This Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a creamy and flavorful dish that’s sure to please! Chicken is cooked in a buttery sauce with spices, tossed with pasta for a comforting meal.
You’ll love how quick and simple this recipe is—it comes together in no time! I often whip this up when I want something tasty without a lot of fuss. Trust me, you’ll enjoy every bite!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Linguine Pasta: This flat pasta works great with creamy sauces. If you don’t have linguine, spaghetti or fettuccine are good alternatives!
Chicken: I like using boneless, skinless chicken breasts for their lean quality. You can swap in thighs for a juicier option or even use cooked rotisserie chicken to save time.
Butter: Unsalted butter is ideal so you can control the saltiness. If you’re dairy-free, try using coconut oil or dairy-free butter alternatives.
Heavy Cream: It gives a rich texture to the sauce, but you can substitute with half-and-half or a non-dairy cream to lighten it up without losing creaminess.
Spices: Smoked paprika and chili powder add great flavor. If you prefer milder dishes, omit the chili powder or use just a pinch of cayenne for warmth.
How Do I Ensure My Chicken is Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking chicken correctly is key! Make sure you cut it into evenly sized pieces to ensure even cooking. Here’s how to cook it just right:
- Preheat your skillet with oil and butter. Wait until it’s hot before adding the chicken to help lock in juices.
- Season the chicken pieces well! This enhances the flavor significantly.
- Cook until the chicken is golden brown on the outside and no longer pink on the inside, about 5-7 minutes.
- Use a meat thermometer if you’re uncertain—165°F means it’s fully cooked.
These tips should help you cook up tender and tasty chicken for your linguine!
Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 oz linguine pasta
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional: red pepper flakes for heat
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious meal takes roughly 30 minutes to prepare and cook. You’ll spend about 10 minutes cooking the pasta and another 20 minutes preparing the chicken and sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Linguine:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the linguine pasta and cook it according to the package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside. Make sure not to overcook the pasta; it should have a slight bite to it.
2. Sear the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat until melted. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the skillet. Season them with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, chili powder, cumin, and oregano. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes until it’s browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
3. Sauté the Onion and Garlic:
In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter. Once melted, add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent. Then, add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute until fragrant. This will add lots of flavor to your sauce!
4. Make the Creamy Sauce:
Pour in the chicken broth, gently scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet—this is where the flavor is! Next, stir in the heavy cream and bring everything to a gentle simmer. Allow the sauce to cook for a few minutes until it thickens slightly.
5. Combine Everything:
Add the grated Parmesan cheese to the sauce, stirring until it melts and combines well. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss it in the sauce to coat. Finally, add the cooked linguine and toss everything together until well combined and warmed through.
6. Season and Serve:
Taste your dish and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes for an extra kick. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving for that lovely pop of color!
Enjoy your creamy, flavorful Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine!
FAQ for Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
Can I Use Other Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While linguine works wonderfully, you can substitute it with spaghetti, fettuccine, or any pasta you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time according to the pasta type you choose.
How Can I Make This Dish Spicier?
If you enjoy a bit of heat, consider adding more chili powder or a pinch of cayenne pepper. You can also sprinkle red pepper flakes over the finished dish for an extra kick!
Can I Freeze Leftovers?
Yes, you can! Allow the dish to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It should last in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and warm it on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
