Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe
Introduction
This Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a creamy, flavorful pasta dish that comes together quickly with simple ingredients. Tender chicken, garlic, and a rich butter cream sauce make it a perfect weeknight meal that feels special.
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.
- Step 3: In a skillet, melt half of 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 until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Step 5: Reduce the heat, add the remaining butter and heavy cream to the skillet. Stir until the sauce is combined and creamy.
- Step 6: Toss the cooked linguine with the sauce in the skillet, adding reserved pasta water as needed to reach your desired consistency. Return the chicken to the skillet and finish by stirring in the chopped parsley.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, try adding a splash of white wine to the sauce before adding the cream.
- If you prefer less heat, reduce the red pepper flakes or omit them entirely.
- Swap chicken breasts for thighs for juicier, more flavorful meat.
- Use fresh basil or chives instead of parsley for a different herb twist.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or water to loosen the sauce if it thickens.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can substitute linguine with fettuccine, spaghetti, or even penne. Just adjust cooking times according to the pasta’s package instructions.
Is there a way to make this dish lighter?
To lighten the dish, use half-and-half or whole milk instead of heavy cream, and reduce the amount of butter. Keep in mind this will slightly alter the richness of the sauce.
PrintEasy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe
This Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a creamy, flavorful pasta dish combining tender sautéed chicken, garlic, butter, and a touch of heat from red pepper flakes. Perfect for a quick and comforting weeknight dinner, this recipe brings together savory richness and fresh parsley for a 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
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Chicken
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb), diced into bite-sized pieces
Pasta
- 8 oz linguine pasta
Sauce
- 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 to get everything ready for cooking.
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the linguine pasta and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Before draining, reserve a cup of pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency later.
- Sauté Chicken: Heat a skillet over medium heat and melt half the butter (3 tbsp). Add the diced chicken to the skillet, season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 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 until fragrant, scraping up any browned bits from the chicken to build flavor.
- Create Sauce: Reduce the heat to low and add the remaining butter and heavy cream to the skillet. Stir continuously until the butter melts and the mixture becomes creamy and well combined.
- Combine and Finish: Add the cooked linguine and sautéed chicken back into the skillet. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time to reach your desired sauce consistency. Finally, stir in the chopped fresh parsley for brightness and serve immediately.
Notes
- Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce thickness as needed.
- Adjust red pepper flakes quantity to your preferred spice level.
- Use fresh parsley for best flavor; dried parsley can be substituted but with less vibrant taste.
- Ensure chicken is cooked through and golden for best texture.
- Heavy cream makes the sauce rich; for a lighter option, substitute half with milk but sauce will be less creamy.
Keywords: butter chicken linguine, creamy chicken pasta, easy chicken pasta recipe, cowboy butter chicken, garlic butter pasta, quick weeknight dinner
