Why Make This Recipe
Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a delightfully creamy pasta dish that’s simple to make yet packed with flavor. It combines tender chicken, hearty linguine, and a rich garlic butter sauce that will please anyone at the dinner table. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a cozy weekend dinner.
How to Make Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
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
Directions
- Prepare your ingredients: Dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces and mince the garlic.
- Cook the pasta: Boil salted water in a large pot and cook the linguine until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Reserve some pasta water before draining.
- Sauté the chicken: In a skillet, melt half of the butter over medium heat. Add the chicken, season it with salt and pepper, and cook until golden brown, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
- Add garlic: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 1 minute or until fragrant.
- Create the sauce: Lower the heat, then add the remaining butter and heavy cream. Stir until everything is combined and creamy.
- Combine: Toss the cooked linguine in the skillet with the sauce, adding reserved pasta water as needed to reach your desired consistency. Finish with the chopped parsley.
How to Serve Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
Serve this dish hot, garnished with extra parsley if you like. It pairs well with a simple side salad or some crusty bread to mop up the delicious sauce.
How to Store Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
To store leftovers, let the pasta cool completely, then place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or cream to loosen the sauce.
Tips to Make Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
- Make sure not to overcook the chicken. It should be golden brown and juicy.
- If you want a bit more heat, feel free to add more red pepper flakes.
- You can also switch out linguine for another pasta type, like fettuccine or penne.
Variation
For a healthier option, you can replace the heavy cream with a mixture of Greek yogurt and chicken broth for a lighter sauce. You can also add vegetables like spinach or broccoli for added nutrition.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta?
Yes, you can use any pasta you prefer, such as spaghetti or penne.
Can I make this dish in advance?
Yes, you can prepare it in advance, but it’s best served fresh. If you make it ahead, store it in the fridge and reheat it when you’re ready to eat.
What can I add for more flavor?
You can add grated Parmesan cheese for an extra rich flavor or try adding a splash of lemon juice for a fresh twist.
Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts about 3-4 pieces
- 8 oz linguine pasta
- 4-5 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter divided
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley for garnish
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Preparation
- Dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces and mince the garlic.
Cooking the Pasta
- Boil salted water in a large pot and cook the linguine until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Reserve some pasta water before draining.
Sautéing the Chicken
- In a skillet, melt half of the butter over medium heat. Add the chicken, season it with salt and pepper, and cook until golden brown, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
Making the Sauce
- In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 1 minute or until fragrant.
- Lower the heat, then add the remaining butter and heavy cream. Stir until everything is combined and creamy.
Combining the Dish
- Toss the cooked linguine in the skillet with the sauce, adding reserved pasta water as needed to reach your desired consistency.
- Finish with the chopped parsley.
