This Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a fun mix of tender chicken, pasta, and a buttery sauce packed with flavor. It’s creamy, zesty, and oh-so-satisfying!
Honestly, can we just say butter makes everything better? 😂 Plus, it comes together in one pot, making cleanup a breeze. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
I really enjoy serving this with a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top. It adds a lovely pop of color and a hint of freshness—delicious and easy meal done!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Linguine pasta: This type of pasta is perfect for holding onto the creamy sauce. If you don’t have linguine, feel free to use spaghetti or fettuccine, as they work just as well.
Chicken: I like using boneless, skinless chicken breasts for a lean option. You can substitute with thighs for more flavor or use cooked rotisserie chicken to save time.
Unsalted butter: This adds depth and richness to the dish. You can use salted butter, but be cautious with the added salt later in the recipe. If you’re dairy-free, try using olive oil or a dairy-free butter alternative.
Heavy cream: It gives a lovely creaminess. If you’re looking for a lighter version, half-and-half or even coconut cream can work as substitutes.
Spices: Smoked paprika adds a nice smoky flavor, but regular paprika works too. Adjust the chili powder based on your heat preference, or skip it for a milder dish.
How Do You Make Sure The Chicken is Juicy and Flavorful?
The key to juicy chicken starts with seasoning. Use salt, pepper, and spices like smoked paprika before cooking. To keep it tender, don’t overcook it—just cook until it’s no longer pink inside, about 5–7 minutes.
- Heat your skillet to medium-high before adding the chicken. This helps it brown quickly.
- After cooking, always let the chicken rest for a few minutes; this helps keep it juicy!
What’s the Best Way to Make a Creamy Sauce?
The sauce comes together with just a few simple steps. After sautéing the onions and garlic, adding chicken broth and heavy cream really brings it all together.
- Let the sauce simmer for a few minutes to thicken. This is essential for that rich taste!
- Stir in the Parmesan cheese at the end for that extra creamy texture.
Any Tips for the Perfect Finish?
Mix the cooked linguine into the sauce thoroughly to ensure every bite is flavorful. Garnish with parsley for a fresh taste, and enjoy your meal!
Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz linguine pasta
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
For the Sauce:
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious meal will take about 30 minutes from start to finish—15 minutes for prep and 15 minutes for cooking. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by cooking the linguine according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside for later.
2. Season the Chicken:
While the pasta is cooking, season the bite-sized chicken pieces with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, chili powder, and cumin. Make sure every piece is well-coated with the seasonings!
3. Cook the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook until it’s browned and cooked through, which should take around 5-7 minutes. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
4. Sauté the Vegetables:
In the same skillet, add the unsalted butter. Once melted, add the finely chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent, about 3 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and sliced red bell pepper, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes until softened.
5. Make the Sauce:
Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring well to combine. Let the sauce simmer for about 3-4 minutes until it slightly thickens. This step is crucial for that creamy goodness!
6. Combine Everything:
Return the chicken to the skillet and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper according to your taste. Then, toss the cooked linguine in with the chicken and sauce until everything is well coated and heated through.
7. Garnish and Serve:
Remove the skillet from heat and garnish the dish with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve immediately and enjoy the creamy, buttery flavors with the tender chicken and linguine!
Bon appétit! Enjoy your Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine!
FAQ for Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
Can I Use Whole Wheat Pasta Instead of Linguine?
Absolutely! Whole wheat pasta can be a healthier choice and works well in this recipe. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions, as whole wheat pasta may require a slightly longer cooking time.
What If I Don’t Have Heavy Cream?
No worries! If you don’t have heavy cream, you can substitute it with half-and-half or even Greek yogurt for a lighter version. Just make sure to stir it in carefully to avoid curdling on the heat.
Can I Meal Prep This Dish?
Yes, this dish is great for meal prep! You can make it ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth if the sauce thickens too much.
How Can I Make This Dish Spicier?
If you like a bit more heat, consider adding crushed red pepper flakes or using a hotter variety of chili powder. You can also serve it with a side of your favorite spicy sauce for extra kick!
