This Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a tasty mix of tender chicken, buttery sauce, and noodles. It comes together quickly, perfect for a comforting meal!
You’ll love how rich and flavorful this dish is, with just the right kick from the spices. I find myself making this on busy nights when I want something special without a fuss!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Linguine Pasta: I love linguine for its ability to hold sauce nicely. If you don’t have linguine, any long pasta like spaghetti or fettuccine will work just fine.
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for this recipe. If you want a swap, try thighs for more flavor or even leftover rotisserie chicken to save time!
Spices: Smoked paprika adds depth. You can substitute with regular paprika for less smokiness or even chili powder for extra heat. Adjust the cayenne pepper based on your taste!
Heavy Cream: This gives a rich texture. If you prefer a lighter option, half-and-half can work, but the sauce will be less creamy. Coconut milk is a dairy-free alternative too!
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan melts beautifully. If you’re out, Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast (for vegan) can be great substitutes.
How Can I Make Sure the Chicken is Cooked Perfectly?
Cooking chicken perfectly is key to this dish. You want every bite to be juicy and flavorful. Here’s how to do it:
- Cut the chicken into even pieces to ensure they cook uniformly.
- Heat the skillet well before adding the chicken. A hot pan gives you that nice golden brown sear!
- Cook until the chicken is golden brown and no longer pink in the center—about 5-7 minutes should do it.
- If you’re unsure, you can use a meat thermometer; chicken should reach 165°F (75°C).
Take your time with this step, and you’ll have delicious chicken that complements the creamy sauce perfectly! Enjoy your cooking!
Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta:
- 8 oz linguine pasta
For the Chicken:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Creamy Sauce:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley or chives, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 30 minutes total—10 minutes for prepping and cooking the chicken and pasta, and about 20 minutes for making the creamy sauce and combining everything. It’s a quick and delicious meal that fits perfectly into a busy evening!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Linguine:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the linguine and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, which usually takes around 8-10 minutes. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Prepare the Chicken:
While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet. Season the chicken pieces with smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper (if you like a little spice), salt, and pepper. Add the seasoned chicken to the skillet and cook for about 5-7 minutes or until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
3. Make the Creamy Sauce:
In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add the butter. Once melted, stir in the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Then, pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring until combined. Let the sauce simmer for about 3-5 minutes, allowing it to thicken a bit.
4. Combine Everything:
Next, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, mixing until it melts and the sauce becomes creamy. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, tossing it gently to coat in the sauce. Finally, add the cooked linguine and toss everything together until well combined and heated through.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Taste your dish and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley or chives for a bit of color and flavor. Enjoy your delicious Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine!
FAQ for Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
Can I Use Another Type of Pasta?
Absolutely! While linguine is perfect for this dish, you can substitute it with any long pasta like spaghetti or fettuccine. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions.
What Can I Use Instead of Heavy Cream?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, half-and-half can be a good substitute. For a dairy-free version, try using coconut milk or a cashew cream for that richness!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or broth to loosen up the sauce if it thickens too much.
Can I Add Vegetables to This Dish?
Definitely! Feel free to add in your favorite veggies like spinach, bell peppers, or broccoli. Just sauté them along with the chicken or add them to the sauce to cook until tender.
