If you love rich, creamy pasta dishes with a bit of a spicy, smoky kick, then you’re going to adore this Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe. It brings together tender chicken, perfectly cooked linguine, and a luscious butter sauce infused with garlic and smoky spices, creating a meal that’s comforting, flavorful, and downright irresistible. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special weekend treat, this dish always feels like a warm, satisfying hug on a plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe lies in how simple ingredients come together to make something truly spectacular. Each one plays a vital role in delivering that perfect balance of creamy, savory, and subtly spicy flavors, while also adding to the texture and color that make this dish so appealing.
- Chicken breasts: Boneless and skinless, they’re cut into bite-sized pieces for quick, even cooking and a tender bite.
- Linguine pasta: The ideal noodle for this recipe, linguine holds sauce beautifully and adds a nice, elegant touch.
- Butter and olive oil: Together they create a rich base that perfectly cooks the chicken and garlic.
- Garlic: Freshly minced for a fragrant, savory punch that elevates the whole dish.
- Smoked paprika: Brings a smoky depth without needing a grill or smoker.
- Onion powder, cayenne pepper, thyme: These spices layer in flavor and heat to round out the savory profile.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance each ingredient’s natural flavors.
- Chicken broth: Used to deglaze the pan and add a subtle, savory backbone to the sauce.
- Heavy cream: Adds richness and smoothness, giving the sauce that signature creamy texture.
- Parmesan cheese: Grated fresh for a salty, nutty finish that ties everything together.
- Fresh parsley: A bright, fresh garnish that adds color and a slight herbal note.
How to Make Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by boiling your linguine until it’s perfectly al dente—cooked but with a slight bite. Don’t forget to save a little pasta water when you drain it; that starchy liquid is pure gold for adjusting your sauce’s consistency later on.
Step 2: Season and Cook the Chicken
In a large skillet, heat olive oil and a tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Toss in your chicken pieces and coat them lovingly with smoked paprika, onion powder, cayenne pepper, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Cook the chicken until it’s golden brown and cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes. The spices form a beautiful crust that promises a flavorful bite every time. Once done, set the chicken aside for the next step.
Step 3: Sauté the Garlic
Using the same skillet (don’t clean it—those tasty bits stuck to the pan hold so much flavor), melt the remaining butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté it just until it starts to smell heavenly and turns fragrant, about 1 to 2 minutes. Watch it closely so it doesn’t burn, which can turn bitter.
Step 4: Deglaze with Chicken Broth
Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up all the golden bits stuck to the bottom—this is flavor gold. Let this simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes, reducing slightly to concentrate that rich, savory taste that will lift your sauce to the next level.
Step 5: Create the Creamy Sauce
Next, stir in your heavy cream and bring the mixture to a simmer. Allow it to cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon beautifully. This is where the Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe really starts to showcase its signature creamy indulgence.
Step 6: Combine Pasta and Chicken
Return your cooked chicken to the skillet, giving it a gentle toss to warm it back up. Then add the drained linguine, stirring everything together so each strand is luxuriously coated in that buttery, garlicky sauce. If it seems thick, drizzle in some reserved pasta water to loosen it just right.
Step 7: Finish with Parmesan
Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until it melts into the sauce, enriching it with that delicious salty, nutty essence. Taste it now to adjust salt and pepper if needed—you want each bite to be perfectly seasoned.
Step 8: Serve Immediately
Serve your Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe hot, garnished with fresh parsley for that burst of color and fresh, herbal brightness that lifts the whole dish.
How to Serve Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a lovely green pop and a touch of freshness that contrasts beautifully with the creamy sauce. For an extra kick, a light dusting of additional Parmesan or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes can elevate the flavor profile even further.
Side Dishes
Pairing this dish with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables balances the richness perfectly. Something like garlic roasted broccoli or a simple mixed greens with a zesty vinaigrette will complement without overpowering. Crusty garlic bread is always a welcome companion here for soaking up the delicious sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, plate the linguine in a wide shallow bowl and twirl the pasta into neat nests. Add a final parmesan crisp or a lemon wedge on the side to brighten the flavors at the table. Alternatively, serve it family-style in a large skillet, letting everyone dive in with plenty of crusty bread nearby.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your leftover Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe is just as wonderful the next day. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, but the texture remains wonderfully satisfying.
Freezing
While cream-based pasta dishes don’t always freeze perfectly, you can freeze this dish if needed. Place it in a freezer-safe container and consume within 1 to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating to keep the sauce and chicken tender.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce and keep it creamy. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it can alter the texture and cause the sauce to separate.
FAQs
Can I use a different pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While linguine works beautifully to hold the sauce, fettuccine, spaghetti, or even penne can all be great substitutes. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.
Is the cayenne pepper necessary?
The cayenne pepper adds a subtle heat that complements the smoky paprika nicely, but you can leave it out if you prefer a milder flavor. Feel free to adjust the spice level to your taste.
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
To make it dairy-free, swap the butter for a plant-based alternative and use coconut cream or a dairy-free cream substitute instead of heavy cream. Nutritional yeast can replace Parmesan for that cheesy note.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The chicken should be cooked through and golden, with no pink inside. Cooking it in bite-sized pieces helps it cook evenly and quickly. About 5 to 7 minutes on medium heat usually does the trick.
Can I prepare any parts of this recipe ahead of time?
You can chop the chicken and mince the garlic in advance to save time. Cooking the pasta just before serving ensures it stays perfectly al dente, but you could prepare the sauce and chicken ahead and gently reheat when ready.
Final Thoughts
This Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a celebration in every bite. It’s rich, comforting, and packed with bold flavors that come together effortlessly. I can’t wait for you to try making this at home—you might just find it becoming a fast favorite on your dinner rotation!
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Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a flavorful and creamy pasta dish featuring tender bite-sized chicken pieces seasoned with bold spices and simmered in a rich buttery garlic sauce. Tossed with perfectly cooked linguine and finished with Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley, this recipe offers a comforting meal that comes together quickly on the stovetop.
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 and Garnish
- 2 tablespoons butter (divided)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the linguine: Cook the linguine according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water for later use.
- Cook the chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces and season them with smoked paprika, onion powder, cayenne pepper, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
- Sauté the garlic: In the same skillet, melt the remaining tablespoon of butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant but not browned.
- Deglaze the pan: Pour in the chicken broth and stir thoroughly, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Let the broth simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Add the cream: Stir in the heavy cream and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Combine chicken and pasta: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the sauce. Add the drained linguine to the skillet and toss everything together to combine. If the sauce is too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water a little at a time to reach the desired consistency.
- Finish the dish: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and adjust the seasoning to taste with additional salt or pepper if needed.
- Serve: Plate the linguine and chicken immediately, garnished with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, do not omit the cayenne pepper and consider adding more to taste.
- To make the dish lighter, you can substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.
- Reserve some pasta water to help loosen the sauce and keep the linguine well coated.
- This recipe can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free linguine.
- Fresh parsley adds freshness but can be substituted with basil or chives if preferred.
