If you’re craving a dish that beautifully blends creamy, buttery richness with a hint of smoky spice, then the Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe is about to become your new favorite. This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a mouthwatering plate of comfort that’s both elegant and satisfyingly hearty. With tender chicken pieces bathed in a luscious garlic butter sauce, perfectly tossed with al dente linguine, every bite bursts with flavor and love. It’s a perfect weeknight dinner that tastes like you’ve spent hours cooking but comes together in just about 30 minutes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this dish plays a crucial role in crafting its irresistible flavor profile and inviting textures. From the smoky spices to the creamy Parmesan cheese, each element is simple yet essential to creating the magic of the Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Cut into bite-sized pieces to ensure quick and even cooking for tender bites.
- Linguine pasta: The perfect pasta choice to soak up that creamy, buttery sauce.
- Butter: Adds rich, velvety depth to both the sauce and the chicken’s sear.
- Olive oil: Balances the butter and prevents burning while cooking the chicken.
- Garlic: Minced and sautéed to infuse the sauce with warm, aromatic flavor.
- Smoked paprika: Lends a subtle smokiness that gives the dish its “cowboy” edge.
- Onion powder: Adds a gentle sweetness and savory background note.
- Cayenne pepper: Optional, but perfect for those who love a little kick of heat.
- Dried thyme: A herbaceous touch that complements the creamy sauce beautifully.
- Salt and black pepper: Simple seasoning that enhances every ingredient.
- Chicken broth: Used to deglaze the pan and add a savory base to the sauce.
- Heavy cream: Creates the luscious, velvety texture that ties the whole dish together.
- Parmesan cheese: Grated and stirred in for nutty, salty richness.
- Fresh parsley: Chopped on top as a bright, fresh garnish to finish the dish.
How to Make Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe
Step 1: Cook the linguine
Start by boiling the linguine according to the package instructions until it’s perfectly al dente. Don’t forget to save half a cup of the pasta water before draining — it comes in handy later to loosen the sauce if needed and keep everything silky smooth.
Step 2: Sear the chicken
Heat olive oil and one tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the bite-sized chicken pieces, then season them with smoked paprika, onion powder, cayenne pepper if you want some heat, thyme, salt, and black pepper. This blend of spices is where the “cowboy” flavor shines! Cook the chicken for 5 to 7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through, then set it aside so it can bask in its flavorful crust.
Step 3: Build the sauce
In the same skillet, melt the remaining butter and add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 to 2 minutes until the garlic becomes fragrant and golden, filling your kitchen with a heavenly aroma. Next, pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up all those delicious browned bits from the chicken’s sear. Let this simmer for a couple of minutes to reduce slightly.
Step 4: Add cream and thicken
Pour in the heavy cream and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for a few minutes, allowing it to thicken and become luxuriously creamy. This step transforms the sauce into the silky, buttery coating that perfectly clings to the pasta and chicken pieces.
Step 5: Combine pasta, chicken, and sauce
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, then toss in your linguine. Use that reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen the sauce if it feels too thick — this keeps the dish beautifully saucy without becoming heavy. Stir everything together until the chicken, pasta, and sauce are perfectly combined, infusing every strand of linguine with flavor.
Step 6: Finish with Parmesan cheese
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese to add a savory, nutty dimension to the sauce. Give everything a final taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Now your Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe is ready to delight taste buds!
How to Serve Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley chopped on top not only adds a pop of vibrant green color but also brings a fresh, slightly peppery contrast that cuts through the richness of the dish. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan or some red pepper flakes can be a nice way to customize your plate, too.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with a simple green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette to balance the richness. Roasted or steamed vegetables like asparagus, green beans, or broccoli are fantastic companions that add crunch and freshness without overwhelming the main event.
Creative Ways to Present
For a rustic touch that fits the “cowboy” theme, serve the linguine in a cast-iron skillet right at the table. Another fun idea is to pile the pasta high in deep bowls and top with a sprig of fresh herbs and an extra shaving of Parmesan. This not only looks inviting but keeps the pasta warm longer as you dig in.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To maintain the creaminess, store the sauce and pasta together so the flavors meld while chilling.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish, but because of the cream sauce, it’s best to freeze it in individual portions. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to preserve the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
Gently reheat leftovers in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to revive the sauce’s luscious texture. Avoid microwaving at high heat to prevent the sauce from breaking or curdling.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While linguine is fantastic for coating with the sauce, fettuccine, spaghetti, or even penne can work just as well depending on what you have on hand.
Is this recipe spicy?
The cayenne pepper is optional, so you can adjust the heat level to your liking. The smoky paprika adds warmth without overwhelming spice.
Can I substitute the heavy cream?
You can try half-and-half or a creamy non-dairy alternative, but the sauce may not be quite as rich and thick as with heavy cream.
How do I know when the chicken is cooked perfectly?
Cook the chicken pieces until they are golden brown and no longer pink in the center, usually around 5 to 7 minutes depending on their size. Using a meat thermometer can help; the safe internal temperature is 165°F (74°C).
Can this dish be made gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap out the linguine for a gluten-free pasta variety to keep all the flavors intact without gluten.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, once you try this Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe, it’ll become a staple in your dinner rotation. It’s that perfect combination of rich, smoky, and creamy flavors that’s effortlessly impressive yet incredibly quick to make. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this dish delivers comfort and joy with every forkful. So go ahead, give it a try—you won’t regret it!
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Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a flavorful and creamy pasta dish featuring tender pieces of seasoned chicken cooked in a smoky, buttery sauce. This quick and easy meal combines perfectly cooked linguine with a rich blend of spices, garlic, chicken broth, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese, garnished with fresh parsley for a delicious and satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasonings
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Pasta
- 8 oz linguine pasta
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Prepare the linguine according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water to use later.
- Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and season them with smoked paprika, onion powder, cayenne pepper (if using), dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Cook the chicken for 5 to 7 minutes until golden and fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the garlic: In the same skillet, melt the remaining tablespoon of butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant, taking care not to burn the garlic.
- Deglaze the pan: Pour in the chicken broth and stir well to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Let the broth simmer for 2 to 3 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Make the cream sauce: Stir in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Combine chicken and pasta: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add the cooked linguine and toss everything together, adding some reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce and ensure everything is well coated.
- Add cheese and season: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and integrated. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed.
- Serve: Immediately plate the Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
Notes
- For extra heat, increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and texture.
- If the sauce becomes too thick, add a little more reserved pasta water or broth to loosen it.
- Chicken breasts can be substituted with chicken thighs for a juicier alternative.
- This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
