This Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine mixes tender chicken with rich, buttery flavors and garlic. Tossed with pasta, it’s a deliciously simple meal for any night!
Cooking this is a breeze: just sauté the chicken, stir in the cowboy butter sauce, and mix with linguine. Quick, tasty, and feels like a cozy hug on a plate!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Linguine: This flat pasta is great for holding onto sauce. If you don’t have linguine, feel free to use fettuccine, spaghetti, or even gluten-free pasta alternatives like rice or chickpea pasta.
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts make this dish lean. You can swap for thighs for a richer flavor, or even use shrimp or tofu if you want a different protein option!
Butter: Unsalted butter is ideal to control the saltiness. If you’re dairy-free, consider using vegan butter or olive oil for a lighter touch.
Spices: The paprika and chili powder add warmth. Adjust the cayenne to fit your heat preference. For a milder version, skip the cayenne altogether.
Heavy cream: This gives the sauce a nice richness. You can replace it with half-and-half or coconut milk for a lighter or dairy-free version. Just know it may change the flavor slightly.
How Do I Make the Sauce Creamy and Flavorful?
The secret to a rich cowboy butter sauce lies in combining butter with garlic and spices. Here’s how to achieve that creamy texture:
- Start your sauce with butter and garlic in the same skillet used for chicken; this means you’ll also get those tasty chicken bits for flavor!
- Once the garlic is fragrant, add the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring well to combine.
- Let it simmer gently to blend the flavors and slightly thicken, about 3-4 minutes. This is crucial for developing taste.
Keep the heat controlled so the cream doesn’t boil too much, which can cause it to curdle. Trust me, a smooth sauce makes all the difference!
Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 8 oz linguine pasta
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
- 1 tbsp olive oil
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep and around 15-20 minutes to cook. In just around 30-35 minutes, you’ll be enjoying a delicious plate of cowboy butter chicken linguine!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Begin by cooking the linguine pasta according to the instructions on the package. You want it to be al dente, which means it should have a little bite to it. Once it’s done, drain the pasta and set it aside while you prepare the chicken and sauce.
2. Season the Chicken:
In a bowl, season the bite-sized pieces of chicken with salt, black pepper, paprika, chili powder, and cayenne pepper if you like a bit of heat. Toss everything together to coat the chicken evenly with the spices.
3. Cook the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken pieces and cook them until they are browned and cooked through—this should take about 5-7 minutes. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
4. Make the Cowboy Butter Sauce:
Lower the heat to medium, then add the unsalted butter and minced garlic to the same skillet. Sauté for about 1-2 minutes, until the garlic is fragrant but not burnt.
5. Create the Creamy Sauce:
Now, pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir everything together well and let it cook for about 3-4 minutes. This simmering will slightly thicken the sauce and help meld all those flavors together.
6. Combine Chicken & Sauce:
Return the cooked chicken pieces back to the skillet and toss them in the buttery sauce until they are fully coated.
7. Mix in the Pasta:
Add the cooked linguine to the skillet. Gently toss everything together, ensuring the pasta is well coated in the delicious sauce.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Finally, garnish your dish with chopped fresh parsley and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately and enjoy your creamy, cowboy-inspired dinner!
FAQ About Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
Can I Use Whole Wheat or Gluten-Free Pasta?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute the linguine with whole wheat or gluten-free pasta. Just adjust cooking times according to the specific pasta you choose, and follow the package instructions for best results!
How Do I Store Leftover Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to help loosen the sauce.
Can I Add Vegetables to This Dish?
Yes! Adding vegetables is a great idea! Consider tossing in some spinach, bell peppers, or cherry tomatoes when you sauté the garlic. Just cook them until they’re tender but still vibrant!
What If I Don’t Have Chicken Broth?
No chicken broth? No problem! You can substitute it with vegetable broth or even water. However, using broth will give the dish more depth of flavor!
