Introduction

Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a rich and comforting pasta dish that combines tender chicken, silky butter sauce, and a hint of spice. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, it comes together quickly with simple ingredients for a satisfying meal.

Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

3-4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
8 oz linguine pasta
4-5 cloves fresh garlic, minced
6 tbsp unsalted butter
1 cup heavy cream
¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
½ tsp red pepper flakes
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces and mince the garlic while preparing other ingredients.
Step 2: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the linguine until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Reserve a cup of pasta water before draining.
Step 3: In a skillet, melt half of the butter over medium heat. Add the chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 4: Use the same skillet to sauté the minced garlic and red pepper flakes until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Step 5: Lower the heat, add the remaining butter and heavy cream to the skillet, stirring until the sauce is combined and creamy.
Step 6: Return the chicken to the skillet and toss in the cooked linguine. Add reserved pasta water little by little to reach your desired sauce consistency. Finish by stirring in fresh parsley.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add a splash of white wine when creating the sauce and let it reduce before adding butter and cream.
Swap linguine for fettuccine or spaghetti if preferred.
Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to control the heat level.
Use grilled or roasted chicken leftovers to save time.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce if it thickens.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs work well and can add extra juiciness and flavor to the dish.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?

You can use half-and-half or whole milk combined with a small amount of butter for a lighter sauce, though it will be less rich and creamy.

Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe

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4.7 from 565 reviews

This Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine recipe combines tender, golden-brown chicken pieces with a rich, creamy garlic butter sauce tossed with perfectly cooked linguine. A quick and comforting skillet-cooked dish, enhanced with fresh parsley and a hint of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick.

Author: Marco
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Pasta

3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
8 oz linguine pasta

Sauce and Seasonings

4–5 cloves fresh garlic, minced
6 tbsp unsalted butter
1 cup heavy cream
¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
½ tsp red pepper flakes
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Prepare Ingredients: Dice the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and mince the garlic cloves carefully to ensure even cooking and flavor release.
Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add linguine pasta and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Before draining, reserve about ½ cup of pasta cooking water to adjust sauce consistency later.
Sauté the Chicken: In a large skillet, melt half the butter (3 tbsp) over medium heat. Add the diced chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 6-8 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown on the outside. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Add Garlic and Red Pepper Flakes: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 1 minute or until the garlic is fragrant and slightly golden, taking care not to burn it.
Create the Sauce: Lower the heat to medium-low. Add the remaining butter and heavy cream to the skillet, stirring continuously until the sauce is well combined, rich, and creamy.
Combine Pasta and Sauce: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add the cooked linguine pasta and toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen the sauce to your desired consistency.
Finish and Serve: Stir in the chopped fresh parsley for a fresh herbal finish. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed, then serve immediately while hot.

Notes

Reserve pasta water to adjust the sauce’s thickness and help it cling to the pasta perfectly.
Use fresh parsley for vibrant flavor and garnish; dried parsley can be used in a pinch but adjust quantities.
Adjust red pepper flakes amount to control spice level.
This recipe can be doubled for larger servings.
Ensure not to overcook the chicken to keep it tender and juicy.

Keywords: Butter Chicken Linguine, Creamy Pasta, Garlic Butter Sauce, Easy Chicken Pasta, Skillet Dinner