Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe
Introduction
Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a creamy, flavorful pasta dish that comes together quickly on weeknights. Tender chicken and a rich garlic-butter sauce coat the linguine perfectly, making it a satisfying meal for the whole family.
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 boiling salted water until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Reserve some pasta water before draining the pasta.
- 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, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet 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 continuously until the sauce is creamy and well combined.
- Step 6: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Toss the linguine in the sauce, adding reserved pasta water as needed to reach your desired consistency. Finish by stirring in the chopped parsley and serve warm.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, try adding a splash of white wine to the sauce before adding the cream.
- Use fresh linguine pasta for a softer texture and richer taste.
- If you prefer less heat, reduce or omit the red pepper flakes.
- Swap chicken breasts for thighs for a juicier, more flavorful result.
Storage
Store 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 pasta water to loosen the sauce as needed.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, this recipe works well with many pasta shapes such as fettuccine, penne, or even spaghetti. Adjust cooking times accordingly.
Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?
You can substitute the butter with a dairy-free alternative and use coconut cream or a nut-based cream instead of heavy cream to make this recipe dairy-free.
PrintEasy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe
This Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a creamy, flavorful pasta dish featuring tender chicken sautéed in a buttery garlic sauce with a hint of spice from red pepper flakes. The linguine is tossed in a rich heavy cream sauce accented with fresh parsley, creating a perfect weeknight meal that is quick to prepare and deeply satisfying.
- 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 and Pasta
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb), diced into bite-sized pieces
- 8 oz linguine pasta
Sauce and Seasonings
- 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 fresh garlic cloves, setting them aside for quick access during cooking.
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the linguine and cook until al dente, approximately 8 to 10 minutes. Before draining, reserve some pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency later.
- Sauté Chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt half of the butter. Add the diced chicken pieces, seasoning them with salt and pepper. Cook the chicken until it turns golden brown and is cooked through, about 6 to 8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic and Spices: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 1 minute, stirring frequently until fragrant but not burnt.
- Create Sauce: Reduce the heat to low, then add the remaining butter and the heavy cream to the skillet. Stir gently until the butter melts and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add the drained linguine to the sauce, tossing everything together. Gradually add the reserved pasta water as needed to reach your desired sauce consistency.
- Finish and Serve: Stir in the chopped fresh parsley for a bright flavor and garnish. Serve immediately for a warm, comforting meal.
Notes
- Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce thickness as needed; the starch helps the sauce cling to the pasta.
- Use unsalted butter to better control the salt level in the dish.
- For less spice, reduce or omit the red pepper flakes.
- Fresh parsley can be substituted with dried parsley if fresh is unavailable, though fresh offers better flavor and color.
- To make this dish gluten-free, substitute linguine with a gluten-free pasta.
Keywords: cowboy butter chicken linguine, creamy chicken pasta, easy chicken linguine recipe, garlic butter chicken pasta, weeknight dinners
