wine into the sauce for deeper flavor complexity.
7. Why Choose This Spicy Chicken Pasta Recipe?
This Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine showcases an exciting fusion of spicy, creamy, and savory flavors, creating a truly memorable spicy chicken pasta experience. The combination of smoky cowboy butter with zesty spices makes it a perfect choice for those who enjoy bold, flavorful dishes. Easy to customize with fresh ingredients and quick to prepare, this linguine recipe is a guaranteed hit for any pasta lover looking to spice up their mealtime.
8. Frequently Asked Questions About Spicy Chicken Pasta
What is cowboy butter, and how does it enhance spicy chicken pasta?
Cowboy butter is a delicious, seasoned butter infused with herbs, garlic, and spices, often with a hint of heat from hot sauce or chili. It adds depth, richness, and a smoky undertone to dishes like this spicy chicken pasta, elevating the flavor profile for a more complex and satisfying meal.
Can I make this spicy chicken pasta gluten-free?
Absolutely! Switch to gluten-free linguine or alternative pasta options such as zucchini noodles or chickpea pasta to accommodate dietary needs without compromising taste or texture.
How can I control the spice level in this recipe?
To adjust the spiciness, modify the amount of red chili or red pepper flakes used. Use less for milder flavor or increase for a spicy kick. For those who prefer milder dishes, omit the chili altogether and rely on black pepper for seasoning.
9. Conclusion
In conclusion, the cowboy butter chicken linguine is a delectable spicy chicken pasta recipe that combines bold flavors, rich textures, and simplicity of preparation. Ideal for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings, this dish’s smoky cowboy butter and spicy kick create a memorable culinary experience. Give this linguine recipe a try today and indulge in a satisfying, flavorful spicy chicken pasta dinner that will leave everyone asking for seconds!
Print
Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a hearty, flavorful, and spicy chicken pasta dish that combines the richness of cowboy butter with linguine, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend feasts.
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips
- 12 oz (340g) linguine pasta
- 4 tbsp cowboy butter (or substitute with garlic butter mixed with hot sauce)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small red chili or 1 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to spice preference)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the linguine and cook until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper, then cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add minced garlic and red chili or flakes, and cowboy butter. Stir until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Pour in heavy cream, stirring constantly. Allow sauce to simmer and thicken slightly, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet, toss in the cooked linguine and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix thoroughly, adding reserved pasta water if needed. Cook for an additional 2 minutes.
Notes
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For a spicier version, increase the amount of red chili or red pepper flakes.
- To make gluten-free, use gluten-free linguine or pasta alternatives.
- Add vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or cherry tomatoes for added freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten-free options available
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 620 Kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 110mg