Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine: A Creamy, Spicy Pasta You’ll Crave Again and Again
If you’re looking for a dish that combines creamy goodness with a spicy kick, look no further than Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine. This pasta dish is not just delicious; it’s quick and easy to prepare. Whether you’re cooking for a family meal or a special date night, this recipe will impress everyone at the table. Let’s dive into why you should make this recipe and how to whip it up!
Why Make This Recipe
Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a perfect balance of flavors and textures. The tender chicken pieces pair effortlessly with the creamy sauce and linguine pasta, creating a dish that’s both satisfying and comforting. Plus, it’s versatile! You can adjust the spice level to suit your taste, making it suitable for everyone. This recipe is great for busy weeknights when you want something hearty and tasty without spending hours in the kitchen.
How to Make Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
Ingredients:
- 12 oz linguine pasta
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1″ pieces
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter (cowboy-style herb butter, or plain unsalted)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ tsp paprika
- ¼–½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (adjust for heat)
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt & freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Directions:
Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook linguine to al dente, reserving ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
Sear the chicken: In a skillet over medium-high heat, warm the olive oil. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and paprika. Cook until golden and cooked through (about 4–5 minutes). Remove and set aside.
Build the sauce: Reduce heat to medium. Add 2 tbsp butter, then garlic, red pepper flakes, and paprika. Sauté until fragrant (about 1 minute).
Deglaze & enrich: Stir in lemon juice and parsley, then pour in heavy cream. Scrape up browned bits. Let simmer gently for 2 minutes.
Finish the sauce: Add remaining butter and Parmesan, stirring until melted and silky. If needed, thin with reserved pasta water for a smooth texture.
Toss everything together: Return chicken to skillet. Add cooked linguine and toss until well coated in sauce.
Serve: Garnish with extra parsley (and more Parmesan if you like). Serve warm, ideally with crusty bread or a fresh salad.
How to Serve Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
Serve Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine hot and steaming. A side of crusty bread is perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce. You may also pair it with a fresh side salad to balance the flavors. Don’t forget to sprinkle some additional parsley or Parmesan on top for a nice finish!
How to Store Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
If you have leftovers, place them in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat, reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or cream to keep it moist.
Tips to Make Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
- Adjust the heat: If you prefer less spice, reduce the amount of crushed red pepper flakes.
- Add veggies: For extra flavor and nutrition, consider adding spinach, bell peppers, or cherry tomatoes to the mix.
- Use leftovers: This dish is a great way to use leftover chicken. Simply add it to the sauce without needing to cook it first.
Variation
You can switch out the linguine for another type of pasta, like fettuccine or even gluten-free pasta, to suit your dietary needs. Additionally, try adding some fresh lemon zest for an extra zing!
FAQs
1. Can I make Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time. Just cook the pasta fresh right before serving to keep it from becoming soggy.
2. Is this dish suitable for kids?
Absolutely! You can adjust the spice level to make it kid-friendly. Simply reduce the amount of crushed red pepper flakes.
3. Can I freeze the leftovers?
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the leftovers for up to a month. Just ensure it’s in an airtight container. Reheat gently when you’re ready to eat.
Enjoy your cooking journey with this creamy, spicy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine that everyone will be craving!
Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
Ingredients
Pasta and Chicken
- 12 oz linguine pasta You can substitute with another type of pasta, like fettuccine.
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1″ pieces Use leftover chicken to save time.
- 2 tbsp olive oil For searing the chicken.
Sauce Ingredients
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter Cowboy-style herb butter or plain unsalted.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ tsp paprika
- ¼–½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes Adjust for spice level.
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped Plus extra for garnish.
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese Can add more for serving.
- Salt & freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
Cooking the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook linguine to al dente, reserving ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
Searing the Chicken
- In a skillet over medium-high heat, warm the olive oil. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and paprika. Cook until golden and cooked through (about 4–5 minutes). Remove and set aside.
Building the Sauce
- Reduce heat to medium. Add 2 tbsp butter, then garlic, red pepper flakes, and paprika. Sauté until fragrant (about 1 minute).
Deglazing and Enriching
- Stir in lemon juice and parsley, then pour in heavy cream. Scrape up browned bits. Let simmer gently for 2 minutes.
Finishing the Sauce
- Add remaining butter and Parmesan, stirring until melted and silky. If needed, thin with reserved pasta water for a smooth texture.
Tossing Together
- Return chicken to skillet. Add cooked linguine and toss until well coated in sauce.
Serving
- Garnish with extra parsley (and more Parmesan if you like). Serve warm, ideally with crusty bread or a fresh salad.
