Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
Looking for a simple yet delicious dinner idea? Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is just the ticket! This recipe combines tender chicken and creamy sauce with perfectly cooked linguine. It’s quick to make, making it perfect for busy home cooks who want something flavorful without spending hours in the kitchen. You’ll love how every bite is packed with flavor!
Emma Hale Story
I discovered this Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine on a lively family dinner night. My cousin Emma had just returned from a hectic work week, and she needed something quick yet satisfying. She whipped up this dish in no time, and we were all impressed. Each bite was creamy, savory, and comforting—exactly what we needed! Now, it’s a staple at our family gatherings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a great weeknight meal that combines creamy butter sauce with juicy chicken and al dente pasta. It’s a one-pan wonder, saving you from the hassle of too many dishes. You can customize the spice level by adjusting the red pepper flakes. Plus, the vibrant parsley adds a fresh touch, making it visually appealing. Its simplicity and rich flavors make it a must-save on Pinterest! You’ll want to share this easy recipe with all your friends!
Ingredients
1 – 3-4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb) – Cut into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
2 – 8 oz linguine pasta – Use your favorite pasta shape if you prefer.
3 – 4-5 cloves fresh garlic, minced – Fresh garlic adds great flavor.
4 – 6 tbsp unsalted butter – Use unsalted to control the saltiness.
5 – 1 cup heavy cream – For a rich and creamy sauce.
6 – ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley – Fresh herbs brighten the dish.
7 – ½ tsp red pepper flakes – Adjust for desired spice level.
8 – Salt and pepper to taste – For seasoning the chicken and pasta.
How to Make Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
1 – Dice chicken into bite-sized pieces and mince garlic.
2 – Boil salted water and cook linguine until al dente (8-10 minutes). Reserve some pasta water before draining.
3 – In a skillet, melt half the butter over medium heat. Add chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden brown (6-8 minutes). Remove chicken from skillet.
4 – In the same skillet, add minced garlic and red pepper flakes; sauté until fragrant (about 1 minute).
5 – Lower heat, add remaining butter and heavy cream; stir until combined and creamy.
6 – Toss cooked linguine with sauce in the skillet, adding reserved pasta water for desired consistency. Finish with chopped parsley.
How to Serve
This Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine pairs perfectly with a fresh side salad. Try a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon and olive oil. Garlic bread is another excellent choice; it’s perfect for soaking up that creamy sauce. If you’re feeling adventurous, serve it with roasted vegetables for a colorful, nutritious meal. You can also top the dish with extra Parmesan cheese for an indulgent touch. Enjoy this dish with family, and watch how quickly it disappears!
How to Perfect This Recipe
To enhance your Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine, consider marinating the chicken for at least 30 minutes in olive oil, garlic, and herbs before cooking. This adds extra flavor. Make sure not to overcook the garlic, as it can become bitter; sauté it just until fragrant. Lastly, when combining the pasta with the sauce, do so off the heat. This helps keep the sauce creamy without separating. Have fun experimenting with herbs like basil or oregano for additional flavors!
Common Mistakes
- Overcooking the chicken: Cook until golden brown, avoiding dryness.
- Adding too much pasta water: Start with a little, as you can always add more.
- Under seasoning: Make sure you season well to enhance flavor.
Storage and Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. For longer storage, you can freeze the pasta and sauce separately for up to a month. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge, then warm gently on the stovetop. Add a splash of cream or reserved pasta water to bind the sauce again. Avoid reheating in the microwave if possible, as this can dry out the chicken.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I use different pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute linguine for any pasta you have on hand, like fettuccine or spaghetti.
Q2: How can I make this dish dairy-free?
Use a dairy-free butter alternative and coconut cream instead of heavy cream.
Q3: Is this recipe spicy?
The spice level can be adjusted. You can add more or less red pepper flakes based on your preference.
Q4: Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Absolutely! Spinach, broccoli, or bell peppers would be fantastic additions. Just sauté them along with the garlic.
Conclusion
Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a tasty and quick meal perfect for any night of the week. Its creamy sauce and succulent chicken come together in a delightful way that everyone will enjoy. Give this recipe a try, and you’ll have a new favorite on your dinner rotation. Happy cooking!
Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
Ingredients
Method
- Dice chicken into bite-sized pieces and mince garlic.
- Boil salted water and cook linguine until al dente (8-10 minutes). Reserve some pasta water before draining.
- In a skillet, melt half the butter over medium heat. Add chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden brown (6-8 minutes). Remove chicken from skillet.
- In the same skillet, add minced garlic and red pepper flakes; sauté until fragrant (about 1 minute).
- Lower heat, add remaining butter and heavy cream; stir until combined and creamy.
- Toss cooked linguine with sauce in the skillet, adding reserved pasta water for desired consistency. Finish with chopped parsley.