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If you are craving a rich, comforting, and utterly delicious pasta dish that brings together bold flavors and creamy textures, you have to try this Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe. This dish combines tender strips of perfectly seasoned chicken with a luscious buttery sauce infused with garlic, smoked paprika, and Parmesan, all tossed with al dente linguine. It’s a meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate and is surprisingly simple to make, turning any regular dinner night into something special and memorable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe plays an essential role, adding layers of flavor, texture, and a beautiful palette of colors to the dish. From the smoky paprika to the fresh parsley garnish, everything works together to create a symphony of taste.
- 2 large chicken breasts, sliced into strips: The protein star that soaks up all the spices while staying juicy and tender.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Perfect for a golden sear that locks in flavor and moisture.
- 1 tablespoon butter: Adds richness and the signature buttery depth to the sauce.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Brings aromatic warmth and a crave-worthy fragrance.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Infuses a subtle smoky depth that elevates the dish to cowboy-level flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (optional): Adds a gentle kick for those who love a little heat.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A classic herb blend that brightens and rounds out the spices.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Essential to enhance all the natural flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds just the right amount of mild spice.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth: Creates a savory base for the sauce and adds moisture.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: Gives the sauce that luxuriously creamy texture.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty finish that brings the sauce together perfectly.
- 8 oz pasta (penne, fusilli, or spaghetti): Your canvas for soaking up all that amazing sauce.
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): Adds a pop of color and fresh herbaceous notes to finish.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional): A squeeze to brighten the rich sauce and balance the flavors.
How to Make Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Cook your chosen pasta according to the package instructions until just al dente. Don’t forget to save half a cup of the pasta water before draining—it’s a secret weapon to adjust the sauce later!
Step 2: Perfectly Sear the Chicken
While your pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken strips generously with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and Italian seasoning. Place the strips in the hot oil, letting them cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden and cooked through. Your kitchen will fill with the most enticing aroma. Remove the chicken and set aside.
Step 3: Create the Cowboy Butter Sauce
In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and melt the butter. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté until it’s soft and fragrant, about 1 to 2 minutes. Be careful not to burn it! Next, pour in the chicken broth and let it simmer gently for a few minutes. This step unlocks the flavors and melds everything beautifully.
Step 4: Finish the Sauce to Creamy Perfection
Stir in the heavy cream and bring the mixture back to a low simmer. Then add the Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens to creamy indulgence. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until it reaches the perfect silky consistency.
Step 5: Combine Chicken and Pasta
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the sauce, mixing to coat each piece in that dreamy cowboy butter goodness. Add your drained pasta right on top and toss everything together so each strand or piece is luxuriously covered. If you want a hint of brightness to cut through the richness, stir in a tablespoon of lemon juice now.
Step 6: Ready to Serve
Your Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe is now ready to be enjoyed immediately, warm and inviting straight from the pan. Garnish generously with fresh parsley and get ready to savor every bite.
How to Serve Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley not only adds a fresh herbal note but also brings a lovely burst of green color, making the dish as pretty as it is tasty. For extra indulgence, a few shavings of Parmesan on top are always welcome.
Side Dishes
Pair this dish with a crisp green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette to balance the creamy sauce. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette also makes a fantastic companion, perfect for mopping up every last drop of the luscious sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For an elegant touch, serve the pasta on warm plates and garnish with a lemon twist or a sprig of thyme. Alternatively, you can plate the pasta in shallow bowls, showcasing the saucy chicken on top to highlight the star ingredients.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making leftovers a delight.
Freezing
While you can freeze leftovers, it’s best to freeze the chicken and pasta separately if possible, as cream-based sauces tend to change texture when frozen. If freezing together, reheat gently to help restore creaminess.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the pasta gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or chicken broth to loosen the sauce as needed. Avoid microwaving at high heat, as it can cause the sauce to break.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While linguine works wonderfully, penne, fusilli, or spaghetti will also soak up the cowboy butter sauce beautifully and make this dish your own.
Is there a way to make this recipe spicier?
Yes! Increase the chili flakes or add a dash of cayenne pepper when seasoning the chicken for a bolder, more fiery kick.
Can I substitute heavy cream with something lighter?
You can use half-and-half or full-fat milk, but keep in mind the sauce will be less rich and creamy. To prevent curdling, simmer gently and avoid boiling.
What’s the best way to get the chicken really flavorful?
Don’t skip the seasoning step! Smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, and salt are key. Marinating the chicken for 15-30 minutes beforehand can also boost the flavor.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Definitely! Swap the chicken for sautéed mushrooms or grilled vegetables and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to keep that savory depth.
Final Thoughts
This Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe is truly a treasure when you want comfort food that feels gourmet yet is effortless to prepare. It’s a perfect meal to treat yourself or impress loved ones without spending hours in the kitchen. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it a regular favorite!
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Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a creamy, flavorful pasta dish featuring tender chicken strips cooked with smoky spices and tossed in a rich Parmesan butter sauce. Perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner, this recipe balances the smoky depth of paprika and Italian seasoning with the creaminess of butter and heavy cream, finished with a fresh parsley garnish and an optional splash of lemon for brightness.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasonings
- 2 large chicken breasts, sliced into strips
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (optional, for heat)
Sauce and Cooking Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for brightness)
Pasta and Garnish
- 8 oz pasta (penne, fusilli, or spaghetti)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta water, and set it aside.
- Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken strips evenly with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, and chili flakes if using. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 6-7 minutes until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the cowboy butter sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned. Stir in the chicken broth and allow it to simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly and concentrate the flavors.
- Finish the sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir continuously for about 2 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes creamy. If the sauce gets too thick, add some reserved pasta water gradually to reach the desired consistency.
- Combine the pasta and chicken: Return the cooked chicken strips to the skillet with the sauce, then add the cooked pasta. Toss everything thoroughly to evenly coat the pasta and chicken with the sauce. If desired, squeeze in the lemon juice to brighten the flavors.
- Serve: Transfer to serving plates, garnish with fresh chopped parsley, and serve immediately while warm. Enjoy your delicious Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine!
Notes
- Reserve some pasta water as it helps adjust the sauce consistency perfectly without diluting the flavors.
- For a spicier dish, increase the amount of chili flakes or add a dash of hot sauce.
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce, but it may be slightly less rich.
- Pasta types like penne, fusilli or spaghetti all work well, choose based on your preference.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute butter and cream with coconut cream and dairy-free cheese alternatives.
- Make sure not to overcook the chicken to keep it tender and juicy.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
