Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine: A Creamy Comfort

Get ready to indulge in a bowl of Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine—a creamy, rich pasta dish that combines juicy chicken with garlic and a luxurious butter sauce. Packed with flavorful spices, this dish is the ultimate comfort food for any occasion, whether it’s a busy weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend treat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is a personal favorite of mine because it strikes the perfect balance between rich, creamy flavors and the smokiness of paprika, with just a hint of warmth from cayenne pepper (which you can easily adjust to suit your heat preference). The chicken is tender and juicy, while the linguine soaks up that savory butter sauce beautifully. It’s quick to whip up, and the result is a satisfying dish that feels indulgent yet comforting. And let’s not forget the finishing touch of Parmesan cheese—it’s the creamy, cheesy crown that ties everything together!

Ingredients

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 8 oz linguine pasta
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 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
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

  1. Cook the Linguine: Start by cooking the linguine according to package instructions. Once it’s al dente, drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of that precious pasta water.
  2. Sauté the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and season them with smoked paprika, onion powder, cayenne pepper, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is golden and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  3. Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, until it’s fragrant and golden.
  4. Deglaze the Pan: Pour in the chicken broth, stirring to deglaze the pan and pick up all those tasty bits. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.
  5. Add the Cream: Stir in the heavy cream and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken.
  6. Combine Everything: Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet, then toss in the cooked linguine. Stir to combine, adding reserved pasta water as needed to achieve your desired sauce consistency.
  7. Finish with Cheese: Stir in the Parmesan cheese and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
  8. Serve: Dish it up immediately, garnishing with fresh parsley for that pop of color!

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: 4 servings
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

  • For a lighter version, swap out the heavy cream for half-and-half or whole milk.
  • Add some veggies like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for extra texture and flavor.
  • Swap the chicken for shrimp or a plant-based protein for a different twist on the dish.
  • If you prefer less spice, feel free to skip the cayenne pepper or reduce it for a milder flavor.

Storage/Reheating

  • Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Reheating: To reheat, gently warm in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water if the sauce has thickened too much. Alternatively, microwave in 30-second intervals until heated through.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
While this dish is best served fresh, you can certainly cook the chicken and prepare the sauce ahead of time. Just store the components separately in the fridge and reheat when you’re ready to serve, adding the linguine just before serving.

Can I freeze Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine?
Since this dish contains cream and pasta, it’s not ideal for freezing as the texture may change upon reheating. However, you can freeze the chicken and sauce separately, then prepare fresh pasta when you’re ready to serve.

How can I make this dish spicier?
If you like your pasta with a kick, feel free to add more cayenne pepper or even some red pepper flakes to amp up the spice level to your liking.

What can I use instead of linguine?
While linguine is my go-to for this dish, you can use any pasta you have on hand, such as fettuccine, spaghetti, or penne.

Can I make this dish dairy-free?
To make this recipe dairy-free, substitute the butter and heavy cream with plant-based alternatives like vegan butter and coconut milk or a dairy-free cream substitute. You can also use a dairy-free Parmesan cheese alternative.

Conclusion

Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a flavorful, creamy pasta dish that I keep coming back to for its delightful combination of spices, garlic, and rich butter sauce. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or impressing friends with your culinary skills, this dish is sure to become a favorite. It’s easy to make, versatile, and absolutely delicious—perfect for any night of the week! 🍝✨

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