Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe
Introduction
This Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a creamy, flavorful pasta dish that comes together quickly on busy weeknights. With tender chicken, rich butter sauce, and a hint of spice, it’s a comforting meal you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients
- 3-4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
- 8 oz linguine pasta
- 4-5 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare your ingredients by dicing the chicken into bite-sized pieces and mincing the garlic.
- Step 2: Cook the linguine in a pot of boiling salted water until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Reserve some pasta water before draining.
- Step 3: In a skillet, melt half the butter over medium heat. Add the chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden brown and cooked through, around 6-8 minutes. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- Step 4: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 5: Lower the heat and add the remaining butter and heavy cream. Stir until the sauce is creamy and combined.
- Step 6: Toss the cooked linguine and chicken back into the skillet with the sauce. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time to reach your desired sauce consistency. Finish by stirring in chopped parsley before serving.
Tips & Variations
- Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for juicier meat and more flavor.
- Add a squeeze of lemon juice or some grated Parmesan cheese for extra brightness and richness.
- Swap linguine for fettuccine or penne if preferred.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to control the heat level or omit for a milder dish.
Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or water to loosen the sauce if it thickens.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Yes, substitute butter with dairy-free margarine and use coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative instead of heavy cream.
How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?
Cut chicken into uniform bite-sized pieces and avoid overcooking by monitoring the time closely; cooking until just golden and cooked through keeps it tender and juicy.
PrintEasy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe
A quick and flavorful Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine combining tender sautéed chicken with a creamy garlic butter sauce, tossed with perfectly cooked linguine for a satisfying weeknight meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Chicken
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb), diced into bite-sized pieces
Pasta
- 8 oz linguine pasta
Sauce & Seasoning
- 4–5 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Dice the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and mince the garlic cloves to have all ingredients ready for cooking.
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the linguine until al dente, approximately 8-10 minutes. Reserve some pasta water before draining the pasta to adjust sauce consistency later.
- Sauté Chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt half of the butter. Add the diced chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 6-8 minutes or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic and Red Pepper Flakes: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Make the Sauce: Reduce the heat to low, then add the remaining butter and heavy cream to the skillet. Stir continuously until the butter melts and the sauce becomes creamy and combined.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked linguine and sautéed chicken back into the skillet. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time to reach your desired sauce consistency. Finish by stirring in the chopped fresh parsley.
Notes
- Use fresh garlic for the best flavor; garlic powder will not provide the same aroma.
- Reserve pasta water carefully; the starch helps bind the sauce to the pasta.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to taste to control the spiciness of the dish.
- For a lighter option, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, but the sauce will be less rich.
- This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables.
Keywords: cowboy butter chicken, linguine recipe, creamy chicken pasta, easy dinner, garlic butter sauce, weeknight meal
