Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe

Introduction

Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a rich and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken with a creamy garlic butter sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, this recipe delivers comforting flavors with minimal effort.

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

1. Step 1: Dice the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and mince the garlic cloves.
2. Step 2: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the linguine until al dente, about 8 to 10 minutes. Reserve some pasta water before draining.
3. Step 3: In a skillet, melt half of the butter over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 6 to 8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
4. Step 4: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute, taking care not to burn the garlic.
5. Step 5: Lower the heat and add the remaining butter and heavy cream to the skillet. Stir until the sauce is well combined and creamy.
6. Step 6: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, then add the drained linguine. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time to reach your desired sauce consistency. Finish by stirring in the chopped parsley.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a splash of white wine to the sauce after sautéing the garlic and let it reduce slightly before adding cream.
• Swap out linguine for fettuccine or spaghetti if preferred.
• Adjust the red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level or omit for a milder dish.
• Add sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers for extra vegetables.

Storage

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

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs can be used for a juicier and more flavorful result. Adjust cooking time slightly to ensure they are cooked through.

Is this dish freezer-friendly?

While you can freeze this dish, the cream sauce may separate upon thawing. It’s best enjoyed fresh but can be frozen and reheated gently with some added cream or milk to restore texture.

Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe

---

★★★★★

4.8 from 129 reviews

• Author: Charlotte
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

Pin Recipe

Print Recipe

Description

This Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a rich and flavorful pasta dish featuring tender sautéed chicken in a creamy, buttery sauce infused with garlic, red pepper flakes, and fresh parsley. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner, it combines simple ingredients to deliver a deliciously satisfying meal.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken

• 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb), diced into bite-sized pieces

Pasta

• 8 oz linguine pasta

Sauce

• 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

1. Prepare Ingredients: Dice the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and mince the garlic cloves finely to prepare for cooking.
2. Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the linguine pasta until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Before draining, reserve some of the pasta water for adjusting sauce consistency later.
3. Sauté Chicken: In a large skillet, melt half of the butter over medium heat. Add the diced chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until the chicken turns golden brown and is cooked through, approximately 6-8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
4. Sauté Garlic and Red Pepper Flakes: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant but not browned.
5. Make the Sauce: Lower the heat, then add the remaining butter and the heavy cream to the skillet. Stir continuously until the butter melts and the sauce becomes creamy and well combined.
6. Combine and Finish: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and add the drained linguine pasta. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time until the sauce reaches your desired consistency. Finish by stirring in the chopped fresh parsley for freshness and color.

Notes

• For a spicier flavor, adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your preference.
• Reserve pasta water is key to achieving a smooth, silky sauce that clings to the pasta.
• Use fresh parsley to enhance the freshness and visual appeal of the dish.
• Be careful not to burn the garlic; sauté just until fragrant to avoid bitterness.
• This dish pairs well with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American Fusion

Keywords: cowboy butter chicken, linguine pasta, creamy garlic chicken, easy dinner recipe, one-pan pasta