Why Make This Recipe
Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a delightful dish that combines tender chicken with creamy sauce, making it perfect for family dinners or gatherings with friends. The creamy texture and savory flavors of this recipe make it stand out, and it’s easy to prepare. Plus, it brings a taste of the Wild West to your dinner table!
How to Make Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
Ingredients
- 3-4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 3 cloves fresh garlic
- 8 oz linguine pasta
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup fresh parsley
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
Directions
- Chop the garlic and parsley, then boil water for the linguine.
- In salted boiling water, cook the linguine until al dente. Reserve some pasta water before draining.
- In a skillet over medium heat, melt half of the butter. Season chicken with salt and pepper, cooking until golden brown (about 5-7 minutes).
- Stir in minced garlic, paprika, and Italian seasoning; sauté until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream and add the remaining butter, stirring until the sauce slightly thickens.
- Toss the drained linguine with the sauce, adding reserved pasta water as needed for the right consistency.
How to Serve Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
Serve this delicious dish warm, topped with freshly chopped parsley and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. It’s perfect on its own or with a side salad and garlic bread to complete the meal.
How to Store Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
To store leftovers, place the cooled chicken linguine in an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat it again, simply reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or pasta water to keep it creamy.
Tips to Make Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
- Make sure to cook the pasta until al dente. This helps it stay firm when mixed with the sauce.
- Feel free to adjust the seasonings according to your taste. Adding more paprika can give it a nice kick!
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for better flavor compared to pre-packaged cheese.
Variation
You can easily add vegetables like spinach or broccoli to the dish for extra nutrition. Simply sauté them with the chicken or steam them separately and mix them in with the pasta.
FAQs
1. Can I use whole wheat linguine instead?
Yes, whole wheat linguine can be used as a healthier alternative. Just adjust the cooking time as needed according to package instructions.
2. What can I use instead of heavy cream?
If you want a lighter version, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a mixture of milk and flour to thicken.
3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time and store them separately. When ready to serve, heat them up and toss with freshly cooked linguine.

Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3-4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 8 oz linguine pasta
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese Use freshly grated for better flavor.
- ¼ cup fresh parsley Chopped for garnish.
Flavoring Ingredients
- 3 cloves fresh garlic Minced.
- 1 tsp paprika Add more for a spicier kick.
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
Instructions
Preparation
- Chop the garlic and parsley, then boil water for the linguine.
- In salted boiling water, cook the linguine until al dente. Reserve some pasta water before draining.
Cooking
- In a skillet over medium heat, melt half of the butter. Season chicken with salt and pepper, cooking until golden brown (about 5-7 minutes).
- Stir in minced garlic, paprika, and Italian seasoning; sauté until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream and add the remaining butter, stirring until the sauce slightly thickens.
- Toss the drained linguine with the sauce, adding reserved pasta water as needed for the right consistency.