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Plate of cowboy butter chicken linguine served with herbs and parmesan.

Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

This creamy pasta dish features tender chicken and a rich garlic butter sauce that makes it perfect for any dinner occasion.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings
Calories 650 kcal

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.

Notes

Serve hot, garnished with extra parsley. Pairs well with a simple side salad or crusty bread. Allow pasta to cool before storing leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of water or cream.
Keyword Cowboy Butter Chicken, Creamy Sauce, Linguine, Pasta, Quick Meal