If you are on the hunt for a dish that brings together bold flavors, creamy textures, and a satisfying pasta experience, you are going to love this Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe. It’s a dish that feels like a warm, comforting hug from the inside out, combining tender pieces of chicken with a deliciously spiced butter sauce, all tossed with perfectly cooked linguine. This recipe delivers serious flavor without any fuss, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or casual dinner parties where you want to impress with minimal effort.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is key to nailing this recipe. Each item plays a special role—from tender chicken breast providing protein, to the vibrant spices that bring depth, and the creamy butter sauce that ties everything together. These essentials create a beautifully balanced dish with inviting textures and a rich, savory flavor.
- Chicken breasts, boneless and skinless: Tender and lean, perfect for soaking up the flavors of the sauce.
- Linguine pasta: The ideal pasta shape to capture that luscious Cowboy Butter sauce in every bite.
- Butter and olive oil: A combo that adds richness and helps develop a beautifully golden sear on the chicken.
- Garlic, minced: Essential for brightening and layering the flavor profile of the dish.
- Smoked paprika: Adds a smoky warmth that’s signature to cowboy-inspired dishes.
- Onion powder: Brings a subtle sweetness and complexity without overpowering.
- Cayenne pepper (optional): Just a pinch for those who want a gentle kick of heat.
- Dried thyme: An earthy herb that gives a hint of freshness and depth.
- Salt and black pepper: The basic seasoning duo that enhances all other flavors.
- Chicken broth: Adds a savory base to the sauce and helps deglaze the pan.
- Heavy cream: Creates a rich, velvety sauce that clings to every strand of linguine.
- Parmesan cheese, grated: Adds a sharp, nutty finish that beautifully complements the creamy sauce.
- Fresh parsley, chopped: A bright garnish that adds freshness and a pop of color.
How to Make Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Linguine
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your linguine according to the package instructions until it’s perfectly al dente. Don’t forget to save about half a cup of the pasta water before draining – this little trick will help you bring the sauce and pasta together beautifully later on.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
In a large skillet, heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Toss in your bite-sized chicken pieces and sprinkle with smoked paprika, onion powder, cayenne pepper if you like a little heat, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Cook the chicken until it’s golden brown and cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes. Once done, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside. This step locks in flavor and gives the chicken a gorgeous crust.
Step 3: Build the Sauce
Use the same skillet, melt the remaining butter, and add the minced garlic. Sauté just until fragrant, about 1 to 2 minutes – garlic burns fast, so keep an eye on it! Then pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up those flavorful brown bits stuck to the bottom. Let it simmer gently for a few minutes to concentrate those flavors.
Step 4: Creamy Goodness
Next, stir in the heavy cream and bring the sauce back to a simmer. Let it thicken for 2 to 3 minutes, watching as the sauce grows rich and velvety. This creamy base is what makes the Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe so irresistibly silky and comforting.
Step 5: Bring It All Together
Add the chicken back into the skillet, then toss in your cooked linguine. Stir everything together thoroughly, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if the sauce feels too thick. This step ensures that every strand of linguine is soaked in that flavorful sauce, making the dish truly cohesive.
Step 6: Finish with Parmesan
Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese and stir to melt it into the sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning with extra salt or pepper if you need to. This final flourish adds a delicate sharpness that elevates the whole dish.
Step 7: Serve and Garnish
Serve your Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe right away, garnished with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness that contrasts perfectly with the rich sauce.
How to Serve Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is a classic choice to brighten the hearty, buttery sauce with some green vibrancy. You could also sprinkle a little extra Parmesan cheese or even some crushed red pepper flakes if you want to amplify the flavor or heat. These finishing touches make the presentation pop and add an extra layer of deliciousness.
Side Dishes
This pasta pairs beautifully with crisp, fresh sides like a simple green salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette or roasted vegetables such as asparagus or green beans. Light sides help balance the rich, creamy nature of the Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe and keep your meal feeling well-rounded and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For a casual dinner, serve the dish family-style in a large bowl right at the table, encouraging everyone to dig in. If you want to impress guests, plate individual portions on warm plates, drizzle a touch of extra sauce on top, and add a sprig of parsley for a restaurant-quality look. Either way, the dish’s vibrant colors and inviting aroma will steal the show.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe in an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken overnight, so just add a splash of milk or broth when reheating to bring it back to the perfect consistency.
Freezing
While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze leftovers in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. To prevent the pasta from becoming mushy, slightly undercook it the first time around and freeze the pasta and sauce separately if possible. When thawing, reheat gently to maintain the sauce’s creaminess.
Reheating
The best way to reheat Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe is on the stove over low heat. Stir frequently, adding a bit of chicken broth, milk, or cream to loosen the sauce and prevent it from drying out. Microwaving works too, but be sure to cover the dish to trap moisture and stir halfway through.
FAQs
Can I use another type of pasta with this recipe?
Absolutely! While linguine is perfect for holding the creamy sauce, fettuccine, spaghetti, or even penne would work well too. Just be sure to cook the pasta al dente to maintain the best texture.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can swap the butter for a plant-based alternative and use coconut cream or another dairy-free cream substitute. Just keep in mind that the flavor and creaminess might differ slightly from the original recipe.
Can I add vegetables to the dish?
For sure! Toss in some sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or cherry tomatoes for added nutrition and color. Adding veggies can make the Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe even more vibrant and wholesome.
How spicy is the dish with cayenne pepper?
The cayenne pepper adds just a gentle kick, but you can easily omit it or adjust the amount depending on your heat preference. The dish is flavorful without being overwhelmingly spicy.
Can I prep any parts of this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can chop your chicken and garlic in advance and measure out your spices. Cooking the pasta ahead and storing it separately can also save time on the day you make the dish, just be sure to avoid overcooking.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about this Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe that keeps me coming back to it again and again. It’s the kind of meal that comforts like home but makes you feel like you’re indulging in something special and flavorful. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, give this dish a try — I promise it will become one of your all-time favorites too.
Print
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 creamy, flavorful pasta dish featuring tender bite-sized chicken pieces cooked with smoky spices and a rich butter and garlic cream sauce. This easy skillet recipe combines linguine pasta with a luscious sauce made from chicken broth, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese, finished with fresh parsley for a comforting and satisfying meal.
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 Cooking
- 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
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Cook the linguine according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta water for later use.
- Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces and season with smoked paprika, onion powder, cayenne pepper, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the Garlic: In the same skillet, melt the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Deglaze the Pan: Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Let the broth simmer for 2-3 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 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Combine Chicken and Pasta: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, then add the drained linguine pasta. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce and create a silky coating on the pasta.
- Finish with Cheese and Seasoning: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and well combined. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve: Serve the Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine immediately, garnished with fresh chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
Notes
- Reserve some pasta water to help loosen the sauce if it becomes too thick.
- Adjust cayenne pepper according to your preferred spice level or omit for a milder dish.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and texture in the sauce.
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.
- Ensure chicken is cooked thoroughly to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
