Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe
Introduction
Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a rich and flavorful pasta dish that combines tender chicken with a creamy, garlicky butter sauce. Perfect for a comforting weeknight meal, this recipe is simple yet indulgent.
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
- Step 1: Dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces and mince the garlic to prepare your ingredients.
- Step 2: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the linguine until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Reserve some pasta water before draining the pasta.
- Step 3: In a skillet, melt half of the butter over medium heat. Add the diced chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden brown, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Step 4: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Step 5: Lower the heat, then add the remaining butter and heavy cream. Stir gently until the sauce is combined and creamy.
- Step 6: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss in the drained linguine. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time to reach your desired sauce consistency. Stir in the chopped parsley before serving.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken briefly in garlic and herbs before cooking.
- Swap linguine for fettuccine or spaghetti according to your preference.
- Add sautéed mushrooms or spinach for extra veggies.
Storage
Store leftovers 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 water to loosen the sauce if it thickens.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, this sauce works well with various pasta shapes such as fettuccine, spaghetti, or penne. Choose your favorite.
Is this dish spicy?
The red pepper flakes add a mild heat, but you can adjust the amount or omit them to suit your taste.
PrintCowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe
Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a creamy, flavorful pasta dish that combines tender sautéed chicken with a buttery garlic cream sauce, red pepper flakes for a hint of heat, and fresh parsley for brightness. This easy stovetop recipe delivers a comforting and satisfying meal that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or casual gathering.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Chicken
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb), diced into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and pepper to taste
Pasta
- 8 oz linguine pasta
Sauce
- 4–5 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter (divided)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Dice the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and mince the garlic cloves to get everything ready for cooking.
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the linguine and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Before draining, reserve about ½ cup of the pasta cooking water to adjust the sauce consistency later.
- Sauté the Chicken: Heat a skillet over medium heat and melt half of the butter (3 tbsp). Add the diced chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the Garlic: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant but not browned.
- Make the Sauce: Lower the heat to medium-low. Add the remaining butter (3 tbsp) and pour in the heavy cream. Stir continuously until the butter is melted and the sauce is creamy and well combined.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add the drained linguine and toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time to reach the desired sauce consistency.
- Finish and Serve: Stir in the chopped fresh parsley, adjust seasoning if necessary, and serve warm for a delicious, creamy pasta meal.
Notes
- Reserve pasta water before draining to adjust sauce consistency as needed.
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce but it might be less rich.
- Adjust red pepper flakes according to your preferred spice level.
- For best flavor, use fresh parsley and garlic.
- Serve with a fresh side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
Keywords: Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine, creamy chicken pasta, garlic butter pasta, red pepper flakes pasta, comfort food, easy chicken linguine recipe
