Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe

Introduction

Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a creamy, flavorful pasta dish perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner. Tender chicken pieces and a rich garlic butter sauce come together quickly to create a comforting meal that everyone will love.

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

1. Step 1: Prepare your ingredients by dicing the chicken into bite-sized pieces and mincing the garlic.
2. Step 2: Cook the linguine in boiling salted water until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Reserve some pasta water before draining the pasta.
3. Step 3: In a skillet, melt half of the butter over medium heat. Add the chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden brown, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
4. Step 4: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
5. Step 5: Lower the heat and add the remaining butter and heavy cream to the skillet. Stir until the sauce is combined and creamy.
6. Step 6: Return the chicken to the skillet and toss with the cooked linguine. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time to reach your desired sauce consistency. Finish by stirring in the chopped fresh parsley.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, try adding a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese before serving.
• Swap linguine for fettuccine or penne if you prefer a different pasta shape.
• If you like it spicier, increase the red pepper flakes to taste.
• Use fresh herbs like basil or cilantro for a different twist on the flavor.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of cream or pasta water to restore the sauce’s creaminess.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well and will add extra juiciness and flavor to the dish.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

You can substitute the butter with olive oil and use coconut or oat cream instead of heavy cream for a dairy-free version. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.

Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 490 reviews

This Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a delicious and comforting pasta dish featuring tender pieces of sautéed chicken tossed in a creamy garlic butter sauce with a touch of heat from red pepper flakes, finished with fresh parsley. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, this recipe combines simple ingredients to create a rich and satisfying meal.

• Author: rami
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken and Pasta

• 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb), diced into bite-sized pieces
• 8 oz linguine pasta

Sauce Ingredients

• 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

1. Prepare the Ingredients: Dice the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and mince the garlic cloves thoroughly to prepare for cooking.
2. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the linguine until al dente, approximately 8 to 10 minutes. Before draining, reserve about ½ cup of the pasta cooking water to adjust the sauce consistency later.
3. Sauté the Chicken: Heat half of the butter (3 tbsp) in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced chicken, seasoning it with salt and pepper. Cook until the chicken pieces are golden brown and cooked through, about 6 to 8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
4. Sauté the Garlic: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 1 minute or until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
5. Create the Sauce: Lower the heat to medium-low, then add the remaining butter and heavy cream to the skillet. Stir continuously until the butter is melted and the sauce becomes creamy and well combined.
6. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss it with the sauce. Add the drained linguine and gently mix everything together. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
7. Finish and Serve: Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the pasta. Toss once more briefly to distribute the herbs evenly. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.

Notes

• Ensure not to overcook the linguine; al dente texture provides the best mouthfeel and holds the sauce well.
• Adjust red pepper flakes according to your preferred spice level.
• Use fresh parsley for a vibrant flavor; dried parsley can be substituted in a pinch but will be less aromatic.
• You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce, though it will be less rich.
• Reserve pasta water is key to adjusting sauce consistency, adding creaminess without diluting the flavor.

Keywords: Cowboy Butter Chicken, Chicken Linguine, Creamy Garlic Pasta, Easy Dinner Recipes, Quick Chicken Pasta