How To Make Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine In Your Air Fryer
Life has a way of throwing chaotic evenings our way. I still remember one fall evening when I came home from work, drained and hungry, with no energy to cook. Takeout felt like the easy option, but I wanted something homemade warm, comforting, and fast. That’s when I experimented with an Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe using my air fryer. To my surprise, it turned out to be the perfect solution for fast week night dinners. The chicken cooked perfectly in the air fryer, juicy inside with a golden crisp outside, and when tossed with buttery cowboy sauce and pasta, it created one of those delish dinners that felt restaurant-worthy but took less than 30 minutes.
Since then, this dish has become one of my all-time ez dinner ideas, perfect for fall weekday dinners and even a lifesaver for chicken dinners for picky eaters. If you’re looking for quick easy after work dinners that don’t require standing by the stove, this recipe will become your go-to.
Table of Contents
Why This Recipe Works with the Air Fryer
The air fryer ensures the chicken cooks quickly, evenly, and without the need for extra oil. It locks in moisture while giving a golden crust that pairs beautifully with creamy cowboy butter sauce. This makes it one of the most reliable chicken dinners for picky eaters the chicken is flavorful yet simple enough for the whole family.
Unlike many easy dinner ideas not pasta focused, this recipe strikes a balance between indulgent comfort food and quick preparation. It’s why I consider it one of my go-to ez dinner ideas for busy nights.
Learn more about fast week night dinners in this Air Fryer Chicken Breasts.
Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Boil salted water and cook linguine until al dente. Drain, reserving ½ cup pasta water.
- In a bowl, toss chicken strips with olive oil, Italian seasoning, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Place chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook at 380°F (195°C) for 12–14 minutes, flipping halfway.
- In a bowl, mix softened butter, garlic powder, smoked paprika, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, parsley, and red pepper flakes to make cowboy butter.
- Melt cowboy butter in a skillet over medium heat. Stir in cream and broth, then simmer until slightly thickened. Add Parmesan cheese.
- Add cooked pasta and reserved pasta water if needed. Toss to coat. Stir in cooked chicken strips.
- Top with more parsley and Parmesan. Serve hot.
Nutrition
Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Ingredients for Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine (Air Fryer Version)
For the Cowboy Butter:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Chicken Pasta:
- 2 large chicken breasts, cut into strips
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 12 oz linguine pasta
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions for Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine in the Air Fryer
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by boiling salted water in a pot and cooking linguine until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of pasta water.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
In a bowl, toss chicken strips with olive oil, Italian seasoning, onion powder, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
Step 3: Air Fry the Chicken
Place chicken in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook at 380°F for 12–14 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and fully cooked. This step is what makes the recipe shine as one of the best fast week night dinners—hands-free cooking while you prep the sauce.
Step 4: Make Cowboy Butter
In a small bowl, mix softened butter with garlic powder, smoked paprika, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, parsley, and red pepper flakes.
Step 5: Build the Sauce
In a skillet, melt cowboy butter. Stir in heavy cream and chicken broth, simmering until slightly thickened. Add Parmesan cheese.
Step 6: Combine Everything
Add cooked pasta into the sauce, tossing until coated. Stir in air-fried chicken. Add reserved pasta water if needed for creaminess.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Top with extra parsley and Parmesan. Your Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta is ready perfect for quick easy after work dinners.
Variations and Customizations
- Spicy Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta: Add jalapeños or double the red pepper flakes.
- Healthier Version: Use whole wheat linguine or zucchini noodles.
- Cheese Lovers: Stir in mozzarella or cream cheese for an extra decadent twist.
These customizations ensure this recipe always finds its way back into your fall weekday dinners rotation. Discover other ez dinner ideas like this one in our Frozen Chicken Cordon Bleu in Air Fryer.
Serving Suggestions
Pair your Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe with:
- Air fryer garlic bread for a crispy side.
- A fresh green salad to balance the richness.
- A glass of chilled white wine.
This combination elevates the meal into one of those delish dinners that feel special, even on a Tuesday night. Check out cozy fall weekday dinners at Ooey-Gooey Cheesy Garlic Chicken Wraps.
Nutrition Breakdown
For one serving (out of 4):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~520 |
| Protein | 32g |
| Carbs | 46g |
| Fat | 22g |
| Fiber | 3g |
Balanced, hearty, and satisfying this proves the Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe is more than just comfort food.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze chicken separately and add to fresh pasta when reheated.
- Reheat in Air Fryer: Pop leftover chicken in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–4 minutes to crisp it up before adding back to pasta.
These tips make it one of the most practical ez dinner ideas for meal prepping. Don’t miss our list of quick easy after work dinners here: Air Fryer Dinner Ideas.
Why Cowboy Butter Elevates Fast Week Night Dinners
Cowboy butter combines garlic, lemon, mustard, and smoky spices into one powerhouse flavor. When added to chicken from the air fryer, it creates a creamy yet bold sauce that transforms everyday pasta into one of the most memorable delish dinners you can serve. That’s why it’s perfect for quick easy after work dinners you get maximum flavor with minimum effort.
Conclusion
Busy evenings don’t have to mean boring meals. This Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe (Air Fryer Edition) is proof that you can enjoy rich flavors in under 30 minutes. It’s one of those ez dinner ideas that doubles as fast week night dinners, cozy fall weekday dinners, and reliable chicken dinners for picky eaters.
So the next time you’re wondering what to cook, remember this recipe. It’s creamy, flavorful, and guaranteed to deliver one of the most satisfying delish dinners you’ll ever make in your air fryer.
Looking for inspiration? Try other air fryer dinner recipes that make weeknights easier and tastier.
FAQs About Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
Can I cook the pasta in the air fryer too?
Not directly. It’s best to boil pasta on the stovetop and combine it with the cowboy butter chicken afterward.
What if I don’t like spicy food?
Reduce or skip the red pepper flakes. The recipe will still be one of the best chicken dinners for picky eaters.
Can I meal prep this recipe?
Yes. Make the cowboy butter ahead and store it in the fridge. Air fry chicken and cook pasta when ready to serve.
Can I use another protein?
Absolutely. Shrimp, salmon, or steak work beautifully with cowboy butter in the air fryer.
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