Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine for Easy Dinners

If you're looking for something to cook for dinner, Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a fantastic choice. Last week, my son Jake asked if we could have pasta for dinner, and I thought, why not jazz it up a bit? This dish combines tender chicken with a buttery, flavorful sauce that makes it a hit with the whole family.

Why You’ll Love It

• It’s super easy to whip up on busy weeknights.
• The flavors are bold yet comforting.
• Kids love it, and adults do too!
• You can customize it with your favorite veggies.

Pure Comfort

Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is pure comfort food. The creamy sauce coats each strand of pasta, making every bite feel like a warm hug. Plus, the aroma that fills your kitchen while it cooks is simply irresistible.

What You Need

• 1 8 oz linguine pasta – You can substitute with spaghetti or fettuccine.
• 2 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts – Cut into bite-sized pieces.
• 1 1/2 cup unsalted butter – Use olive oil for a lighter option.
• 1 4 cloves garlic, minced – Fresh garlic gives the best flavor.
• 1 1 tsp smoked paprika – Adds a nice smoky flavor.
• 1 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper – Adjust to taste for spice level.
• 1 1 cup heavy cream – For a lighter version, use half-and-half.
• 1 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese – Freshly grated is best for flavor.
• 1 Salt and pepper to taste – Don’t forget to season!
• 1 Chopped parsley for garnish – Adds a pop of color and freshness.

Time to Cook

Prep: 10 minutes | Cook: 20 minutes | Total: 30 minutes | Difficulty: Easy | Make-Ahead: You can prep the chicken and sauce a day in advance.

Steps to Make It

1. Start by cooking the linguine according to package instructions until al dente. Drain it and set it aside, but save a bit of the pasta water for later. This will help make your sauce creamy.
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Once it’s bubbling and fragrant, add the minced garlic. Sauté for about a minute until the garlic is golden and aromatic, but be careful not to burn it.
3. Next, add the chicken pieces to the skillet, seasoning them with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the chicken is browned and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F.
4. Pour in the heavy cream and stir well to combine. Allow it to simmer for about 3-5 minutes, letting the sauce thicken slightly. You’ll know it’s ready when it coats the back of a spoon.
5. Add the grated Parmesan cheese to the sauce, stirring until it melts and creates a creamy texture. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
6. Finally, toss the cooked linguine into the skillet, mixing it well with the sauce. Cook for an additional minute to heat everything through. The pasta should be well-coated and look deliciously creamy.
7. Serve the Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine hot, garnished with chopped parsley for a fresh touch. Enjoy it with a side salad or some crusty bread for a complete meal!

Make It Perfect

• For extra flavor, consider adding some sautéed bell peppers or spinach to the dish.
• If you like it spicy, feel free to increase the cayenne pepper.
• Always taste your sauce before serving; adjust seasoning as needed.
• This dish pairs wonderfully with a chilled glass of white wine.

Mix It Up

• Swap chicken for shrimp or cooked sausage for a different protein.
• Add seasonal veggies like zucchini or asparagus to boost nutrition.
• For a lighter version, use whole wheat pasta and reduce the butter.

Perfect Partners

• A fresh garden salad with vinaigrette.
• Garlic bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
• Steamed broccoli for a healthy side.

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FAQs

Conclusion

Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a delightful dish that makes for easy weekly dinners. With its creamy sauce and tender chicken, it’s sure to become a family favorite. So, next time you’re wondering what to cook for dinner, give this recipe a try!

Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine combines tender chicken with a creamy, buttery sauce tossed with linguine pasta. It’s an easy, flavorful dinner option that’s bold yet comforting and enjoyable for the whole family.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Dinner

Cuisine American

Equipment

• Large Skillet

Ingredients

  

Main

• 8 oz linguine pasta You can substitute with spaghetti or fettuccine
• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts Cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter Use olive oil for a lighter option
• 4 cloves garlic minced, fresh garlic gives the best flavor
• 1 tsp smoked paprika Adds a nice smoky flavor
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper Adjust to taste for spice level
• 1 cup heavy cream For a lighter version, use half-and-half
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese Freshly grated is best for flavor
• salt and pepper to taste – don’t forget to season
• parsley chopped, for garnish

Instructions

 

• Cook linguine according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving some pasta water.
• Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat until bubbling and fragrant.
• Add minced garlic and sauté until golden and aromatic, about 1 minute, being careful not to burn it.
• Add chicken pieces, seasoning with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through.
• Pour in heavy cream and stir to combine. Simmer for 3-5 minutes until sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
• Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and sauce is creamy. Add pasta water if sauce is too thick.
• Toss cooked linguine into skillet and mix well with sauce. Heat through for an additional minute.
• Serve hot garnished with chopped parsley. Enjoy with side salad or crusty bread if desired.

Keyword Butter Sauce, Chicken, Comfort Food, easy, Pasta