Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- Prepare the Ingredients: Dice the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and mince the garlic cloves thoroughly to prepare for cooking.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
